Nail Salon Design Ideas

Creating a unique nail salon decor helps inspire clients and can act as a marketing tool that builds their trust in your brand- we’ve come up with some nail salon design ideas and tips to get you started.

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1. How to Design a Nail Salon?
2. Nail Salon Decor To Best Utilize Your Space
3. Nail Salon Design Examples to Impress Your Clientele
4. Conclusion

How to Design a Nail Salon? Nail Salon Decor To Best Utilize Your Space Nail Salon Design Examples to Impress Your Clientele Conclusion

How to Design a Nail Salon?

Choose the Layout

The nail salon design layout you choose will set the scene and inform all your other decorating and furniture decisions, so take your time.

You want light, air and people to flow smoothly through the space, taking into account any architectural features or limitations (especially in a rented location where you’ll have less leeway to make permanent changes).

Some options include:

• An open nail salon layout with minimal walls. You can use double-sided workstations and mirrors to use equipment efficiently and make the space feel larger.
• A narrow layout with a shared center workspace and wall mirrors, giving the interior a trendy, modern feel.
• A multi-room or suite layout. This is an easy way to offer luxury manicure/pedicure services to clients who want privacy, and you can also rent suites out to professionals offering complimentary spa services.
• A small multi-purpose layout. This is one of my favorite low budget small nail salon design ideas, making smart use of furniture with multiple functions or minimal footprints and allowing different services to be performed in an area with limited space.

Pick a Theme

Set the tone for your interior by unifying everything under a single theme. This will make choosing everything from the lighting on the ceiling to the coffee table and chairs in the waiting area easier.

Some options are:

• Modern: You offer the latest services with the newest equipment. Nail salon decor ideas include chairs and furniture with a sleek look and small footprint, creating lots of space, plus a few décor items that stand out.
• Minimal: Create a clean and elegant atmosphere using a simple nail salon design with light-colored walls, recessed storage or shelves, and minimal furnishings. This décor helps enhance a small space and open it up.
• Vintage: Have some fun with a retro look using vintage furniture, bright colors and some unique art on the wall. Take inspiration from a specific decade or mix a few together.
• Luxury: A glamorous atmosphere that makes customers feel pampered. Invest in comfortable seating, elegant light fixtures and wall décor that looks “upscale”.
• Natural: For an eco-friendly and spa-like atmosphere, include wooden furnishings and natural fabrics (especially in the waiting area), keep the interior tidy with natural lighting and even a few plants.

Decide on Your Color Scheme and Lighting

These will combine to create an atmosphere that represents your brand and makes clients and staff feel comfortable.

The colors you choose might be the same ones on your business sign, or you might go with a lighter (or even plain white) wall color because it reflects light and brightens everything up. Ask friends and staff for input- colors look different, depending on the lighting you choose.

And speaking of lights…

Salons need a variety of them, so be prepared to spend some time on this. The right overhead and task lighting makes all the difference.

Flattering overhead lighting (not harsh fluorescents) will make customers more comfortable, but your nail technicians will need bright (possibly adjustable) task lighting to focus on a client’s nails. Decide whether you want visible or recessed light fixtures.

We recommend you to check out our post on Nail Salon Logo.

Hire a Professional:

Not only will a professional have some beautiful nail salon design ideas, but they’ll have access to the suppliers and resources to make putting everything together a breeze.

While this might seem more costly at first, they can actually save you a lot of time (and potentially money) because you’re guaranteed a great result and know exactly what to expect.

To learn more about nail salon furniture check out our Complete Nail Salon Equipment Checklist.

Nail Salon Decor To Best Utilize Your Space

• Put any nail polish and retail displays where they’re easy to reach- customers will want to browse and purchase things.
• A floor to ceiling mirror can open up and brighten a small or dimly-lit space.
• Recessed or hidden shelves and cabinets save space and keep tools organized.
• Floor leveling and different wall colors help to differentiate areas or separate reception from the main nail salon.
• Darker colors on upholstery help hide stains.
• Natural partitions like plants are a charming way to improve acoustics and create privacy.
• Wall and ceiling lighting can be used to divide your nail salon’s zones, setting a relaxing mood in waiting areas, compared to brighter work areas.
• Even in a minimalist decor, don’t leave the walls completely blank- add some artwork to break up the space.
• Plan for any future changes to the style or layout- it’s very unlikely that you’ll keep everything the same for several years.

