Why do hotels always have a cloth across the bed?

Why Do Hotels Always Have a Cloth Across the Bed?

If you’ve stayed at a hotel, you’ve probably noticed a decorative strip of fabric laid across the foot of the bed. Often referred to as a bed scarf or bed runner, this seemingly simple cloth serves more than just an aesthetic purpose. While it might appear to be a purely decorative element, there are several practical and psychological reasons why hotels include it as part of their bedding setup.

1. Aesthetic Appeal

The most obvious reason is visual presentation. Bed runners break up the monotony of plain white sheets and duvets, adding a pop of color or texture that matches the room’s overall décor. Hotels use them to enhance the sense of luxury and to give a room a more finished, stylish look. This attention to detail can subtly influence a guest’s perception of cleanliness, care, and quality.

2. Branding and Design Consistency

Hotels, especially large chains, use bed runners as a branding element. The colors and patterns often reflect the hotel’s color palette or theme. This design consistency across rooms and properties helps reinforce brand identity and creates a uniform guest experience.

3. Protection and Practicality

From a practical standpoint, the bed runner protects the main bedding from dirt or damage. Guests may place luggage, shoes, or sit on the end of the bed, and the runner serves as a barrier to keep the white linens clean. Since runners are much easier and cheaper to clean or replace than full duvets, they help extend the life of bedding.

4. Cost Efficiency

Bed runners are a low-cost way to elevate room design. Instead of investing in elaborate bedding for every room, hotels can use simple white linens (which are easy to bleach and sanitize) and add a colorful runner to create the appearance of a high-end bedding ensemble without the high cost.

5. Psychological Comfort

Subtly, bed runners can also signal cleanliness and order. Guests often associate well-made beds with overall room hygiene. A neatly placed bed runner can enhance this impression, offering reassurance to guests that the room is fresh and well-maintained.

6. Flexibility in Room Themes

Hotels that change themes seasonally or for events (e.g., weddings, holidays, conferences) can easily swap out bed runners to match. It’s a flexible way to refresh a room’s look without major renovations.

In Conclusion

The cloth across the bed in hotel rooms might seem like a small, decorative touch, but it plays a meaningful role in both presentation and practicality. It contributes to a room’s aesthetic, protects bedding, supports branding, and improves the overall guest experience—making it a staple in hotel design around the