8 Foolproof Ideas for Your Small Salon Suite

Are you currently working out of a salon suite or a salon with a smaller space? Salon suites (aka mini suite salons or mini hair salons) are becoming even more popular as they offer stylists more convenience and flexibility, and more privacy for clients. Stylists also get the opportunity to turn a salon suite into their own little salon by decorating it and arranging it the way they want. 

There is no denying the many benefits of working in a salon suite, but when it comes to space, there can be a few drawbacks. As a stylist, there are many tools and pieces of high-quality salon equipment that you need in your space. But the average size of a salon suite is just 110 square feet! That’s why we have gathered some of our best advice and techniques to help you maximize the space in your small salon suite so you can keep growing! 

Salon Suite Must Haves

Let’s start by identifying the essential pieces of equipment and other necessities you will need to keep in your salon suite so that you can identify how to arrange your space. Some salon suites are fully furnished and move-in ready, while others are completely bare. If you’re shopping for salon furniture, use Minerva Beauty’s 2D Design Tool to lay out your salon suite space. You can also check out four sample salon suite floor plans with design tips.

Salon Chair – Every salon — big and small — needs a modern salon chair. While a quality styling chair is a non-negotiable essential, there will be many other ways to maximize your space, and your salon chair will play a huge role in that. Consider choosing a salon chair with open space under the armrests to keep the space airy. You’ll want a styling chair with an overall footprint suitable for your suite that can still accommodate a variety of body sizes, so keep that in mind as well while shopping.

Shampoo Bowl – If you’re working in a salon suite, think about how you want your shampoo area set up. Some salon suite renters will utilize an all-purpose salon chair that reclines (instead of traditional styling chair) so they can recline right into a standalone shampoo bowl. Others will still have a separate shampoo shuttle that can be used as a sidewash, since there is a good chance that you won’t have room for a separate shampoo and wash station. However, there are some backwash shampoo bowls compact enough to work for a small salon suite.

Salon Station – Even though you will be in a suite, it’s important to have your very own salon station. This will obviously be a great place to keep your essential salon supplies, as well as store personal belongings and other necessities. A salon station may seem like a substantial piece of furniture for a small suite, but as you’ll see there are ways to use your salon station to boost your space’s potential. Learn more about choosing the best styling station for your salon suite or studio.

Shop Minerva Beauty’s High-Quality Salon Stations

White and light neutral shades give the illusion of a bigger space.

How to Maximize & Organize a Small Salon Space

Now, let’s talk about how to take advantage of the space you have to work with while making your salon suite look great! 

Use Salon Stations for Storage – For your small salon or salon suite, invest in salon stations with plenty of storage so you don’t need to crowd your space with additional storage furniture, which can take up a lot of space. A salon station with a countertop can also double as a color mixing area.

Leverage Vertical Space – If you need even more storage, you can use retail shelves to highlight products or to neatly stack towels and other items. Shelves are great because they save you space and they also look nice. If you’re installing wall-hung cabinets, place decorations or additional (neatly organized) supplies on top.

Use Mobile Processors & Hooded Dryers – Mobile processors and hooded dryers can be a great way to maximize space in your salon. Your clients can remain in the styling chair for the duration of their services, and wheeled equipment can easily be stored out of the way when not in use.

Get a Great Salon Trolley or Cart – If space is limited in your salon suite, you may want to invest in a salon cart or trolley that can serve as a portable place that holds your essential supplies, but also allows you to mix colors and handle other tasks.

Our buying guide will help you quickly find the best salon trolley, cart or tray for your small salon suite. We have plenty of compact and collapsible options with a small footprint.

Shop Minerva Beauty’s Mobile Salon Stations

Wall-hung decor & organizers preserve valuable floor space

How to Make a Salon Suite Look Bigger 

You have everything you need in your salon to do an excellent job. Now it’s time to decorate and give the illusion that your mini salon is roomier than it actually is! 

Add Mirrors – Looking for an instant way to make your space feel larger? Add salon mirrors! Mirrors not only give your suite a more spacious feel, but they lend themselves well to a salon since clients always want a mirror in front of them. Similarly, choosing shiny or reflective materials for salon equipment (chrome, lucite, lacquer, etc) helps spread light to create a more open feel.

Whiten and brighten – White walls not only help reflect light, they can make a room look larger. And making your salon suite’s walls and ceiling the same shade of white makes the ceiling look higher. Plus, a white background will help your unique decor and styling accents pop.

Natural Light – If possible, choose a salon suite that has a lot of natural light. Keeping the windows open and allowing light in will breathe new life into the space and make it appear larger. When natural light isn’t an option, there are still ways to brighten up a small space. Slim, flexible LED lamps let you direct light where you need it most, and LED mirrors add extra light without taking up any extra space. 

Use Minimal Decor – It’s important for your salon suite to represent your personality and style with decor. However, when you are working with a small space, it can be hard to decorate. We advise sticking to minimal decorations — especially ones that take up valuable floor space. Instead, stick to things that hang on the walls or cool neon signs with your salon’s name. You can still make a bold statement—the key is editing: one extra-large piece of wall art will make your salon suite look bigger than several smaller pieces.

 

Don’t you feel like you have more space already? Implement these techniques to open your salon suite up and make it feel more spacious!

Keep reading: Small spaces can still make a big statement! Learn how to create the perfect statement wall for your salon.