Hotel Lighting

From hotel bedroom lighting to the illumination of the lobby, your hotel lighting plays a huge role in guest comfort and perception. Modern hotel lighting does so much more than just provide illumination. It can also communicate the brand’s personality and set an atmosphere for the guests to be able to relax and unwind.

Ultra Beam Lighting is dedicated to providing hotel lighting solutions for every style of hotel property.

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The Importance of Lighting Controls in a Hotel

When you shop for lights for your hotel, consider shopping from a hotel lighting supplier that offers various lighting controls.

The convenience and comfort of a hotel is in part responsible for making the property memorable in the minds of your guests. Lighting controls are one way to strengthen that aspect.

With convenient controls for modern hotel lighting, guests can customise their experience in their suites. Staff will also have better control over mood lighting in the lounge and bar areas with hotel lighting fixtures that can dim.

Beyond the convenience of control, it is also a good investment for your property to add bespoke hotel lighting with controls. Being able to control the lights more directly can lower the cost of your light bills. You can use motion sensors, lights on timers or even daylight sensors to have the lights turn on and off automatically, only when they are needed.

Advice on Buying Hotel Lighting for Accessibility

When considering what hotel lighting solutions to bring onto your property, it is important to keep accessibility in mind. Accessibility is a crucial feature of any hotel, and not just because it helps the property comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and Equality Act 2010 guidelines.

Accessibility can also make it safer for guests to navigate the property. It reduces hazards like tripping and falling and minimises the risks your guests might otherwise experience trying to navigate a darkly lit property.

Having bright, even illumination throughout the property is key. Corridors and hallways should be free from glare, with 200 lux. In guest rooms, 150 to 200 lux is ideal.

Commercial hotel lighting fixtures with a higher colour rendering index (CRI) of >90 are ideal. These can help guests with low visibility better identify the edges of furniture, floors and walls, signage and controls, and other important visual cues on the property.

With clear contrast through lighting, guests may find it easier to navigate important areas like stair edges, reception desks and even getting through door frames more safely.

How to Match Lighting to a Hotel's Design Style

Luxury hotel lighting is in part about illumination and visibility, and in part about decoration. Modern hotel lighting designs are many and varied, letting you easily communicate your hotel brand and personality throughout the property.

Modern Minimalism

Contemporary hotels prioritise clean lines and designs with neutral colors and sleek finishes. To accomplish this, choose:

  • recessed LED downlights
  • linear LED pendant lights
  • hidden alcove and niche lighting
  • smart controls

Timeless Luxury

Ornate details, elegant crystal, traditional furnishings and rich fabrics all make up luxurious hotel lighting. For this vibe, opt for hotel interior lighting with:

  • crystal chandeliers
  • table lamps with silk shades
  • wall sconces with gold or brass finishes

Art Deco and Boutique

In these trendy properties, geometric patterns, bold colours and vintage glamour elements are king. Recommended styles for these properties include:

  • oversized statement pendant lights
  • subtle LED strip lighting
  • hospitality LED lighting with glass fixtures

Industrial Urban

To create a bold urban look, opt for concrete, metal and exposed brick materials with wrought iron and exposed elements. This includes:

  • caged LED bulbs
  • metallic track systems
  • adjustable spotlights for accenting structural elements and artwork

What are the Recommended Illumination Levels for Different Areas in a Hotel?

Hospitality lighting plays a big role in the overall atmosphere of the hotel, which is crucial to the guest experience. While the property being well-lit is important, it is just as important that it is not overly bright. You want to ensure that it is not glaring and uncomfortable for road-weary guests.

Here is a breakdown for the recommended lighting levels in different locations in the hotel:

  • HOTEL LOBBY AND RECEPTION AREA. It is recommended that you have 200-300 lux for general lighting and 500 lux for the checkin area. This will give clear task lighting for staff and guests while still providing ambiance.
  • GUEST SUITES. Hotel room lighting should have around 150 lux for bedside lighting, 300 lux for the work desk, and 200 to 300 lux for the lighting in the bathroom.
  • HALLWAYS AND CORRIDORS. In hallways, 100 to 200 lux is ideal to ensure easy navigation without being too bright on weary eyes.
  • RESTAURANT BARS AND HOTELS. Around dining tables, shoot for 200 lux for an intimate mood. Buffet areas should have a slightly brighter 300 lux for better visibility.
  • OUTDOOR AREAS AND ENTRYWAYS. Hotel outdoor lighting is important for making guests feel comfortable and safe approaching the property at night. Bring in 50 to 100 lux for walkways, and 150 to 200 lux for entryways and facades.

