Dressing Your Bed with a Bed Runner

Have you seen the new fashion in bedding ensembles? What started out as a trendy way for high-end hotels to dress up their bedroom suites is catching on in homes across America. Enter the use of a bed runner. They’re a quick, easy and fashionable way to accessorize your sleeping quarters for a faction of the cost of a full set of bedding. Here’s what you can do to beautify your bedroom.

• Simple Runners

So what’s a bed runner? If you’ve never seen one, image a long, narrow length of material – like a table runner – but, imagine it on top of a plain spread or comforter laid horizontally across the foot of your bed. That’s a bed runner. These inexpensive little gems are the perfect accessory for any bedding ensemble.

Here’s what makes them so attractive. You can purchase an inexpensive, solid color bedspread or comforter as the base for your bed clothes. Some folks even use a simple combination of a fitted sheet and neatly ironed, wrapped and tucked top sheet. Then use a bed runner in a contrasting color or unique pattern to make the bed come alive. Add a few coordinating throw pillows and you have a neat, crisp package that will cost you very little money to create.

• Using Comforters, Throws and Quilts

Here’s another twist on the bed runner idea. Let’s say you have a king size bed, but you can’t afford the king size comforter set you want. Not a problem – just buy a full size version, use the pillow shams at the head of the bed and fold the smaller comforter to look like a bed runner at the bottom of the bed. You’ll get to use the set you love at a fraction of the cost.

Small throws or quilts can also work this way. A fringed silk or chenille folded throw can make an excellent bed runner – as can a special quilt. The key is to fold them neatly and display them proudly as a pop of color or pattern in the room.

• A New Anchor for a Modern Pillow Arrangement

One more way to exploit a bed runner is to use it as an anchor for a creative pillow arrangement. When you place a bed runner at the foot of a bed, it can invite a rogue pillow or two to break away from the head of the bed to make a modern display on your bedding surface – perfect for a contemporary style bedroom.

• As a Canopy Drape

If you’ve got a sleek, modern canopy bed in your room, you can use a bed runner draped on top to dress up the frame. Add a matching pillow or two for even more drama.

• Go Vertical

Even though the most popular way to arrange a bed runner is in a horizontal direction, that doesn’t mean you can go vertical. Experiment with your bed runner and do what pleases you. It’s the unexpected that draws attention to your decor and makes it stand out.

Check out the pictures and the inspiration for this article in the Bed Runner ideabook on Houzz. You’ll see great examples of what you can do with a bed runner in your home.

Enjoy more home decor ideas from Terry Mulligan:

10 Tips to Take Your Next Decorating Project Over the Top
Fabulous Choices for Decorating with Throw Pillows
Budget-Friendly Dollar Store Finds Anyone Can Decorate With