Hotel furniture can vary widely from sturdy metal outdoor tables and chairs for balconies and terraces, to sumptuous leather and upholstered sofas and armchairs for lobby areas and lounges.
And while trends come and go, it seems that hotel furniture that conveys Britain's heritage to a high standard could currently be the way to keep international tourists happy.
Equipping your rooms and communal areas with luxurious, classically styled hotel furniture means more than just conforming with the British stereotype - and should not be dismissed as being 'quaint' or 'twee'.
That is because, according to tourism agency VisitBritain, the built heritage of the UK remains a major priority, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Of all international visits to the UK, nearly 30% include a trip to a location considered part of the country's heritage - including stately homes and castles.
This contributes an estimated £6.5 billion to the national economy each year, a figure that hotel operators might reasonably want to take a share of.
What's more, the trend is being intensified by the global success of series like Downton Abbey, which are a reminder to international viewers of the UK's more recent heritage - the current series is set during the interwar period in the first half of the 20th century.
Joss Croft, marketing director at VisitBritain, says: "Britain's built heritage is a fantastic asset and one of the key strengths of our visitor experience.
"As we look to entice 40 million overseas visitors a year by 2020, we will be increasing our promotional activity in key markets around the world by using images that highlight the mystical charm of castles and romantic appeal of historic houses."
The potential benefits for hoteliers are obvious; in August, the greatest number of visitors ever recorded to English Heritage sites, more than 1,066,000, was seen.
And growing this figure still further could also benefit other business owners in tourism-related disciplines, such as those who operate traditional English tea rooms.
With this in mind, it might be worth considering cafe furniture that cashes in on the UK's history and heritage, rather than being tempted to opt for something that too closely resembles what you might find on the continent.