Hair salon design: the measurements you need to know

Introduction

How much space should there actually be between two chairs? And how high should the mirror hang? It's easy to answer when you know the measurements, and costly to guess after the wiring and plumbing are in place. These are the measurements I use when planning a salon. Use them as a starting point, as they depend a little on the design of the chair and mirror.

A handy trick

Use blue painter's tape to mark everything out in your salon.

The client station

The most important measurement is 130 cm. That's the distance needed from the center of one styling chair to the center of the next. If you have small chairs, you can make do with 120 cm. There should be 90 cm from the center of the chair to the wall in front of it with the mirror. Add 10 to 20 cm if the chair has a built-in footrest. If the chair is next to a wall, there should be at least 100 cm from the center of the chair to the wall. A freestanding footrest is placed 20 cm from the wall.

Barber chairs

If you have a barber chair, there should be at least 60 cm from the front edge of the footrest to the wall. This depends on the model.

Work shelves

Shelves by the mirror and styling chair should have a top edge 80 cm above the floor.

Mirrors

Mirrors should be centered in line with your styling chairs and hung at a height where you and the client can see each other. If you have a shelf below your mirror, hang the mirror 5 to 10 cm above the shelf. That's 85 to 90 cm above the floor. It's mostly a matter of personal preference and should be assessed from salon to salon.

Professional lighting

The light should normally be positioned 100 cm from the wall with the mirror, directly above the crown of the client's head. It's important to adjust the position according to the chair's design. The client shouldn't have light in their eyes, and you shouldn't have it at the back of your neck, so you don't cast a shadow on the client. If you're using a square recessed light panel, it should be positioned directly above the head, about 10 cm further forward, toward the wall with the mirror.

A good tip: I recommend 2 good spotlights per client station, preferably Sunspot by NewLite. You can also choose 1 round Sunlight light panel in ø60 or ø90, or 1 Sunbeam together with 2 Sunspots. If the ceiling is less than 275 cm high, the light can be mounted directly; otherwise, lower it to ensure accurate hair color and rendering. Read more in the guide to lighting for your salon.

The wash area

Washing units are about 70 cm wide and 130 cm deep. If the chair has an electronic leg rest, allow for a depth of 200 cm. Behind the chair, there should be at least 60 cm from the edge of the basin to the wall, shelf or cabinet front, so you can walk around. Cabinets and countertops behind the washing units are normally 50 cm deep. A shelf for color tubes is typically 25 cm deep.

If you have several washing units, allow at least 10 cm between armrests and at least 80 cm from center to center. Just hang the light directly above the basin. If it’s too far forward, it will shine in the client’s face, and if it’s too far back, your head will cast a shadow on the client. Personally, I prefer softer lighting in the washing area, but if you work with color, I recommend combining it with spotlights.

One detail that’s easy to overlook: The water supply and drain need to be connected under the washing unit, rather than under the basin. Tell the installer before they get started. If you need help choosing a chair, I’ve written a guide to the right washing unit.

Head Spa

If you want a Head Spa in your salon, allow for at least 200 x 300 cm. It works best in a separate room.

Reception desks

Reception desks are typically 100 cm high and ideally measure at least 55 x 55 cm.

Side tables

Side tables in the waiting area are usually 42 cm high.

Display shelves

A height of 25 to 30 cm between display shelves is a good rule of thumb. In the Just Add People showroom, the distance is 28 cm, and the Ästetik display shelves can be flipped without tools if you need 47 cm for larger products such as hairspray.

Final words

These figures are a starting point, not a definitive answer. It’s easier when you’re standing in the salon. You can also stop by the showroom to see different examples and measurements. Klaus Østergaard has designed salons for over 30 years and would be happy to help you sketch out your salon. It’s completely free, and you can book an appointment here.

All measurements

• Styling chair to styling chair, center to center: 130 cm (120 cm for small chairs)
• Center of chair to wall with mirror: 90 cm (plus 10 to 20 cm with a built-in footrest)
• Center of chair to side wall: at least 100 cm
• Freestanding footrest to wall: 20 cm
• Barber chair, front edge of footrest to wall: at least 60 cm
• Styling shelf, top edge from floor: 80 cm
• Mirror above shelf: 5 to 10 cm (that is, 85 to 90 cm above the floor)
• Light from the wall with the mirror: 100 cm
• Recessed light panel: approximately 10 cm farther forward
• Ceiling height where lights can be mounted directly: under 275 cm
• Washing unit: 70 x 130 cm (200 cm deep with an electronic leg rest)
• Behind the washing unit, from the basin to the wall, shelf or cabinet front: at least 60 cm
• Cabinets and countertop behind washing units: 50 cm deep
• Washing units, armrest to armrest: at least 10 cm
• Washing units, center to center: at least 80 cm
• Color tube shelving: 25 cm deep
• Head Spa: at least 200 x 300 cm
• Reception desk: 100 cm high, at least 55 x 55 cm
• Side table in the waiting area: 42 cm high
• Height between display shelves: 25 to 30 cm (28 cm in the showroom, 47 cm with the display shelves flipped)