Tips and Advice on Using Layered Lighting in a Hotel

Layered lights are a key factor in hotel lighting design and is a surefire way to ensure everything is well-lit while communicating your brand identity and personality. Below, you can learn about modern hotel lighting design and what role layered lights play in it.

 

What is Layered Lighting? 

Layered lighting is the process of combining multiple kinds of lights in order to create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing space. When it comes to hotels, it is especially important–making the space more comfortable for your guests while creating a nice ambiance.

Layered lighting consists of three elements: ambient, task and accent lighting. Each plays an important part in the overall design:

 

Ambient Light

Ambient light in hotels is the foundational layer of illumination that can then be built upon with other layers. In terms of hotel lighting solutions, this usually means the ceiling light fixtures. With the ambient layer, you want to provide even, balanced illumination across the entire space.

 

Task Lighting

Task lighting serves as more focused illumination for specific activities. This includes activities like reading, bathing or working. Wall mounted reading lights, bathroom vanity lights and table lamps are a common source of task lighting in hotel rooms.

 

Accent Lighting

Accent or mood lighting for hotels plays a large role in the atmosphere of the property. With accent lighting, you can show off certain features like artwork, accent walls and architectural elements. You can also use it as mood lighting in lounge areas to set a nice tone.

 

 

What Are the Benefits of Using Layered Lighting in Hotels? 

By incorporating layered lights into your hotel, you can take the property to new heights. One of the biggest perks of bringing layered lighting into the space is the enhanced aesthetic appeal. By providing multiple layers of light, you can provide functional lighting while also showing off certain features, like artwork or architectural elements.

Layered lighting in hotels also improves upon the general functionality of the space. Since hotels can serve many purposes from pleasure to business trips, layered lighting ensures that the property is functional for any application.

For example, combining soft ambient and bright task lights in a conference room will set the stage for presentations or socializing. Soft task lighting for reading in hotel bedrooms will make relaxing in bed a more comfortable experience.

Since lighting is such a powerful tool, you can wield it to communicate the brand identity and personality. Dim mood lighting can promote a cosier inn-like feel. Warmer, brighter hotel reception lighting is ideal for a more modern, boutique-style hotel.

Layered lights also help you set up energy efficient hotel lighting. By using LED bulbs in conjunction with a layered design scheme, you can reduce the amount of energy used to light the property. For example, using only accent lighting during low-traffic times can maintain the atmosphere of the space without using energy-sucking ambient light.

 

Tips on Using Layered Lighting in Hotel Rooms 

Incorporating layered lighting can make a huge difference in your overall design. Layered lights allow guests to operate them independently depending on their needs. This level of customisation ensures guests are as comfortable in your suites as they are at home.

Below, find some hotel lighting tips to make your suites stand out and are as comfortable as possible.

Begin by incorporating the ambient light layer. Choose ceiling mounted lights, like a central pendant or recessed lights, to spread illumination across the room. By adding dimmer switches, you can even allow guests to adjust the brightness as they see fit.

Then, add in the task lighting. Give your guests focused illumination for different activities.

 

Bedside lights. Install adjustable reading lights on the headboard or the wall beside the bed. These will provide direct illumination for reading and relaxing in bed.

 

Desk lights. By placing an interior wall sconce above the desk or a table lamp atop it, you’ll give guests focused lighting for getting work done.

 

Bathroom vanity lights. A well-lit dressing area will help your guests get ready for the day more comfortably. Using bright lights arranged in a way that they do not cast shadows will make grooming tasks more comfortable.

 

Finally, you can add in accent lights for creating visual intrigue. Use the lights to accent headboards, shelving units, artwork or even textured accent walls.

How to Use Layered Lighting in Public Spaces in a Hotel 

Hotel bedroom lights aren’t the only thing to consider when lighting your hotel. The public spaces of the property deserve just as much attention to ensure that the property is welcoming all throughout.

 

Lobby Lighting

The lobby and reception area is one of the most important areas, since guests will encounter it first. Making a good first impression happens here.

Layer the lights by using ceiling mounted lights, chandeliers, or recessed downlights for the ambient layer. Bring in focused task lighting around the reception desk to make the transaction more comfortable and ensure road-weary eyes can clearly see. Finally, highlight artwork and unique statement pieces in the foyer using accent lighting.

 

Bar and Restaurant Lighting

Create a nice dining atmosphere in a hotel restaurant with layered lighting. Use warm, dimmable ceiling lights as the ambient layer. Then add in task lights, like pendants over tables, to create a more intimate environment for conversations. Accent lighting can be employed along liquor shelves, wine racks, or near art displays.

 

Lounge and Common Area Lighting

Lounges provide a multipurpose area for your guests to relax and socialise. Ensure it is well lit by adding indirect ambient lighting with dimmable controls. Task lights, like table lamps or reading lights, provide localised lighting, while LED strip lights and wall washers cast illumination over accent points.

 

How Layered Lighting Can Enhance the Brand of a Hotel 

Decorative lighting for hotels can be used strategically for communicating the brand and personality of your property. Your lights can create a mood and atmosphere that expresses the unique personality of your property, from cosy and intimate to modern and energizing.

