Choosing the right hotel furniture is a critical decision for owners like yourself… one that can significantly impact the overall ambience, guest experience, and even the long-term success of your hotel.
However, selecting the right furniture for your hotel is easier said than done. There are various factors to consider, from budget constraints to style choices… and with so many options out there, it can be challenging to determine which would be best for your business.
Whether you’re refurbishing an existing space or planning to open your own retreat soon, here are the top tips to consider when choosing hotel furniture.
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In commercial spaces, hotels more than some, furniture is subject to constant use and put through its paces. So, as you may have figured, durability is a top priority. The guest rooms, lobbies, restaurants, and conference rooms are particularly prone to wear and tear, so investing in pieces designed specifically for commercial use is a no-brainer.
High-quality, commercial-grade furniture is typically built to withstand heavy usage, being more resilient to scratches, stains, and general wear than your typical residential counterparts.
Tables and chairs in hotel bars and restaurants, for example, should be resistant to spills, while sofas and beds in guest rooms should be able to endure frequent use without losing their comfort.
When in doubt, durable materials like hardwood, metal, or high-quality upholstery will no doubt extend the life of your furniture.
When choosing hotel furnishings, you’ll no doubt be faced with the decision between bespoke (custom-made) and ready-made (mass-produced) options. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends largely on your hotel’s specific needs, budget, and timeframe.
Custom-made furniture offers the unique advantage of being tailored to your hotel’s design and space. This ensures a distinctive look that aligns perfectly with your brand identity and stands out from the competition. That being said, bespoke pieces can be more expensive and may have longer lead times.
Now, as for ready-made furniture, this option is slightly more budget-friendly and can be quickly acquired, making it a practical choice for hotels with tighter deadlines. The downside is that ready-made options may lack the uniqueness and perfect fit that bespoke furniture offers. However, with a careful selection, you can still find high-quality, stylish pieces that enhance your hotel’s decor… it just might take a little more effort.
If budget allows, you could always consider a mix of both bespoke and ready-made furniture. For example, you could opt for bespoke pieces in high-visibility areas like the lobby and ready-made items in guest rooms.
Sure, functionality, durability and comfort are important, but so too is style. After all, you wouldn’t find a pink, floral sofa in the middle of a high-end hotel with a modern design. Why? Because it would look out of place and detract from the hotel’s image.
Here’s another example – a boutique hotel with a quirky, eclectic vibe, but furnished with generic, mass-produced pieces. See how this venue would quickly lose its charm?
When choosing furniture, consider the theme and style of your hotel. Is it modern, traditional, rustic, or perhaps something more niche? Make sure your furniture choices align with this theme, not just in terms of appearance but also in terms of material and construction. For example, a hotel with a rustic theme might favour furniture made from reclaimed wood and wrought iron, while a modern hotel might opt for sleek, minimalist designs in glass and steel.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing hotel furnishings is the layout of the space and the size of the fittings. The right furniture should not only fit the space aesthetically but also functionally, ensuring that it contributes to an open, welcoming environment without causing congestion or discomfort.
For instance, the lobby furniture should be inviting and comfortable, but also arranged in a way that allows for easy movement and clear sightlines. Oversized sofas and bulky chairs can make the space feel cramped, while smaller, well-proportioned pieces can create a sense of openness.
Our expert advice? Consider hiring a professional to measure your spaces and help visualize how different pieces will fit before making a purchase. Professionals can provide scale drawings or use virtual room planning tools to ensure that the furniture fits perfectly and complements the space.
Consistency in design across your hotel’s various spaces – guest rooms, lobby, restaurant, and more – is quite crucial. You want to create a cohesive brand identity, after all.
While each area may serve a different function and therefore require different furniture, the overall aesthetic should be harmonious. For example, if your lobby features modern, minimalist furniture, it would be jarring for guests to enter a guest room that is decorated in a traditional, ornate style.
This inconsistency can disrupt the guest experience and dilute your hotel’s brand image. Instead, aim for a consistent theme or colour palette that ties all areas together while allowing for functional differences.
While style and durability are important, comfort should never be overlooked when choosing hotel furnishings. Uncomfortable furniture can leave a lasting negative impression on guests, regardless of how stylish or well-made it is.
When selecting seating, for example, consider not just the look but also the ergonomic support it offers. Chairs in dining areas should encourage proper posture while being comfortable enough to enjoy a leisurely meal. Sofas and lounge chairs in common areas should invite guests to relax, while beds in guest rooms must provide a restful night’s sleep, and so on.
Opting for eco-friendly furniture can not only reduce your hotel’s environmental impact but also appeal to environmentally-conscious travellers.
Look for furniture made from sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, or recycled metals. Additionally, consider furniture that’s produced using environmentally friendly processes, such as low-emission manufacturing techniques or non-toxic finishes.
Some manufacturers, like Style Matters, also offer furniture certified by sustainability standards like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or GREENGUARD, which can add to your hotel’s green credentials.
While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest furniture available, it’s important to consider the long-term cost-benefit ratio. Cheaper furniture may save money upfront, but if it wears out quickly or doesn’t meet the needs of your guests, it could end up costing more in the long run due to frequent replacements or repairs.
On the other hand, investing in high-quality, durable furniture can pay off over time. Not only will it last longer, but it can also enhance the guest experience, leading to higher satisfaction rates, better reviews, and ultimately, increased revenue.
Here at Style Matters, we take great pride in our meticulously crafted projects, and we invite you to browse our portfolio for yourself.
Whether you’d like to place an order or need some advice, our team is always happy to help. You can get in touch by using our online contact form or giving us a call on 01565740342.
Style Matters
Pickmere Lane,
Pickmere, Knutsford
WA16 0JJ
