10+ Hair or Beauty Salon Decor Ideas and Pro Tips

Below, you’ll find an in-depth guide on how to decorate your hair or beauty salon space — complete with real-life examples.

Above all: Have some fun. The following steps will keep you on track.

How to Decorate a Hair or Beauty Salon (+Salon Decor Ideas!)

1. Plan Your Layout Around Natural Light

(See our notes under “Plan Your Lighting” below for more on that).

Even if you’re not blessed with much of it, maximize what you’ve got.

That means going without curtains in favor of some much-needed daylight and organizing your furniture around natural light sources.

2. Pick a Color, (Almost) Any Color

One of the best ways you can give your salon or studio a refresh on a budget is with paint.

It doesn’t have to be the whole space, either. An accent wall is a great way to punch things up.

There are also incredible peel-and-stick wallpapers, which are a great way to add an unexpected accent wall to your space and can be easily removed if you’re just renting.

Not all colors work for a public space, though.

Unless you’re embracing a darker, den-like atmosphere (which could look great in certain barbershops), you’re probably going to want to keep your color palette warm and bright.

When in doubt, go white/minimal on the walls, then pick a pop of color to repeat throughout your space.

Furniture is a great way to do this.

Oh, and a good rule of thumb is to keep it to one accent hue or maybe two complementary ones. This allows you to go bold but not busy.

3. Don’t Be Afraid of Open Space

It’s tempting to fit in as many booths, chairs, or seating areas as possible, but the more open space, the better.

Especially right now.

Beyond the six-feet concern, though, open space also creates a sense of calm — exactly what we need when we’re coming in for a little self-care. 

4. If You Have Outdoor Space, Use It

If you’re low on interior space but have some outdoor real estate, USE it.

Whether that’s setting up an area for photo shoots (a great move if you don’t have much natural light in your interior) or a waiting area for guests outside, don’t be afraid to get creative.

Maybe it’s even where you do your cuts!

5. Plan Your Lighting for Before & Afters

She needed better lighting than she had at her own chair. Faye made the shuffle work, but she’d be the first to tell you that it was not exactly ideal.

Factor that into your studio or salon layout by designating at least one area in your space where you can take photos of your clients, new products, or of any other projects you’re working on. 

6. Don’t Forget a Dedicated Product Area — Preferably Right in Front of Your Guests

Make sure your product shelves look beautiful and that clients can easily take a closer look at them while they wait for their services. 

Or, better yet, position your product shelves where clients can see them during their appointments.

7. And Don’t Forget to Organize!

Think about what you need and when and where you’ll need it.

Where will they put their bag? Are they easily able to reach for magazines and water? 

8. Count on the Little Details

The leather chairs, the neon signage, the mid-century credenza at check-in — whichever way your aesthetic skews, details matter. Don’t skimp.

9. Finish Up With Fresh Flowers

Live greenery instantly elevates any space.

Pick a color scheme, start with a big bouquet at your front desk, then echo it with smaller bouquets throughout the space to tie everything together.

10. Eliminate Paper Clutter