I've always wondered about the short little bed runner too. I'm making quilts for my 2 beds and decided to make a oversized lap quilt to be folded at the bottom each bed. This way if I just want to take a nap I can cover up with it instead of pulling down the main quilt to put over me. I also keep a lap quilt at every recliner, sofa and easy chair for that same reason. I tend to get chilled while sitting watching TV at night....even in the summer time and I don't keep my thermostat that low either.