On a small island in the middle of Copenhagen’s harbor—the new home of the 25hours Hotel Paper Island—urban harbor flair meets the relaxed character of a Scandinavian summer house. This is where Louis Poulsen’s lighting concept becomes central. Light is not merely functional; it is a defining design element that shapes the hotel’s atmosphere from the moment guests arrive.
The interior design by the Swedish agency Stylt evokes the feeling of a Nordic holiday home: natural materials, warm wood paneling, muted colors, and wide water views create a sense of calm and invitation. Within this setting, lighting plays an essential role. Carefully selected luminaires bring character, direction, and emotional depth to every room, subtly guiding guests through the building while reinforcing its architectural identity.
Louis Poulsen’s contributions include iconic designs such as the PH Artichoke, as well as contemporary series like VL 38 and VL Studio. In addition, several customized versions were created specifically for the project. Each luminaire has been chosen for its ability to highlight spatial qualities, support the interior narrative, and connect the building’s modern design with the maritime surroundings and the island’s industrial history.
In the reception area, the lighting helps shape an atmosphere that blends cozy harbor-shop charm with a more urban sensibility. Here, light creates orientation while simultaneously contributing warmth and intimacy. In the guest rooms—envisioned as small retreats within the bustle of the harbor—lighting is designed to support relaxation. Soft, warm tones and unobtrusive luminaires underline the peacefulness of the interiors without dominating them. The result is a lighting environment that feels natural, balanced, and in harmony with both the architecture and the waterfront location.
What stands out is Louis Poulsen’s highly individual approach. Rather than offering a standard lighting package, the company developed tailored solutions, collaborating closely with the designers to position each luminaire for maximum spatial impact. Special finishes, bespoke adjustments, and site-specific planning ensure that the lighting supports not only visual comfort but also the hotel’s unique identity.
For guests, this means that light becomes part of the storytelling. Upon entering the hotel, they experience not only a physical arrival but also an atmosphere shaped by illumination that evokes the sea, the surrounding city, and the sense of retreat that Paper Island represents. The lighting concept communicates the duality of the location: at once urban and tranquil, industrial and warm, grounded yet open to the horizon.
Those who pay attention will notice how design, architecture, and lighting interact like elements of a carefully orchestrated composition. The project reflects Louis Poulsen’s broader philosophy: luminaires are not just sources of illumination but essential components of atmosphere and experience. At the 25hours Hotel Paper Island, this philosophy unfolds on an impressive scale, demonstrating how light can define a space and shape the way it is perceived and remembered.
For guidance on creating your own lighting concept or for support with planning, samples, or light calculations, contact the experts at Louis Poulsen at +44 2038683787 or [email protected].
