AnnaMaria
What Is the Purpose of That Fabric Strip at the End of Hotel Beds?
At first glance, the brightly colored or dark fabric strip across hotel beds—known as a bed runner—might seem purely decorative. In fact, some guests even remove it for comfort. However, this strip of cloth actually serves several practical purposes in hotel settings.
Most hotel beds come dressed with full sets of linens, pillows, and blankets. The bed runner, usually about half a meter wide and placed horizontally across the foot of the bed, is far from pointless. Here’s why hotels use them.
A Spot for Food and Drinks
Many travelers enjoy lounging in bed with snacks or drinks after a long day. The bed runner offers a convenient and cleaner surface to place food items without risking stains on the white bed linens. Since bed runners are typically made with darker, more durable fabrics, they’re easier to clean if spills occur.
A Place for Personal Belongings
Need to place your bag, coat, or purse somewhere when entering your room? The bed runner can act as a buffer between your belongings and the clean sheets. It collects dirt or bacteria from external items, helping maintain the hygiene of the rest of the bedding.
Its location at the foot of the bed makes it a go-to landing zone for items you want nearby but not directly on the pillows or main sleeping area.
A Clean Resting Spot for Your Feet
After a long day of travel or sightseeing, many guests instinctively lie down without removing shoes or socks—or even washing their feet. The bed runner functions as a barrier, protecting the pristine white linens underneath from dirt or stains.
Discreet Use During Intimate Moments
In some cases, couples use the bed runner as a protective mat during intimate moments. It helps reduce the risk of staining the hotel’s blankets or sheets, making cleanup easier and less awkward.
Whether for cleanliness, convenience, or discretion, the hotel bed runner is more functional than it appears. So next time you’re tempted to toss it aside, you might want to think twice!
