How to Choose Furniture for Your Salon

How to Choose the Right Salon Stools

When choosing salon stools, it’s essential to focus on both comfort and functionality. Consider the design, features, and materials to ensure the stools fit your salon's style and needs.

Checklist:

• Flat top or saddle seat?
• How high/low should it adjust to fit you?
• Does the design match your decor?
• Are the wheels anti-static?
• Do the wheels have hair-resistant covers?

Choosing the Right Client Chairs/Salon Chairs

When selecting styling chairs, it’s crucial to consider seat height – both how high and especially how low the chair can go. A good styling chair should lower to a seat height of around 38cm (from the floor to the top of the seat) to accommodate shorter stylists. At Just Add People, you’ll find Denmark’s largest selection of client chairs to ensure you get the perfect fit for your needs.

Next, make sure you can get close enough to the client. You’ll be working by the chair every day, so it’s vital to maintain good ergonomics. The best way to test this is by rolling your salon stool up to the client chair and sitting as close as possible – do you get close enough? Some chair designs, especially lower-quality knock-offs, can be more square or blocky and don’t allow for proper ergonomics, potentially leading to shoulder strain.

Have clients with long hair? Opt for a chair with a slightly angled backrest and a narrow back design, allowing long hair to fall freely without touching the chair back. The angled backrest helps position the client’s head to allow the hair to drape over the back of the chair.

Design and comfort also matter; many clients remember the chair they sat in. Our best tip is to choose a chair that suits your clients' needs in both form and color. And, of course, don’t forget ergonomics for yourself and your team.

Checklist:

• Correct pump height? (Down to 38-42cm)
• Can you get close to the client?
• Does the chair back have an angle?
• Is the backrest the right width for your client type?
• Also remember seat width if you have larger clients
• Don’t forget design – does it match your decor?

Should You Invest in Good Ergonomics?

In short: Yes. Ergonomics isn’t just a trend from magazines or flashy newsletters. Good ergonomics in your styling chairs are essential for your comfort. Without proper ergonomics, you risk shoulder injuries, something nearly every stylist has either heard about or experienced. I highly recommend visiting a showroom to try out different chairs and find the one that fits you perfectly.

Wash Units: Focus on Comfort and Functionality

Wash units are central to the client experience in salons where hair is regularly washed. Choose units that are not only comfortable but also practical for you and your staff, ensuring a pleasant experience for both clients and employees.

Key Points to Consider:

1. Choose a chair with a deep basin, giving ample room for the client’s hair.
2. Opt for a chair with minimal distance between the stylist and the client’s hair.
3. Consider a chair with built-in massage for added comfort.

Fun Fact: The most exclusive salons worldwide don’t have massage wash units but provide a personal massage instead. If this is you, we recommend the exclusive YUME experience.

Checklist:

• Spacious, deep basin
• Good distance between the back of the basin and the client’s scalp
• Decide if you want it with or without massage

Tool Storage

To make your everyday easier, choose smart storage solutions that keep your tools within reach while maintaining the salon’s look. It’s increasingly popular to invest in spacious trolleys like the Studio 3 metal cart or the more budget-friendly Lab 5 from Comfortel. This way, you save money on backroom cabinets and invest in convenience for yourself and your team.

Checklist:

• Trolley with drawers or more cabinets in the backroom?
• Do you want wheels on your trolley?
• Is the cart resistant to heat? (curling irons, etc.)
• Does it match your decor?

Mirrors: Quality is Essential

Mirrors are often an area where people try to cut costs. Let me save you from a mistake: mirrors not designed for professional use might work fine at home but won’t cut it in a salon. When you’re working with them, you might find that they distort, like funhouse mirrors. If that’s the look you’re going for, you’re bolder than I am – kudos!

Apologies for the blunt tone, but hear me out: buy high-quality mirrors the first time around. I see it too often, and you’ll end up needing them anyway. Save yourself from bad purchases and invest in professional mirrors with high-quality glass. No and, ifs and buts. I'll love you no matter what, but please just buy professional mirrors.

Checklist:

• Professional glass quality
• Excellent color rendering
• Design that suits your decor

Lighting: Create the Perfect Working Environment

Proper lighting is crucial for precise cuts and color treatments. Optimize your salon lighting to create the ideal work environment. Choose lighting that ensures good visibility and working comfort. LED lighting is often a great choice for salons as it’s powerful and energy-efficient. Color rendering is vital; look for lights with a high color accuracy (>90%) and aim for 3000 Kelvin for clear and precise lighting.

Checklist:

• Accurate color rendering
• Check brightness (Is it strong enough for salon use?)
• Go for LED. Trust me; you’ll thank me later.
• Say it with me: Does the lighting fit your decor?

Waiting Area: Make It Inviting and Comfortable

Design the waiting area with both style and comfort in mind. From waiting chairs to mirrors, create a space that is stylish and welcoming, contributing to a positive experience. A trend I'm seeing is that more salons are choosing dining tables and chairs to create a cozy, inviting feel in their waiting areas.

Considerations for Colors and Style in Decor

Colors and style define the salon’s identity. Carefully select a color palette and decor elements that create a unique atmosphere and reflect the salon’s character. If you need inspiration, you can explore complete setups at the largest showroom for hair salons in the Nordics here.

Where to Find the Best Furniture for Hair Salons?

To find the perfect furniture for your salon, carefully consider your needs. Just Add People offers a wide selection of salon furniture focused on quality and functionality. Our range ensures you can create the perfect salon experience for both employees and clients. If you need inspiration, feel free to checkout our Instagram, browse online og come visit us.

Final Thoughts

Invest in good ergonomics – period. Saving a small amount of money is pointless if you can only work as a hairdresser for a few years due to shoulder injuries. Styling chairs are the most crucial element for correct ergonomics. When selecting chairs, think, “Ahhh – this feels good to stand by.” If you find yourself tensing up, they’re most likely too tall for you. If you’re unsure, make a day of it. Drive around with a friend, enjoy some good food, visit different showrooms, try a bunch of chairs, and charge it to the business card :)

P.S.

I might be a bit biased about visiting us over others, but hear me out: we’re incredibly proud of our space, and we’d love to help you. You’re more than welcome to ask for me personally. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you find the right furniture for your salon so you can have a fulfilling work life in your salon.