Bed Scarves: What Are They and Why Do You Need One?

Bed Scarves: What Are They and Why Do You Need One?

First: What are Custom Bed Scarves?

A custom bed scarf is a piece of fabric that drops down on both sides of the bed…basically a long runner. It’s a fabulous way to enhance your bedding by adding a bit of color, pattern or texture—especially if the sheets, duvet, pillow, etc. are in neutral or white tones! Essentially, a custom bed scarf may be the perfect thing to pull together and elevate the design of your bed.

This is about functionality too. A custom bed scarf adds charm, but it offers protection to the bedding.

Have you ever noticed that hotels often use them? That’s because people may sit or put their suitcases on the end of the bed to unpack.

Not only is it used as a protection, but it most definitely keeps the feet warm while napping. Beauty, comfort, and practicality? Yes, that’s right. All of the above.

Bed Scarves and The Best Fabrics

As with any piece in your home, you’ll want to choose the best possible fabric for your custom bed scarf. Most fabrics do work, however, performance fabrics are a fantastic solution—especially if you tend to sit at the end of the bed.

These would include fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. I tend to avoid delicate fabrics, like sheers or silks. Of course, fur or velvet are amazing options. I love to add texture!

Why Go Custom?

Customization opens up a world of options. We will determine the best fabric option based on both the functionality and design, coordinating the fabric to work within your room’s specific design elements.

Your custom bed scarf will be based on the width and drop that best fits your actual mattress and box spring sizes. With all the different mattress options (pillows, dressings, etc.), there isn’t a one size fits all solution. With a custom piece, there’s no need to worry about your bed scarf being too small or looking skimpy!

Custom Bedding By Colleen Mcnally
Rendering of Bedding with a Custom Bed Scarf

My Favorite Fabric for Bed Scarves

My favorite bedding ensembles include a machine washable matelassé as the base and with additional color, pattern, and texture added to the bed scarf and pillows. I often like to include a bed scarf due to practicality—matelassé does that and more. The scarf and pillows will require dry-cleaning and the matelassé can be laundered at home…the less dry-cleaning chemicals and bills, the better!

Bed Scarves Based on Season

I’ve designed several two-sided bed scarves so my clients can have a lighter look for spring/summer and a heavier look for fall/winter (the best of both worlds). In the picture, the bed scarf fabric is the same as the drapery. A fur scarf replaces this one in the winter, with a couple of fur pillows—it’s all about cozying-it-up for colder weather!

Winter Bed Scarf

Could your bed use a custom scarf? Are you using one already? Comment below or schedule a chat to discuss your project.

(22) Comments
  • B
    | 16 January 2022

    A recent widower looking to change life style to elegant fem. Looking for tasteful advice on home decor.

  • Candy
    | 31 January 2022

    I have a White Matalese Bedspread with a apricot/beige room cor. the bedroom is small and can only have room for a double bed
    The bed is old with pineapple top and bottom
    I am looking for a scarf to enhance the room
    Any suggestions?
    Thank you iin advance for any information you can provide
    Candy MacDonald

    • Jem
      | 1 April 2025

      Hey Candy! Curious to know if you ever made a decision about this – I have a similar setup! Thank you in advance – hoping you can point me in the right direction, it’s been killing me x

  • Kariuki Nduta
    | 3 August 2023

    This is definitely something I never thought I would ever say ”I look forward to knowing more ” – Thank you for sharing.

  • Steve
    | 26 September 2023

    Want to do. Custom piece who would I contact 

  • Suzette Gresham
    | 1 July 2024

    Hello! 
    Do you sell the bed linens that are shown above on your opening page? 
    It appears to be a beige matelasse coverlet and a Chinoiserie bed scarf with matching European
    pillow shams, and aquamarine decorator pillow? 
    I will look forward to your reply. 
    Thanks, 
    Suzette 

    • Troy
      | 4 October 2025

      Hi Suzette! The set you mentioned looks beautiful — that mix of matelassé and Chinoiserie really gives a calm, cozy feel. I don’t sell linens myself, but I do share honest reviews and guides on pillows and bedding comfort here: https://propillowsreview.com
      . You might find some helpful tips there while you’re searching for similar styles.

  • Leslie Sullins
    | 2 November 2024

    May need some ideas for Queen size bed for
    Scarf and pillows

  • Fixit Design
    | 25 April 2025

    Great read! Bed scarves are such a stylish and practical addition to any bedroom—they add elegance while protecting your bedding. If you’re in Dubai and want a premium touch, consider a custom bed in Dubai with matching scarves for a flawless look. Thanks for the tips

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  • Dubai Blinds
    | 12 May 2025

    This article made me realize how much a custom bed scarf can bring a room together. I love how you can change it with the seasons and give your bedroom a whole new look without much effort!

  • Curtains Dubai
    | 18 June 2025

    Absolutely agree! A custom bed scarf truly adds that final touch of elegance and personality to a room. I’ve found that pairing it with complementary **curtains—especially high-quality custom curtains like the ones available in Dubai—**can transform the entire space beautifully. Seasonal changes become even more exciting when both your bed scarf and curtains reflect the mood and colors of the time. It’s such a simple yet impactful way to refresh a bedroom!

  • Curtains Shope
    | 18 June 2025

    Custom Bed Scarves not only add elegance but also serve a practical purpose. These stylish fabric runners drape beautifully over the foot of the bed, bringing in color, texture, and pattern—perfect for neutral-toned bedrooms. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, they offer real functionality by protecting your bedding from dust or wear, especially in frequently used guest rooms or hotels.

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    | 24 July 2025

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  • Upholstery Pro
    | 28 July 2025

    Great post, Colleen! I never realized how much a bed scarf could add to a room — both for style and protection. It’s a smart and simple way to upgrade plain bedding.

    I also love the idea of pairing it with a beautiful upholstered headboard to complete the look. Small details like these really make a bedroom feel more finished and cozy.

    Thanks for the inspiration!

  • Dubai
    | 18 August 2025

    This was such an insightful read! I always wondered why hotels used bed scarves, and now it makes perfect sense—it’s both functional and stylish. I really like how custom bed scarves can tie the whole room together, just like how premium blackout curtains elevate interiors by blending beauty with practicality. Small details like these truly make a bedroom look complete and luxurious.

  • Curtain Center
    | 21 January 2026

    When I first started styling a guest bedroom for a short-term rental, I kept seeing these narrow fabric runners laid across the foot of the bed and honestly wondered if they were just decorative. Turns out, those are bed scarves, and they serve more purpose than you’d expect. Traditionally, they help protect the bedding from wear, luggage scuffs, or even someone sitting on the edge of the bed with outdoor clothes. Over time, they’ve also become a design element, adding color, texture, and a finished look to the room. What’s interesting is how often bed scarves are coordinated with curtains to tie the whole space together. In my case, matching the fabric tones made the room feel more intentional and hotel-like, especially when paired with made-to-measure curtains Dubai, which helped complete the overall design without changing the function of the bed itself.

  • Sheer Curtains Abu Dhabi
    | 22 January 2026

    Great insights! Bed scarves are a stylish and practical addition to any bedroom, bringing elegance while helping protect your bedding. If you’re in Abu Dhabi and want to elevate your space, a custom bed in Abu Dhabi paired with matching bed scarves can create a refined and cohesive look. Thanks for sharing these useful tips.

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  • Curtain Blinds
    | 23 January 2026

    Great insights! Bed scarves are both stylish and functional, adding a touch of elegance while helping protect your bedding. If you’re in Abu Dhabi and looking to enhance your bedroom, a custom bed paired with matching bed scarves can create a beautifully coordinated and refined look. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips.

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