Hotel lighting and the eternal dilemma: modern or classic lamps?

Hotel lighting is not just a matter of aesthetics or technical specifications. It is one of the key tools in shaping the atmosphere, mood, and perception of the object itself.

Namely, light is the first thing a guest unconsciously senses upon entering a space. A warm-lit lobby creates a sense of welcome and security, while discreet, ambient lighting in rooms encourages relaxation and a sense of privacy. Classic lamps, especially models with textile lampshades, brass bases or crystal details, are often used in luxury hotels, villas or heritage properties where the emphasis is on sophistication and authenticity.

Event hall at Almanac Hotel

Take, for example, the classic hotel located in the center of Vienna, the Almanac. Its rooms are dominated by high ceilings, wooden floors, and richly upholstered furniture. The lighting for each room has been carefully selected to match the historical context. E.g. In the Heritage Room, hanging chandeliers with crystal elements and wall lamps with pleated shades not only illuminate the space but also directly communicate the historical depth and character of the location. Here, the lamps are not decoration – they are an extension of the narrative of the space.

A modern approach to lighting design

In contrast, many contemporary hotels focus on functionality, simplicity, and technological innovation. In the modern context, hotel lighting is increasingly based on sustainability, smart control, and adaptability to the diverse needs of guests. Dimmable LED lights, sensors that automatically turn on the light when entering the room, and dynamic systems that follow the rhythm of the day – all these are elements that define newer approaches to lighting design.

One of the apartments at Zoku Hotel

An example of this practice can be seen in a hotel chain that specifically attracts digital nomads and business travelers, such as the Scandinavian hotel Zoku in Copenhagen. The lighting fixtures are designed with a minimalist approach: wall lamps in neutral colors, hidden LED strips in work niches, and lighting with automatic color temperature regulation that adjusts according to the time of day. The goal of such a concept is to provide guests with maximum functionality without unnecessary visual “noise”.

A balance between aesthetics and functionality

Ultimately, the best lighting for a hotel lies at the intersection of aesthetics and functionality. More and more projects are combining classic shapes with modern technologies – for example, floor lamps inspired by art deco design, but with integrated LED sources and USB charging ports. Such hybrid models allow hotels to simultaneously pay tribute to tradition and meet the expectations of modern guests.

The Villa Bordoni hotel in Tuscany, housed in a former country villa, takes this approach. The common areas retain rustic elements such as stone walls and wooden beams, while the lighting is done using discreet LED spotlights combined with restored vintage chandeliers. The rooms, on the other hand, have classic-shaped bedside lamps, but with touch sensors and the ability to adjust the brightness. This approach shows that hotel lighting does not have to choose between the past and the future – it can carry both worlds.