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How to design a hotel room for day and night in 5 easy steps

Are you looking for interior design inspiration for your hotel? These smart and straightforward pro tips will help you create rooms that combine functionality with a great look. Dive into our checklist for giving your guests a warmer welcome, better sleep, a productive daytime experience, and a more pleasant stay overall.

A hotel room with a green front door, a SAGESUND upholstered bed, a bedside table, a PAX wardrobe and a slim desk.
A hotel room with a green front door, a SAGESUND upholstered bed, a bedside table, a PAX wardrobe and a slim desk.

1. Control light, sound, and air quality from morning to lights out

Silence, darkness, a comfy bed, and clean air are crucial for waking up rested and refreshed. Thin, white curtains provide daytime privacy and anti-glare for screens, while room darkening curtains keep sound and light out. The bed is dressed with soft cotton/viscose bedding that stays fresh day and night.

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A white FÖRNUFTIG air purifier stands on the floor next to a TONSTAD bedside table in oak veneer in a hotel room.
A hotel room window with a pair of thin, white HILJA curtains and yellow-beige ROSENMANDEL room darkening curtains.
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2. Choose storage that works around the clock

From outfits and shoes for different activities to toiletries, tech, souvenirs, and bags – a spacious PAX wardrobe can be personalized with different interiors that keep all your guests’ belongings organized and tidy. Plus, they will appreciate finding extra bed linen, towels, and clothes-care accessories inside.

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Drawers and shelves with a FJÄLLARNIKA all seasons duvet, VÅGSJÖN bath towels and a safe inside a PAX wardrobe.
A hotel room with a PAX wardrobe with drawers, hangers, shelves and storage space for an iron and an ironing board.
See the PAX system

3. Go for flexible lighting, from dawn to dusk

Change the mood from nighttime relaxation to daytime productivity with this affordable STYRBAR remote control. With just a click, your guests can dim, switch on and off, and regulate multiple light sources. And who wouldn’t be happy to find wireless chargers and USB cables neatly tucked inside the desk?

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A hotel room wall with a white STYRBAR remote control and explanatory texts and symbols around it.
A TONSTAD desk in oak veneer with a drawer open. There are wireless chargers, USB cables and a note inside.
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Tiny details that show you care

Framed feel-good images. A super-soft bedspread for chilly nights. And of course a Bluetooth speaker that’s easy to connect to. Small, thoughtful things that make sure your guests feel cared for.

4. Curate a minibar with refreshments for all hours

Boost the hotel atmosphere by welcoming your guests with some refreshments. Put together a small minibar with instant coffee, tea bags, still and sparkling bottled water, juice, mugs, glasses, some sweets or snacks, and an inviting message – a simple gesture that goes a long way.

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Two clear glass IKEA 365+ carafes with stoppers, white mugs, glasses and a candy bowl on a cutting board on EKET cabinets.
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5. Opt for lighting that’s functional twenty-four seven

Create a lighting layout by defining room areas based on activities. Then, select dimmable general, task, accent, and mood lighting for each activity. Easy-reach bedside lamps are good for reading, relaxing, and helping your guests find the bathroom in the wee hours of the night.

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Several dimmable white LED kitchen worktop lighting strips are mounted on ceiling beams in a houseboat hotel.
A hotel room with a TONSTAD bedside table in oak veneer with a VIRRMO work lamp and a green, digital BONDTOLVAN alarm clock.
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Need a new hotel room lighting setup?

From desk lamps in different styles to cozy lighting strips and LED light bulbs, we have every type of light source you may need.

Before you buy

The product(s) referenced in these pages may contain a mix of products developed for commercial and residential use. Please verify individual certifications and related tests for each desired product and exercise discretion with respect to which products are safe and suitable for any intended use before purchasing. Contact IKEA for Business at 1-888-888-4532 for more information about the range.

Looking for more tips for your business?

A tiled storage room with two black BROR shelving units. All shelves are filled with large wooden and plastic storage boxes.
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