Related Expert Advice articles
Best Salon Reception Seating: 2025 Top Picks
Reception seating is often referred to as the “waiting area” where clients wait for their stylist or barber to call them back for their service. It is also where friends and family may wait to pick up a client. Having seating that offers comfort for prolonged periods of time is crucial. There are many different styles and types of seating to choose from, so we broke each of them down to help you decide which one is right for you...
Read More
8 Tips for Furnishing Your Salon Reception Area
Do you want to create a great first impression with each new guest that walks into your salon? Finding the ideal furnishings for your salon reception area is the perfect way to do this. The appearance of your reception can reflect the character of your salon and what you represent. Each detail is important when creating an efficient space to serve your guests. By providing the right reception experience, you can have a happier, more profitable clientele...
Read More
Best Salon Reception Desks: 2025 Top Picks
Buy-Rite Beauty offers professional Reception Desks that are designed specifically for salons, spas, and barbershops to create a stunning first impression for your clients. Reception desks in salons are an important aspect because guests may spend most of their time waiting for their services and where the transactions typically take place. A well-made, aesthetically pleasing reception desk can evoke a professional and inviting feeling in your reception area. A salon reception desk is typically both a countertop for guests and a workspace for the receptionist. They often include shelves and storage for the receptionist that are hidden from guests. We evaluated our entire collection of salon reception desks based on crucial criteria to give you the top-ranked options for your space...
Read More
Best Salon Retail Displays: 2025 Top Picks
Buy-Rite Beauty offers a complete and diverse collection of salon retail displays that will show off products professionally and stylishly. Salon retail displays are typically large shelves meant to be placed in the salon’s reception area. They are designed to hold salon products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, and hairspray for clients to purchase. There are typically three types of display styles: the traditional shelving, the tiered 360-degree display, and the floating shelves. We evaluated the entire collection based on crucial grating criteria to present the top-ranked picks.
Read More
How to Open a Salon: Step-By-Step Guide
After months or years of deliberation, you’ve finally decided to make your dreams a reality and open your very own beauty salon. But between choosing your business structure, mapping out plumbing, and much, much more, getting started can feel more like a nightmare than a dream come true. The good news is, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re starting your business. The even better news? We’ve got a comprehensive guide to make things easier. Below are eight steps to opening a salon, from choosing a name to planning your grand opening day!
Read More
Frequently asked questions about
How do I determine how much reception seating my salon needs?
A good rule of thumb is one seat for every styling or service station, but think about your busiest times, not just average days. If you handle color services or larger groups, add a few extra chairs to prevent clients from standing or crowding your desk. Too few seats makes your salon feel cramped and stressful, while too many wastes valuable floor space you could use for retail or extra workstations.
What is the ideal size and spacing for reception chairs or benches?
Reception seating needs more than just its footprint. Each seat should be about 20–24 inches wide and 18 inches deep for client comfort. But just as important is the “comfort space” around it—leave 24–36 inches in front of the seating so guests can sit, stand, and move easily without bumping into walls, tables, or other guests. Tight layouts feel uninviting and can even become a safety issue.
Should I go with individual chairs or a sofa-style bench?
This choice comes down to flexibility and available space. Individual salon reception chairs let you rearrange the seating layout and replace one if it gets damaged, making them practical for growing salons or frequently changing floor plans. Bench, sofa, or couch seating can fit more guests in a smaller space and create a cohesive, lounge-like atmosphere but offers less flexibility if you ever need to reconfigure your layout. Think about how your space is used daily and whether flexibility or maximum seating is more important long-term before making a decision.
How do I make sure my reception seating is actually comfortable?
Comfort is about more than soft cushions. Look for supportive backrests, firm high-density foam, and sturdy armrests that help clients sit and stand easily. Seats that are too narrow, too low, or lack proper support can make clients uncomfortable, especially during longer waits. If your clientele includes older guests or families, prioritize accessible, easy-to-clean chairs with enough width to accommodate everyone. Comfort impacts how clients feel about your salon before they’ve even sat in a styling chair, making this a small but important investment in client satisfaction and return visits.
