LotR3-RotK-Seq05

[alatar]

Originally Posted by Rikae

Leaping to the movie's defense: I don't suppose elves really need railings, so the ones in Rivendell are probably just decorative.

Elves need railings too, but a low railing would be dangerous as taller folk would tend to trip, going head first into the falls. We can say that the room was designed with Hobbit-folk in mind, but Hobbits, with the exception of some of Sam's kin, weren't 'big' on heights, and so most likely would prefer a hole than a great view.

Truly a minor point, but made obvious as the Frodo in Rivendell picture made it into popular magazines as seen here.