We always have a light blanket folded at the bottom of the bed.. While the blankets are fine to keep us warm both my husband and I use the other one to keep our feet warmer.. He's cold and uses it in addition to the regular blankets.. I'm warm and don't sleep with blankets on, but want something over my feet since they are bare and the ceiling fan is going. I think they're great!! Both of us sleep comfortably with a bed runner on the bottom.

I love the idea of bed runners. With a lot less effort and a lot less fabric, a bed runner and a couple of matching pillow slips can make a whole new design element in a bedroom.

I've never thought of them as being functional. I thought they were for decoration. Of course, where we live, our feet seldom get cold, but it would definitely be nice for the dogs to lie on.