In luxury and boutique hotels, lighting fixtures can be employed creatively. One of the best luxury hotel lighting ideas you can bring to life is using statement fixtures in the lobby and reception area. This is especially good if you have tall ceilings and opt for an oversized hanging pendant.

If you are going for a cosier vibe, choosing warmer lights with a lower profile is key. These lights evoke a more intimate atmosphere and can make the property seem more inviting.

Many modern properties tend to have architectural details that give them lots of personality. Installing accent lights, such as wall lights and spotlights, can highlight these and give the hotel a more artistic and contemporary look. This is especially good for creating a signature space where you show off artwork, sculptures or water features that make the hotel stand out in the minds of your guests.

 

Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Hotel Layered Lighting Scheme 

Designing the perfect lighting scheme comes with its own challenges. That said, you can get ahead of them by knowing what mistakes to avoid before you even begin.

 

• NOT USING LEDS. LED hotel lighting fixtures are considered to be a must for many lighting designers. LED bulbs are energy efficient, versatile and long-lasting, making them ideal for use in settings such as hotels where they will run most hours of the day. Choose LED bulbs over halogen or incandescent to get the most out of your purchase.

 

• TOO MUCH LIGHT. Over-illuminating the property can create a clinical, overwhelmingly bright sort of hotel–the opposite of what travel-weary guests will be seeking. Focus on creating just enough light to see by with layered lighting instead of covering the room in fixtures.

 

• NOT LAYERING LIGHTS. In a similar vein, neglecting to add more than one light source can be a detriment to your design aesthetic. Having ambient, task and accent lighting provides a well-balanced lighting scheme that can be adjusted throughout the day, depending on guest needs.

 

• WRONG COLOUR TEMPERATURES. Most hotels will benefit from having warm white lights as their main colour temperature. While some may choose to go slightly warmer or slightly cooler, it is recommended you only choose one. Having multiple colour temperatures can create an abrasive clash of lighting and can make the space unpleasant to inhabit.

 

 

How to Layer Lighting in Hotel Outdoor Areas 

The outdoor area of a hotel is just as important as the interior. The hotel’s exterior is the first thing guests will see from the road, and if it makes a poor impression, they might decide to find somewhere else to sleep.

Layering your lights outdoors ensures a well-balanced and welcoming environment that your guests will feel comfortable approaching at night. Establish the foundation with ambient lighting throughout the property, in the form of wall lights, recessed ground lights and overhead lights for awnings.

From there, you can move onto the more functional lights. Task lights can be incorporated along pathways and staircases, making it easier to navigate tricky areas at night. You may also wish to provide more direct lighting on either side of the entryway to make it more inviting.

With accent lights, you have an opportunity to show off the unique architectural features of your hotel. Architectural hotel lighting can really shine outdoors, no matter which of the building’s features you wish to show off.

Install lights in alcoves and niches of the hotel’s building, casting dramatic shadows and enhancing them visually. You can also use up and down lighters to highlight trees, shrubs, columns, statues, water fountains and other such features you wish to draw the eye to.

 

Conclusion 

Layered lighting not only enhances the functionality of the hotel. It is also instrumental in communicating its personality and ensuring the comfort of your guests. In this article, we’ve explored the benefits of layered lighting, and provided some tips on incorporating it into your hotel.

 

Hospitality Lighting Ideas

 

Create a comfortable, well-layered hotel suite with the LWA544 3 Watt Recessed Bedside LED Reading Light. These reading lights attach to the wall and feature an arm that tilts and twists to shine a focused beam right where your guests need it. It generates 120 lumens of 3000K warm white light at a 30 degree beam angle, perfect for reading by. Easily switch the lights on and off using the rocker switch against the backplate. The fixtures are fashioned out of durable aluminium that comes in your choice of either white or black finishes.

 

Ultra modern with its flat, square shape, the LWA438 12 Watt LED Interior Wall Uplighter Fitting is ideal for modern hotels of any size. This light generates 1000 lumens of 3000K warm white light, providing plenty of ambient light. It is built to last from high quality aluminium that comes in your choice of a black or white finish to suit the personality of your hotel. Overall, it measures 230 millimeters by 130 millimeters in size.

 

Ideal as accent lighting, the LSP706 12 Watt Adjustable Surface Mounted LED Downlight is a versatile, adjustable fixture that easily creates a focal point anywhere on your property. This puck shaped light features a head that tilts and twists to shine light at a 24 degree beam angle exactly where you want it. It outputs 900 lumens of 3000K warm white light, perfect for placement anywhere. The fixture measures 100 millimeters in diameter and is fashioned out of durable aluminium.

 

Implement ample ambient lighting without any glare using the LDC728 30 Watt Dimmable Recessed Anti Glare LED Downlight. This linear light has 15 LED bulbs that work together to generate 3000 lumens of 3000K warm white light. The bulbs are recessed into the fixture in such a way that it eliminates glare, making them more comfortable to behold. This aluminium light comes in a modern black and white finish that works well with any design style. It measures 408 millimeters in length.