Trade · 7 min read

Framing Art for a Hotel: A Guide for Owners, Operators and Designers

By the Lumber Frames studio ·

In short

Plan hotel art by room type, not piece by piece: fix a framing specification per area, choose durable glazing and security hanging, approve samples and proofs, label every piece by room and wall, and schedule production and phased installation against the opening or refurbishment programme.

A hotel may need hundreds of framed pieces that must look consistent, survive heavy use and arrive on time. The projects that go smoothly all follow the same logic.

1. Start with a schedule, not a shopping list

List every location — guest room types, corridors, lift lobbies, lobby, F&B and back-of-house — with quantities and wall sizes. This schedule becomes the basis for specification, pricing, production and installation.

2. Fix a specification per area

For each area agree the moulding, mount, glazing and hanging method. Repeating a small number of specifications keeps the look consistent and makes future replacements simple.

3. Choose materials for the environment

  • Glazing: shatter-resistant acrylic in guest rooms and public areas; UV-filtering or anti-reflective options where light is strong.
  • Hanging: security fixings that deter removal and keep frames level after cleaning.
  • Wet areas: avoid paper works in bathrooms and spas unless the frame and placement are chosen for humidity.

4. Approve samples and proofs

Before the run, sign off a corner sample of each moulding, mount colours and a printed proof of reproduced artwork. It is the single best protection against costly surprises.

5. Label for site

Every piece should be tagged with its room or elevation reference. Installers then hang the right work in the right place without guesswork — and snagging is quick.

6. Schedule around operations

For new builds, align production with the fit-out programme so art arrives when walls are finished. For operating hotels, phase installation floor by floor and outside peak hours.

7. Plan for replacements

Keep the specification on file. When a frame is damaged, an identical replacement can be produced without re-designing anything.

Lumber Frames delivers hotel framing projects from our Dubai studio — sourcing, printing, framing, labelling and installation — quoted per project with no minimum order.

Questions

How far ahead should art be ordered for a hotel opening?

As early as the room schedule is fixed. Allow time for sample and proof approvals before production, and align delivery with the fit-out programme. Share your dates and we will plan production against them.

Is acrylic or glass better for hotel rooms?

Acrylic is usually preferred in guest rooms and public areas because it is lighter and shatter-resistant; UV-filtering and anti-reflective acrylics are available.

Can you produce replacement frames later?

Yes. With the original specification on file, replacements can be produced to match.

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