Hotel bedroom with wall lighting and downlights

Like any other well-lit establishment, modern hotel lighting uses layered lighting techniques and stylish fixtures to generate ample illumination. In so doing, they are able to influence the mood of the guests in various ways. This includes having LED lights that mimic natural daylight and hotel lighting control features that allow the light to be changed or dimmed according to the time of day.

Not only can hotel lighting affect the mood of the space, but it also provides guests with convenience and safety. Well placed hotel lighting fixtures such as hotel wall sconces in corridors can make it easier for guests to find their rooms. Alongside hotel hallway lighting, hotel lobby lighting is also taken into account to improve the visibility of the check-in area and make it feel more inviting to guests as they enter.

Beyond that, hotel lighting can also show off the personality of your brand. Some hotels have a more contemporary, chic atmosphere to them. Others prioritise cosiness and an old-fashioned feel. Lighting can give these styles of hotels and everything else the boost they need to make your brand stand out in the minds of customers.

Taking advantage of natural light during the day will also contribute to the overall experience in your hotel. Luxury hotel lighting uses a mix of bright, natural light during the day and artificial atmospheric lighting at night. This creates a dynamic space that is pleasant to be in both night and day.

Hotel lighting design is also an opportunity to make your property more energy efficient. Energy efficient lighting in the form of LED bulbs significantly reduces the power consumption of your hotel, which can help lower the cost of your electricity bills. For environmentally minded guests, eco-friendly, green lighting may also be a huge draw that keeps them coming back.

Of course, there is also the employee factor to consider. Quality lighting can make the work environment more comfortable for your workers so they are better able to do their jobs. Task lighting that makes it easier for them to see and do their jobs may boost productivity.

It is believed that the guest experience begins as soon as your guests enter the hotel. Guests who are driving late at night want to walk into a lobby with hotel LED lights that are inviting and warm. Those who show up to check in guests in the morning would benefit from brighter, cool lighting that can leave them feeling more awake and energized.

When it comes to the hotel rooms, proper lighting is a must. Guests need to have a well-lit bathroom, vanity and reading area if they are to feel most comfortable in the suite. Hotel room lighting is equally as important, as guests will spend most of their time in this area.

Hotel bedside lamps are a key feature in any modern hotel room for this reason. Without a well-lit work area, guests may feel less productive, which is detrimental for anyone who may be visiting the property on a business trip.

Furthermore, a well-lit hallway will make guests feel safer while making it easier for them to navigate the property at night. Hotel garden lighting is another way to impact the guest experience not only in terms of safety and comfort but also with visual appeal from the road.

Modern hotel lamps can play a huge part in the guest experience when placed in the lobby. Lighting in this area is responsible for the first impression that is made on your guests and sets the tone for the rest of the hotel. This can also help establish a brand identity for your hotel. Is it a cosy little inn, or is it a chic and trendy boutique hotel? Lighting will help you communicate that.

Proper lighting in this area also creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which is important in a space that is meant to be the guest’s home away from home. With well-designed hotel lobby lighting, guests can more easily navigate the space and check in with greater visibility. As for the staff working at the desk, good lighting can improve upon the security and safety for all in the building.

When it comes to the functionality of the lobby, quality hotel lighting fixtures are also important. Various locations in the lobby such as the concierge desk, workspaces and seating areas need the right task lighting for the job. When you include task lighting in your layered lights this way, you are also balancing out the light levels in the space and making it a more comfortable and beautiful experience for guests overall.

Hotel lobby lighting design is crucial, as it is partially responsible for making a strong first impression on your guests. Taking time to thoughtfully plan the lighting and how it can zone out the lobby will be more than worth it in the end. Check out the tips for different lighting zones below.

