Choosing the right hotel furniture can be a challenge for hospitality operators - you want to cater for a wide range of customers, while maximising your revenue from your rooms and creating an attractive and relaxing interior design scheme.
However, the solution could be an 'a la carte' approach to hotel furniture, as suggested by Basque research organisation Elhuyar Fundazioa.
Researchers at the foundation have been looking at ways to put the interior environment of hotel rooms in the hands of occupants - not for frivolous reasons, but to allow them to adjust it to their specific needs.
For instance, rather than fixed handrails alongside baths and toilets, the researchers suggest retractable rails that disappear into the walls if they are not needed by occupants.
Ergonomic and accessible hotel furniture is suggested as a feature of every room - including wardrobes, beds, bedside tables and desks as standard.
Meanwhile, tablet computers can be used to control the room's movable furnishings, automating the process of closing curtains or blinds and switching off the lights at night.
The proposals are part of a commitment not just to improving the experience of all guests, but also to catering for those with disabilities - with optional lights for deaf occupants, extra bells and alarms for blind individuals, and so on - without having to permanently tailor the room for that kind of customer.