Hotel Lighting Design Tips (Part 2): Creative Lighting & Cool Pro Tricks

Hey friend, if a hotel’s already nailed the basic lighting (you know, the kind that just makes you go “ah, this feels nice”), sprucing it up with some creativity is how you make the lights stick in people’s minds. Let me share some hacks that’ll make the hotel’s lighting look awesome and feel totally one-of-a-kind—trust me, they work!

Windows and skylights? Total game-changers. Grab some thin curtains so the sun can filter through easily—no heavy drapes blocking that nice glow. The room’ll feel bright and cozy, and guests will instantly be in a better mood.

If you want the restaurant or lobby to feel more upscale, throw in a nice chandelier. Just make sure it matches the hotel’s style! Like, European-style spots look great with crystal chandeliers, and modern hotels? Go for sleek metal ones. It’ll add that “wow, this is elegant” feel right away.

Stick a floor lamp next to sofas or armchairs—warm light is a must, and pick one you can dim. Guests can sit there to read or chat, and it’ll feel so snug, they’ll never want to leave that corner.

To give the place its own vibe, grab some unique decorative lights. Like, a weirdly cool-shaped chandelier in the lobby, or tiny colored glass lamps in the restaurant—guests will see that and go, “This hotel’s got real character.”

Chef’s kiss Install those mirrors with lights built-in—they’re so useful! The light’s even and not harsh, so guests can do makeup or shave without squinting. Plus, it makes the bathroom look super modern.

Tuck LED strips under cabinets or along baseboards—cool white light is perfect here. It’s soft, not too noticeable, but it’ll make the space feel way more contemporary. Little touches like this go a long way!

Put table lamps on bedside tables and desks—warm light, and make sure they’re dimmable. Guests can read before bed without the light being too bright (no ruining their sleep!), and it feels like a little “we get you” moment.

Stick lights at the bottom of walls or pillars, so the light shines up. It’ll cast shadows on the ceiling and walls, and suddenly the space feels like it has that “theatrical” edge—super cool.

Use lamps that make fun shadows, like wall sconces with patterns. They’ll throw pretty designs on the walls or ceiling, and the space will instantly feel more layered (not just flat and boring).

Use projectors on the hotel’s exterior or courtyard walls! At night, blast stuff like starry skies or moving patterns—guests will see that and be like, “Whoa, that’s insane.” Total wow factor.

Get lamps made just for the hotel! Like, work the logo into the design, or make ones that fit the hotel’s theme (think beachy lamps for a coastal spot). Guests will see it and go, “Oh right, this is that hotel”—super memorable.

Pop a light-based sculpture or installation in the lobby or banquet hall—something like a glowing glass or metal piece. It’ll be the first thing guests notice, and it’ll make the space feel fancy and unique.

Don’t just use one type of light! In guest rooms, mix recessed ceiling lights, bedside wall sconces, and desk lamps. It’ll be bright where you need it, and have that cozy depth—guests will be comfortable no matter what they’re doing.