When you walk into a hotel room, one detail often stands out: a colorful cloth laid neatly across the foot of the bed. You’ve probably seen it countless times, but have you ever wondered what it’s actually for?
This small piece of fabric—sometimes called a bed runner—is one of the biggest differences between hotel beds and beds at home. While it looks decorative, it serves several practical purposes as well.The most obvious reason is aesthetics. Hotels often decorate with neutral tones and crisp white linens, so the cloth adds a splash of color and texture. It enhances the overall design of the room and gives the bed a more polished, luxurious look.