We recommend you to check out our guide How to Open a Nail Salon.

Nail Salon Design Examples to Impress Your Clientele

If you’re still looking for nail salon design ideas, then we’re here to help. We’ve put together some exciting examples that we hope will inspire you.

Low Budget Small Nail Salon Interior Designs

Chicago’s MyNail.com contains a wealth of narrow nail salon design ideas that won’t break the bank. Their interior makes great use of lively upholstery and eye-catching wall art to frame a relatively simple and clean-looking interior.

Relax Nails in New York contains one of my favorite nail salon interior design ideas- they use lighting to open up the room, while turning their polish selection into nail salon wall decor. Creative and cost effective!

Although Chicago’s Zazazoo is a small nail salon, interior design ideas abound for those on a budget. By pairing simple glass table tops and while walls with bright fabrics, they create their own unique style that can be adapted for any brand.

Essie’s flagship salon in New York is a great mix of modern and vintage nail salon design ideas, using a simple and intimate style with an accent wall and a pop of color. Notice how the sign and product rack takes center stage- that’s great advertising!

Hortus Nailworks in New York turns plants and natural surfaces into an attractive centerpiece, creating a cozy, warm nail salon design. Ideas like this don’t “grow on trees!”

Modern Nail Salon Design Ideas

Cuticle in Chicago features an open-concept interior with space to serve several clients at once. Natural wood floors keep the interior warm and welcoming.

Polished Lounge in Detroit has a clean and modern interior that uses urban-inspired metal art and signage to showcase its style.

Soho’s BISOU is the epitome of modern nails salon interior design. Ideas include painted brick walls, adjustable gallery-style lamps and nail art samples framed and mounted on the walls for inspiration.

Luxury Nail Salon Design Ideas

Bed of Nails in Harlem, New York is one of those special settings that’s hard to forget. Their black interior with plush leather and brick accents is both modern and glamorous.

Delacqua is a unique nail spot in Brooklyn with a design that’s sure to cause people to comment on it. The printed upholstery and unique accents make this place a must for women looking to indulge.

Luxury Nail Bar in Atlanta really “nails” salon design ideas for larger spaces, using high windows and creative ceiling lighting to divide the room.

Home Nail Salon Decorating Ideas

Southern Swings in New Orleans is full of small nail salon decorating ideas you can use in your home-based business. Repurposed wooden furniture creates a cozy and fun vibe.

Seattle’s Norish is full of nail salon ideas at home professionals can use to make the most of a smaller location. Personally, I love their cozy waiting nook.

Bling! Nails in Detroit uses earthtone chairs and accents against a bright interior, with sheer curtains to give clients a bit of privacy in a smaller space.

Do not miss out post on Nail Technician Job Description.

Conclusion

Putting together the perfect look and layout for your nail business can be an exciting and rewarding process, but we know that it’s also a lot of work.

When you’re looking for the perfect nail salon interior design, pictures can make all the difference- start by saving and printing out the ones that inspire you, then put them together on a theme board with your brand logo.

Then, ask your team, family and friends to weigh in on your nail salon design ideas and make some suggestions, too. The more input you have at the start, the easier it’ll be.

You can learn more about Zolmi - nail salon software.

Citations

The profit zone: How strategic business design will lead you to tomorrow's profits
https://books.google.com/books?hl=ru&lr=&id=SunHELRB7SsC&oi

The design of business: Why design thinking is the next competitive advantage
https://books.google.com/books?hl=ru&lr=&id=CvpAgm8dQQkC&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=

Interior office design and visitor response
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1981-02281-001