 

  • RECEPTION AND CHECK-IN. Incorporate task lighting that is bright and highly visible. Pendant lights hanging over the desk, or recessed downlights in the reception space, draws guests toward the area and makes it easier to use when checking guests in..

 

  • LOUNGE AND SEATING. Invite road-weary guests to take a rest in your lounge with warm, welcoming lighting. Incorporating floor lamps, wall sconces and other sources of indirect lighting can help you achieve this goal.

 

  • TRANSITION ZONES. Lead guests naturally down hallways with strip lighting on the floors, or carefully-spaced wall lighting. Avoid bright overhead lights, so guests can traverse the space more comfortably when finding their rooms in the middle of the night.

 

  • CREATE FOCAL POINTS. Using strategically placed accent lighting for hotels, you can draw attention to artwork, architectural elements and beyond.

Luxury hotel lighting takes into account not just the common areas of a hotel, but the individual suites as well. Below are a few tips for lighting these crucial areas:

Hotel Bathroom Lighting:

  • TASK LIGHTING – Since the bathroom is primarily used for various tasks such as grooming, quality task lighting in the area is crucial.
  • BRIGHT LIGHTS, MINIMAL SHADOWS – In order for your guests to view themselves in the mirror, position lights in a way that they do not cast shadows over the area.
  • MOOD LIGHTING AND DIMMERS – If your hotel bathroom has a hot tub or a beautiful walk-in shower, using lights to set a mood at night can make the bathroom feel more like a spa.
  • SHOWER LIGHTING – Use sealed waterproof shower lights to make showering safer and more comfortable for guests.
  • BACKLIT MIRRORS – By installing mirrors with lights behind them, you can save space on the walls while also providing ample light for guests to see.
  • ACCENT LIGHTING – Highlight certain features in the bathroom such as architectural details or decorative elements to make the space memorable.
  • MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES. Give your guests lighting control options when it comes to lighting. By having ambient, task and even accent lighting on different switches, they are in control of how much light they use at any given time. This means bright lights in the morning when getting ready and dim mood lighting at night.
  • MAKE A STATEMENT. If you install visually stunning lighting that creates a focal point in the room, you are sure to make an impression. In larger bathrooms, you have the opportunity to use large pendant lights for an artistic and dramatic flair.

Hotel Bedroom Lighting:

  • LAYER THE LIGHTS – Combine ambient, accent and task lighting in a space to create a well-lit and balanced bedroom with plenty of functionality and depth.
  • BEDSIDE LIGHTS – Giving guests bedside reading lights or hotel wall lamps near the bed will make the area more convenient and comfortable. Guests can control the lighting level from the bed instead of having to get up and turn off the main light when they’re ready to sleep.
  • DIMMABLE CONTROLS – Give your guests total control over the lighting levels in the room with dimmable lights. This will give them the flexibility they need in having the best light during both the day and night.
  • CLOSET AND WARDROBE – Put lighting inside wardrobes and closets to make it easier for guests to see their clothes as they get ready for the day.
  • ACCENT LIGHTING – Draw attention to various elements in the room and create a focal point using well-placed accent lighting.
  • CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOUR TEMPERATURE – Warm white light in hotel suites is recommended to ensure the lights are comfortable and do not cause strain on their eyes.
  • CREATE A FOCAL POINT. Whether you want to highlight a luxurious bed or an opulent water feature, you can use hotel room lighting to make a statement in the hotel rooms. Lights themselves can also serve as the focal point if you choose something artistic and bold so also consider that as an option.

Designer hotel lighting comes in a variety of styles and ways to incorporate it into your hotel. Below are a few methods to consider when planning your hotel lighting:

 

  • AMBIENT LIGHTING – This is the overall, general illumination in a space that serves as the foundation for the rest of the lighting.
  • TASK LIGHTING – Task lighting is a focused type of light used in areas where tasks are performed. This can include the front desk, reading areas, breakfast tables, workspaces, bathrooms and beyond.
  • ACCENT LIGHTING – Accent lighting allows you to accentuate various features in your hotel. Not only is this good for creating a focal point, but it also provides gentle, indirect lighting for tired guests.
  • MOOD LIGHTING – Mood lighting in bedrooms and common areas can create a soothing environment for guests to relax in.
  • LAYERED LIGHTING – Layered lighting combines all the above into a cohesive lighting scheme that ensures the area is well-lit and balanced.
  • WALL WASH LIGHTING – Wall wash lighting shines light back onto the walls, not only creating indirect lighting but also serving as beautiful accent lighting.
  • UP LIGHTING – Uplights are particularly useful for accent lighting and drawing attention to architectural details or decorative elements in a hotel lobby.

