Quick answer: To furnish a boutique hotel, work through a supplier checklist before you order: trade pricing, lead time per brand, fire-safety documentation for contract use, samples, delivery and consolidation, and returns terms for made-to-order pieces. Araco Interiors is a UK online supplier of luxury furniture and lighting for hospitality, with its own Araco Lumière alabaster lighting and Araco Atelier upholstery, plus CTO Lighting, Tommy Franks and Lladró, with free UK delivery and trade support through Trade & Projects.
A boutique hotel lives or dies on atmosphere, but the furniture and lighting behind that atmosphere have to survive constant use, arrive on a fixed opening programme and pass the operator's compliance checks. This checklist sets out the questions to ask every supplier before you commit — and how we answer them at Araco.
1. Brief and budget
- List every space: guest rooms by type, suites, bathrooms, corridors, reception, lobby, bar, restaurant and any meeting rooms.
- Set a furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) budget per room type, and keep a contingency for replacements and late changes.
- Decide which pieces are "hero" items guests will photograph — usually lobby lighting, the bar and the suite — and spend there first.
2. Supplier checklist
| Question to ask | Why it matters | Araco's answer |
|---|---|---|
| Do you offer trade pricing? | Protects the FF&E budget across many rooms | Yes — apply through Trade & Projects |
| What is the lead time for each brand? | Drives the ordering sequence against the opening date | In-stock Tommy Franks: 3–5 working days. Lladró: approximately 2 weeks. Araco Lumière: approximately 6–8 weeks. Araco Atelier: approximately 8–12 weeks. CTO Lighting: made to order, confirmed after ordering |
| Is the upholstery suitable for contract use? | Commercial interiors usually need different fire-safety evidence from domestic furniture | Tell us the use and hazard level before ordering and we will confirm what documentation is available for each piece |
| Can we see samples? | Colour and texture must match across rooms and under hotel lighting | Yes — samples are free; request a sample |
| How is delivery charged? | Delivery across many rooms adds up | Free UK delivery with no minimum spend on every brand except Tala |
| What are the returns terms? | Made-to-order pieces are often non-returnable | Free 30-day returns on eligible items; made-to-measure, personalised or clearly customised items may have limited cancellation and return rights unless faulty |
| Who is our point of contact? | Questions on a live project need a fast answer | trade@aracointeriors.com · 020 4524 7265 |
3. Fire safety and compliance
Domestic upholstery sold under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations is not automatically suitable for a hotel. Commercial and contract settings are normally assessed against contract standards such as BS 7176, depending on the hazard level of the space. Agree the requirement with the operator or fire consultant early, and ask every supplier for evidence before you order. For lighting, check the IP rating for bathrooms and any outdoor terraces, and confirm dimming compatibility with the hotel's lighting control system.
4. Furniture by space
- Guest rooms: a lounge chair or armchair, a bedside table each side and an end-of-bed bench for luggage.
- Suites: a 2- or 3-seater sofa and a coffee table — see bouclé furniture for texture.
- Bar and restaurant: bar stools, dining tables and occasional armchairs for lounge areas.
- Reception and lobby: a statement sofa or pair of armchairs and a sideboard or console.
5. Lighting by space
- Lobby and stairwell: a statement chandelier such as the CTO Lighting Avalon or Cascata Long, or an Araco Lumière Eclipse alabaster chandelier.
- Guest rooms: alabaster wall lights such as the Evara or Ray give soft, glare-free bedside light; add table lamps for reading.
- Bathrooms: mirror lights — check the IP rating for the zone.
- Bar and restaurant: clustered pendant lights over tables and the bar counter.
Our boutique hotel lighting guide goes room by room, and our sample specification for boutique hotel lighting shows how a scheme can be put together with CTO Lighting.
6. Sequencing and delivery
- Order the longest-lead items first — made-to-order lighting and upholstery.
- Approve samples before placing made-to-order items, because customised pieces may not be returnable.
- Confirm delivery access, lift sizes and parking with the site before delivery.
- Schedule lighting installation by a qualified electrician after decoration and before soft furnishings.
- Keep a snagging list and order replacement items early.
For more detail, read furniture procurement for developers and hospitality projects and the hospitality furniture and lighting sourcing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy furniture and lighting for a boutique hotel in the UK?
Araco Interiors supplies luxury furniture and lighting for hospitality projects online, with free UK delivery and trade pricing. See Furniture & Lighting for Hotels and Hospitality.
What lead times should I plan for?
At Araco: in-stock Tommy Franks 3–5 working days; Lladró approximately 2 weeks; Araco Lumière approximately 6–8 weeks; Araco Atelier approximately 8–12 weeks; CTO Lighting is made to order with the lead time confirmed after ordering.
Is domestic furniture suitable for a hotel?
Not automatically. Hotels usually need contract-grade fire-safety evidence. Confirm the requirement with your fire consultant and ask the supplier for documentation before ordering.
Does Araco work with interior designers on hotel projects?
Yes. Araco is a BIID Industry Partner and supports interior designers, architects and hospitality buyers through Trade & Projects.
Planning a boutique hotel? Send your room schedule and opening date to trade@aracointeriors.com or call 020 4524 7265 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm), and we will confirm availability, lead times and documentation for every piece.