Display cabinet in the hotel lobby: showing in-house and regional items
In the lobby, guests wait for check-in, for companions or for a taxi. A display cabinet uses these minutes to show what characterises the hotel and the region: its own products, craft from the surrounding area or pieces from the history of the hotel. This applies to a small country hotel just as much as to a larger hotel in the city, where the lobby is both a meeting point and a thoroughfare.So that the presentation looks well kept and causes little effort in daily operation, location, contents, lighting and responsibility should be defined in advance.
The right location in the lobby
A display cabinet is noticed where guests stop: near the reception desk, by the lift or next to the seating group. It must not obstruct walkways and luggage trolleys; a clear passage of about 120 centimetres is generally advisable. Direct sunlight is unfavourable because it fades labels and textiles and causes reflections on the glass. Tall models should be secured to the wall. In the Display cabinets section you will find versions with one or several glass sides, depending on whether the piece stands against the wall or freely in the room.
Selecting in-house and regional items
Suitable items are those with a connection to the hotel: products from its own kitchen, wine from a nearby estate, ceramics, textiles or books from the region, along with historical photographs or old hotel silver. A sparing arrangement provides clarity. A few pieces per shelf with sufficient space between them are enough. Food should be long-lasting and sealed; perishable goods do not belong in an illuminated display cabinet. Small cards stating the origin and noting that items are sold at reception answer the most frequent questions from guests.
Lighting, glass and security
Integrated LED lighting produces little heat and keeps the items visible in the evening as well. Warm white light generally suits wood and gold, as they characterise baroque furniture. Glass shelves let light pass through to the bottom but carry only limited loads; heavy bottles are better placed on the lowest shelf. A lock is advisable in publicly accessible areas. Very valuable individual pieces should only be displayed if the lobby is staffed at all times and the insurance covers this.
Upkeep and changing the presentation
A display cabinet only has an effect if it is well maintained. Define who cleans the glass, removes dust and checks the contents. Fingerprints appear mainly at hand height and should be removed daily. Changing the contents according to season or occasion gives returning guests a reason to look again. Keep a small stock for sale at reception so that the display pieces can remain in the cabinet. In this way the presentation stays complete, and the effort for staff remains manageable.
Also of interest: Console tables, Decoration, Mirrors. The full range: Baroque furniture.
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