Go into any building and things may look a little different.
Well, not exactly. But that’s the point.
Replacing the traditional incandescent lightbulb, LED (light-emitting diodes) lights are the new standard for illuminating spaces. That’s because not only do they perform the same as the traditional incandescent light bulb, but they’re also energy efficient and easy to integrate into spaces.
LED lights integrated into casegoods keep hotel FF&E utility costs in check while easily providing a light source where guests need it most.
Hotel FF&E Costs + LED Lights = A Bright Idea for Your Bottom Line
There was a time when LED lights weren’t considered a worthwhile investment.
Around 2010, LED lighting technology for mass use was still new. Prices for LED lights were high, and efficient spiral light bulbs were the rage.
It took about 3 years for a single LED light to pay for itself in energy savings. In the hotel industry, the time for cost savings with LED lights was too long and not worth the headache of upgrading.
But times have changed.
Because of advances in technology, LED lights are now an investment you’ll see a return on in about 6 months. What’s more, the wide-spread adoption of LEDas a standard lighting source has driven their costs down to a comparable price point to traditional light bulbs.
So what does this mean for hotel owners, designers, and purchasers? Simply put, it means a cost-effective lighting solution for furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
How LED Lights Improve Hotel FF&E Cost Savings
Compared to traditional lighting sources often used in hotel FF&E, LEDs outshine their competition on several fronts, including:
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Energy efficiency & longevity
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Versatility
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Reducing environmental impact
1.Energy Efficiency & Longevity
LEDs are much more energy-efficient and long-lasting than incandescent and even fluorescent lighting. An LED uses up to 80% less energy to generate the same amount of light. LEDs also last at least 25,000 to 50,000 hours, where an incandescent bulb lasts 1,000 to 2,000 hours.
2. Versatility
Because the light produced by LEDs can be indistinguishable from that emitted by an incandescent bulb, LEDs can be used in old designs. An older-style piece can be updated with improved lighting without altering its appearance.
3. Reducing Environmental Impact
LED lighting is key to building a green profile. As reducing environmental impact is a key value for many guests, being able to point to significant energy savings at your hotel -- and, by extension, lower greenhouse gas emissions -- appeals to more and more potential guests.
Integrating Hotel LED Lights Into FF&E
Where are LED lights a good fit in hotels and their FF&E?
Virtually everywhere a hotel uses lighting, indoors and out. Ballrooms and bathrooms, lobbies and common areas, desks, cabinets and wardrobes, and even headboards are all candidates for LED lights.
Not only do LEDs help reduce electricity bills, but they also help an interior designer combine ambiance with utility:
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Adjustable room lighting to satisfy a guest’s every whim. Guests can alter LED light furniture’s color and intensity with a link to their tablet.
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Lighting that combines with architecture to create the most appealing, even artistic environment.
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Light bulbs that function in fixtures made from all types of materials.
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Alarm clocks that wake guests with changing light levels instead of that grating buzzer.
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Better security with well-lit halls, garages, and outdoor areas.
LEDs’ flexibility allows lighting to adapt to different preferences and requirements quickly and easily. Guests can find the right level and color of light for work, relaxation, and sleep with a simple adjustment.
Are There Drawbacks to Hotel LEDs?
Like any product, LEDs do have a shortfall.
When considering LEDs for your hotel, one thing that’s important to remember is that most hospitality FF&E companies can only install plug-in LEDs. They can’t hardwire lighting. You’ll need to work with a hospitality FF&E supplier that has the right installation capabilities to make your design happen.
Value Engineering for FF&E Cost Savings
Designing hotel casegoods that meet your needs and FF&E budget is easy with value engineering. Set up your free value engineering consultation today:
This article was originally published in 2018 and was recently updated to reflect industry trends.