Hotel interior lighting and hotel outdoor lighting are equally as important, no matter what kind of property it is. When it comes to a boutique property, however, it becomes even more important, especially in terms of hotel mood lighting.

Below, you’ll find a few ideas for using LED hotel lighting to enhance the atmosphere:

  • ILLUMINATE A STAIRCASE. By lighting up the handrails, the walls next to the stairs or the steps themselves, these areas succeed in separating the day and nighttime areas of the property.
  • CREATE ZONED AREAS. In your boutique hotel, you have more than just sleeping areas. These types of hotels tend to zone areas to reflect dressing areas, reading areas, eating areas and so on.

You can layer lighting and give each zone a different level of brightness to suit the mood. LED reading lights, LED wall lights and LED downlights can all be used to achieve this effect.

  • STATEMENT LIGHTING. LED hotel lights in boutique hotels can be as decorative as they are functional. Statement ceiling lighting is a must in these trendy hotels.

When considering hotel foyer lighting or hotel entrance lighting, think about adding a large and dramatic pendant light to take up all of that empty space. This will also make a statement to guests as soon as they step into the space.

  • DEDICATE LIGHTING TO DIFFERENT EVENTS. If people intend to host weddings, conferences, birthday parties or other gatherings at your unique hotel, you should have lighting that accommodates all. Using various colour temperatures, dimmers and brightness levels, you can create unique, atmospheric spaces for all of the above and more.
  • PAY ATTENTION TO THE POOL. Using underwater lighting and wall lights, you can create an inviting and moody-looking space for night swimming.

As you design your lighting scheme, there are several considerations you’ll want to keep in mind.

Chief among them is the safety and security the lights can provide. As mentioned, having even, balanced lighting across the outdoor area will make guests feel more comfortable navigating your property at night.

Entryways, car parks and pathways especially deserve attention. Be sure that the lighting is uniform and does not create shadows. If you want to take it even further, you can install motion sensor lights around the property. These will ensure the lights are always on and ready when guests walk by them.

Keep in mind the ways that lighting can enhance the aesthetics and visual appeal of the hotel. Everything from small hotel terrace lighting to façade lighting plays a big role in the appearance of your space.

Use exterior lighting to highlight architectural elements and other features you want to draw the eye to. It is particularly useful for illuminating sculptures, unique landscape features and other areas that you want to turn into focal points.

Blending the lights into the existing environment can make it look seamless and stylish. Take care to install lighting that works in harmony with the landscape around it to avoid clashing appearances. Some lights, like pathway lights, can also double as a way to light up shrubs and trees nearby to further blend it all together.

Of course, you should keep in mind local lighting codes and regulations when planning your lighting. Be sure that you are in compliance with local safety codes, environmental standards and general lighting regulations. If you’re unsure what those are, it’s a good idea to check with local authorities.

Hotel outdoor lighting is too important not to give the proper attention to when planning the lighting on your property. As you sit down to sketch out your lighting plans, keep all of this information in mind to ensure you make the most well-informed choices to achieve the best results.

Guests want to feel secure and confident moving through the hallways in your hotel. Quality hotel hallway and corridor lighting is a must-have for a memorable guest experience.

Good lighting here will make it easy for guests to find their way to and from their rooms. It can also be used to enhance the sense of luxury while extending the atmosphere of the hotel throughout the entire property.

Placing wall sconces and downlights on the walls can create a sense of movement. Most importantly, doing so will keep the halls bright enough to see by, without being overwhelming in the middle of the night. Using lighted room numbers will assist with navigation while also offering a sense of opulence to the hallways.

Alongside our wide range of products, we offer bespoke hotel lighting to suit any hotel. We have a range of hotel room number options that can be custom-tailored to your property. Feel free to discuss any specific lighting requirements you may and let us bring your vision to life.

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