How to make the perfect bed runner set

A set usually consists of a pair of Boudoir pillows (small rectangular pillows) in a contrasting color but complementing the theme and Bed Runner – a beautifully worked/woven strip of the same fabric approximately 18″ to 24″ wide including a matching fabric border band and about 24″ to 30″ longer than the width of the mattress; so that it hangs at least 12″ to 15″ on each side of the bed.

As the Runner hangs on two sides of the bed, must have excellent fall to be effective! Sometimes (especially in the case of twin beds), laying it lengthwise, starting from under the Boudoir pillow at the top and working your way to the foot of the bed, looks very different and refreshing! A Bed Runner is padded or laid flat with a matching backing fabric depending on the drape of your fabric.

It’s the modern equivalent of the heavily padded quilts of more indulgent times!

Here are the steps to make a perfect runner set: For single bed size: runner length = bed width + drop from top of mattress to floor. Runner Width = Approximately 18″ to 24″ For Double Bed – Size: Runner Length = Bed Width + Drop from top of mattress to floor. Runner Width = Approximately 18″ to 24″ Cushions: Rectangular Cushions – Size: 9″ x 16″ or 12″ x 20″ in the same fabric combination.

Twin beds: One cushion per bed. Double / Queen / King Beds: Two cushions per bed. Single beds can also have a single cushion or a variety of cushions of different sizes. The edges can be finished with bands of fabric in contrasting or complementary colors, or tassels can finish the smaller edges. Same finish continues on the cushion covers.

For a pronounced feminine look, fabrics such as pure silk/silk taffeta with silk or chiffon ruffles or quilted cotton rugs with fine cotton ruffles can be used. For a strong masculine look Faux leather/suede patch bed runner with matching square cushions (16″ x 16″ or 18″ x 18″).

Linear design (straight lines or a very small pattern along straight lines) across (headboard to footboard) gives a different look than the same design across (across/side to side) .

Colors: light runner on darker bedspread, dark runner on lighter bedspread. Contrasting or complementary colors for modern/young combinations. Deeper Earth colors for minimalist design schemes.

One very obvious thing to always remember is that only Fabric with a good ‘drape’ should be chosen as a bed runner.