According to many hotel housekeeping staff, this colorful strip of fabric at the end of the bed has a practical purpose beyond mere decoration. However, up to 90% of guests miss out on its benefits due to a lack of awareness or misunderstanding its function.
What is this Fabric Called?
The technical term for the horizontally placed, colorful fabric at the end of the bed is a “bed runner.” It is a decorative bed scarf, typically made of thick fabric with a color that contrasts the bed sheets, and it is either folded neatly or spread across the end of the mattress.
The True Purpose of Bed Runners – Beyond Aesthetics
Even though it is referred to as a decorative item, the bed runner has more practical applications than meets the eye:
1. Dust and Sheet Protector
After a long day of traveling, many guests tend to place their bags, backpacks, or even their feet on the end of the bed. Without a bed runner, the white sheets are susceptible to dirt and stains, detracting from the room’s overall appeal. Thus, the bed runner acts as a protective layer, keeping the bed clean while maintaining its visual appeal.
2. Temporary Seating Before Showering
Upon entering the room, if you haven’t had a chance to shower or change, the bed runner provides a clean and comfortable place to sit temporarily, rather than directly on the pristine white sheets.
3. Aesthetic Focal Point
From a design perspective, bed runners add a sense of fullness and emphasis to the bed. Its color and texture are often coordinated with the curtains, pillows, or rug, contributing to an overall sense of luxury and professionalism.
4. Room Status Indicator
In some upscale hotels, housekeeping staff use a unique bed runner presentation as an internal signal that the room is ready for the next guest.
Why Do 90% of Guests Not Use or Ignore It?
The primary reason is a lack of information. To most guests, the bed runner is merely a decorative item, and some even mistake it for excess fabric or a leftover piece of cloth. Others may fold it away or discard it to the side to create more space, unknowingly forfeiting the benefits it offers.
How Should You Properly Use a Bed Runner?
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Upon entering the room: If you haven’t had a chance to freshen up, feel free to sit or place your luggage on the bed runner instead of directly on the bed sheets.
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During your stay: Utilize it as a dust barrier at the foot of the bed, especially if you have a habit of lounging on the bed before changing into fresh clothes.
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When sleeping: You may gently fold it to the side to make space, but avoid discarding it onto the floor.
How Have Some Hotels Creatively Used Bed Runners?
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As a bag for in-room slippers
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As a mat for serving breakfast or room service trays
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Folded and arranged into decorative shapes such as leaves, bows, or even swans, along with towels
The colorful fabric at the end of the bed in hotels is more than just a decorative touch; it serves multiple practical purposes. Knowing how to utilize it properly can enhance your hygiene practices and elevate your overall hotel experience. The next time you check into a hotel, don’t dismiss this seemingly insignificant piece of fabric – it’s more useful than you think!
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