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Table of Contents
- The Lowdown On Bed Runners
- Why You Should Consider A Bed Runner
- Bed Runners: A Buyer's Guide
- Size
- Grab An Elegant Bed Runner From Belledorm
- FAQs
- In Summary
You might think you've little need for a double or single-bed runner. But these long pieces of fabric actually serve a very functional purpose, especially if you're likely to get a lot of traffic on your bed.
This could be in the form of excited kids jumping on your bed to watch a film or your pets, fresh from a muddy walk, deciding they want a nap.
Those mucky paws can cause havoc, so a runner is ideal for keeping dirt, germs, crumbs, and anything off your crisp sheets.
We'll explore other reasons why bed runners can bring many benefits to your bedroom. We're also devised a handy buyer's guide to what to look for when it comes to purchasing a runner.
The Lowdown On Bed Runners
A bed runner is a long, thin strip of material that runs along your bed. While you will most likely recognise them from hotel rooms, they are becoming increasingly popular in homes.
And with good reason.
Bed runners accentuate the overall look and feel of your bed. They are normally placed at the foot of the bed or around one-third of the way up it.
A runner can add a subtle touch of elegance and fun to plain white linen, injecting some colour and a bit more personality into the bed. However, decorative bed runners are great for colder weather, too.
They add extra layers, and you don't have to fill them with hot rocks to keep warm these days. This was custom hundreds of years ago. Thankfully, where you or your guests' sleep will likely be warm enough to avoid this practice!
Why You Should Consider A Bed Runner
There are three main reasons you might want to consider purchasing bed runners for your home. These are:
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Warmth
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Style
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Protection
Let's look at each in more detail.
Warmth
A runner is a perfect addition to a duvet or other bedding to make the bed as warm and snuggly as possible. This extra layer will mean you won't run the risk of waking up cold in the middle of those chillier nights. And, if you become too warm, the runner can simply be put to one side.
An added bonus of having this extra layer is the weight aspect. Runners are usually slightly heavier than a regular duvet. This added weight is something that many people enjoy when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.
Style
Make your bed as inviting as an upscale hotel room with a bed runner. After all, we spend up to one-third of our lives in bed, so why not make it as luxurious and inviting as possible? Runners pack a lot of style and sophistication.
For this reason, they are one of the simplest ways to create a considered look and feel for your bedroom. They are especially good for guest bedrooms where you will be keen to impress and make your guests feel as welcome and relaxed as possible.
Protection
Bed runners are a great way to protect your flat sheets and duvet, which, let's face it, can become dirty quite quickly. Although they aren't large enough to protect the entirety of your bedding, set on the end of the bed, they can make a huge difference.
Mucky shoes, paws and newly cleaned fitted sheets do not mix. Bed runners provide a little extra protection, and as they are easy to care for, you don't need to worry about overwashing them.
A bed runner is also an excellent option for kids' bedrooms. If your little one likes to sit on their bed and play on their tablet or perhaps help themselves to the odd chocolate bar in their room, you can be sure that the bedding is going to get dirtier much quicker than you might like.
A runner placed at the foot of the bed will help to protect your delicate fabrics and keep your bed linen looking, feeling and smelling as good as new.
Bed Runners: A Buyer's Guide
Buying a bed runner needn't be complicated, but there are some important things to consider. We've compiled this handy buyer's guide to see you through choosing the best runner to give your bed a bit of oomph in the style stakes.
Size
Size matters when it comes to runners. You want bed runners to sit beautifully on your bed and not overrun or come up too short. Choosing one that's not overly large or small means considering the size of your bed.
Generally speaking, there are five sizes of bed:
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Twin
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Full
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Queen
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Small King
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King
Choose a runner with measurements that most closely match your bed size. We recommend picking a runner that's slightly too long to one that's too short if your bed is between sizes.
Matching pillows
Many people choose to purchase matching pillows with their runners for an increased detailed appeal. This doesn't have to be as difficult as it sounds. All you need to do is look for pillow sets in the same colour - or at least a similar colour or pattern. You'll be surprised at the positive difference it can be to just about any bed's look and overall vibe.
Colours
Choosing the colour of a bed runner is important. Before you begin looking at colours, it's vital to bear in mind your bedroom's interior. Do you want your bed runners to blend in elegantly with the rest of the room, or do you want to make a statement?
Choose natural tones if you want to add subtleness to your duvet cover. However, if you want to add an impact piece, consider bold colours such as blues, greens, yellows or pinks.
Material
There's a range of materials to choose from when it comes to a runner for your bed. In hotels, the preferred material is linen due to how easily it can be washed and dried. While linen is a great choice, aim to explore more fabrics to see which one could be best for your bedroom. Consider cotton, velvet or satin, for example.
Patterns and styles
Choosing the correct look for your bed is important. There's a wide range of colours and patterns available when it comes to bed runners. It's important not to go overboard while also putting your own personal stamp on the look and feel of your bedroom.
Think about what type of duvet cover you normally go for. Is it modern or traditional? Maybe it's tropical or farmhouse? This will help you decide what type of decorative bed runners will be best for your bedroom.
Grab An Elegant Bed Runner From Belledorm
At Belledorm, we know the importance of making your bed a place of tranquillity and relaxation. That's why we stock just about everything you could ever need to create a warm, inviting space perfect for you to rest and replenish after a hard day.
From the highest quality bed runners to mattress toppers and everything in between, check out our website to see how we can improve your night's sleep.
FAQs
Do I really need a runner for my bed?
If you have children or pets or simply want to give your bed a simple yet impactful makeover, then you should consider purchasing a bed runner. They can save you a lot of time as you usually won't have to change your bedding as often. Simply wash the runner, and you are good to go.
What were bed runners originally used for?
Back in Medieval times, a bed runner would have been packed full of coal to keep the cold at bay. Nowadays, they serve a mostly aesthetic purpose that's popular in homes and high-end hotels alike.
Are bed runners expensive?
Bed runners needn't be costly, yet they often are. Thankfully, at Belledorm, we have a range of cheap and affordable runners available to suit just about any bedroom aesthetic. We recommend purchasing 2 runners, so you can easily alternate them.
How long will a bed runner last for?
A runner should last you for years, so long it's well cared for. Ensure that any spills on the runner are taken care of immediately to prevent permanent staining.
How should I wash a bed runner?
Depending on the fabric, you may be able to place it in the washing machine. However, be sure to put them in a laundry bag if yours is crafted from delicate materials. The bag should give it extra protection and protect it from catching on duvet cover zips or poppers. You may also want to consider dry cleaning your runner to add a new, rejuvenating feel to it.
In Summary
While bed runners aren't a requirement, there's no doubt that they set the ambience and aesthetic of a bedroom.
Whether they are busting with colour or are a cooler, relaxed hue, bed runners can help keep your bedroom décor perfectly balanced.
