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How to create a lounge area in a hotel for easygoing, top-rated stays

Want a hotel lounge to greet your guests with a contemporary, casual welcome? Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up a lounge area with thoughtful “we’re happy you’re here” details for satisfied guests and enjoyable experiences.

Seating groups with dark grey VEDBO armchairs and red modular sofas are in the middle of a light-filled, modern hotel lounge.
Seating groups with dark grey VEDBO armchairs and red modular sofas are in the middle of a light-filled, modern hotel lounge.

Plan the flow to put guests in the know

Furniture choice and placement in a hotel lounge impacts how guests move, act and feel. 

Spatial flow
Consider literal and visual barriers, obstacles and opportunities. Work around and with existing architecture. Be sure there’s corridor width between walls, dividers and furniture so that guests can cross paths.

Social flow
Think about how people gather for different activities while defining what you want guests to do – or not. Are small side tables enough? Maybe bar tables are better? Heavy, sturdy pieces won’t likely be rearranged, but lightweight ones signal freedom to be moved around.

Emotional flow
Make everything easy and quick to understand. Repeat furniture arrangements for an organized, tidy vibe. Reflect on the effects and combinations of shapes and dimensions. Low furniture can feel laid-back or unsupportive. Tall furniture may feel private or intimidating. 

An aerial view of a hotel lobby with two seating areas defined by red LILLEHEM modular sofas and grey armchairs on big rugs.

Reassure guests they’re in helpful hands

Create a sense of trust, inclusion and care. At the reception desk, use task lighting and decorations for a pleasant, professional first impression. Have space to store guests’ coats and small bags. Be sure there’s clear signage and tourist info to easily guide people within the hotel and around town.

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Two white glass/nickel-plated JÄRPLIDEN pendant lamps hang above a beige stone reception desk in a modern hotel lobby.
Two white BILLY bookcases filled with tourist brochures and magazines frame a mirror next to an elevator in a hotel lobby.
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Surround guests with a soft, inviting sense of calm

Bring in soothing references to nature. Plants and flowers add lush luxury. Organic shapes – round, curvy, wavy – and natural materials – wood, cotton, linen – ease straight lines and cold materials. Diverse seating and extra cushions ensure there’s a welcoming, just-right chair for everyone (even Goldilocks).

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A dark grey VEDBO armchair with birch legs is at the back of a red sofa that faces a manned hotel reception desk.
Two modern, dark grey BINGSTA high-back armchairs slightly face each other in a nook-like area within a light-filled lounge.
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Empower guests with home-like amenities

Set up a thoughtful “living room” for seamless stays. Offer a battery-charging zone – high tables with built-in cable management by a self-serve refreshment area. Share must-knows about wifi and breakfast on noticeboards like MITTZON frames with castors. Or use the frames as makeshift room dividers/botanical backdrops.

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Two people are by a birch veneer/white MITTZON conference table at a big window. One person is seated and opening a laptop.
Events and info are pinned to the acoustic screen of a MITTZON frame with castors that is behind sofa seating in a lounge.
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Before you buy

  • These solutions contain a mix of articles developed for domestic and non-domestic use. Please verify that your purchases are compliant and suitable for the intended use in your area. Contact IKEA for Business for more information about the range.
  • Products purchased are intended exclusively for business purposes and not for resale. IKEA for Business accounts may under no circumstances be used for reselling of IKEA products or services to third parties. IKEA product warranties apply to the purchaser and cannot be transferred. See IKEA for Business terms for more details.

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An outdoor lounge area with a two-seat SEGERÖN outdoor sofa and extra cushions. Near it are a cafe table and a coffee table.
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