Hotels sometimes look like they’re hiding a design secret at the end of the bed: a “hole” or open space at the foot. It’s not actually a missing part—it’s a deliberate design feature that shows up in many hotel beds, especially in upscale and European-style rooms.
That open area is usually part of a recessed footboard design or luggage bench extension, and it serves several practical purposes that make hotel stays more comfortable and efficient.
Why Some Hotel Beds Have a “Hole” at the Foot
1. Space for luggage placement
One of the most common reasons is to create a built-in luggage zone. Instead of placing suitcases on the floor or a separate rack, hotels design the bed so the end can function as a staging area. This keeps luggage accessible while maintaining a clean room layout.
2. Easier bed-making and housekeeping
Housekeeping teams need to make hundreds of beds quickly. An open or recessed foot area allows:
- Faster sheet tucking
- Easier blanket adjustment
- Less struggle with tight footboards
It improves efficiency without sacrificing presentation.
3. Preventing footboard pressure discomfort
Traditional beds with solid footboards can make sleeping uncomfortable for taller guests. An open or recessed design avoids:
- Feet hitting hard surfaces
- Restricted sleeping positions
- Fabric bunching at the end of the mattress
4. Aesthetic “floating bed” effect
Modern hotel design often aims for a minimalist, floating appearance. The gap at the foot:
- Makes the bed look lighter
- Enhances visual spaciousness
- Matches contemporary interior design trends
5. Accommodation for layered bedding styles
Many hotels use multiple layers (sheets, duvets, bed runners). The open foot allows bedding to be neatly folded or draped without bulking up the frame.
6. Flexibility for different mattress sizes
Some hotel systems are modular. The open foot design makes it easier to:
- Swap mattresses
- Adjust bedding setups
- Convert rooms between configurations
How to Make a Hotel-Style Bed with an Open Foot (Step-by-Step)
If you want to recreate this design at home or understand how it’s built, here’s a simplified method used in furniture construction.
Step 1: Plan your bed dimensions
Start by deciding:
- Mattress size (Twin, Queen, King, etc.)
- Total bed length
- How large the “open foot” space should be (typically 20–40 cm / 8–16 inches)
This open section will act as either:
- A recessed frame area, or
- A bench-style extension without vertical blockage
Step 2: Build the main frame
Construct a standard rectangular bed frame using wood or metal:
- Two long side rails
- One headboard end
- Internal support beams
Make sure the frame is structurally strong because the foot area will not provide full support.
Step 3: Design the recessed or open foot area
Instead of closing the rectangle, modify the foot section:
Option A: Recessed design (most hotel-style)
- Set the mattress support slats slightly inward from the foot edge
- Leave an intentional gap between mattress end and outer frame
Option B: Open bench extension
- Extend the side rails but do not install a full footboard panel
- Keep the end visually open or partially framed
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