The salon suite size may expand or limit interior design possibilities, but there are many ways to make the most of any size
Jul 24 2024

Understanding the average salon suite size and its potential

Private suites are a booming format in the beauty industry. They compartmentalize individual work areas instead of sandwiching estheticians and customers in a crowded environment. The compact size of salon suites is an affordable balance of comfort, function, and customization.

Such portioned shares of private space are a formidable start for the budget-conscious. They can be a satisfying option when you’re tired of being bossed around and stressed in traditional commission-based models.

In terms of square footage, salon suite sizes may not seem like much. But they give you room to breathe and grow as you connect with your customers in an undisturbed setting, creating a feeling of trust and exclusivity.

What is the average size of a salon suite?

Suite providers typically offer single and double studios and, sometimes, a range of premium alternatives, such as oversized window or glass-front spaces. However, there is no national average for salon suite sizes. Here’s how much square footage can go into your lease:

Thus, you can think of the average size of a salon suite as 10 x 12 or 10 x 10 unless you are willing to invest in a premium or a double to team up with a partner. Double and premium spaces have more variety in shape, layout, and design possibilities.

Even though fitting such a compact footprint may seem challenging, your beauty venue can have amazing potential depending on how it’s laid out. There are plenty of successful suite design examples to prove that you don’t need tons of square footage to craft a dream space that balances your practical needs with the right ambiance.

A welcoming space isn’t always size-dependent

Here’s the good news: while traditional salon interiors often feel too linear, pretentious, overpowering, and almost clinical, this won’t happen in your comfy nook. No matter what the size of your salon suite is, its beauty lies in creating the vibe of informality and pampering that your guests seek. They love getting personalized services and being the only client in your studio!

The salon suite size may have you concerned about how to fit your essentials into this floor plan. But, by focusing on optimizing the space with equipment and decor, you can create a flow that makes up for the potential lack of square feet.

There’s more to a flow than ensuring accessibility and moving around. It’s about balancing efficiency, client comfort, and visual appeal while making your modest-sized salon a reflection of who you are and what makes your services unique.

Creating an inviting and relaxing space is just as important as its practicality. Bring a mix of textures and themed or nature-inspired elements that make fun features and accents in your interior. These add personality while putting your customers at ease so they can feel right at home.

Top tips to make the most of your salon suite’s size

Luckily, there is no shortage of convenient solutions for suite renters or franchisees that help streamline the space and workflow while elevating the style. Some of these are budget-friendly and can be performed by beauty professionals on their own. Others are more of a splurge but definitely worthy of an investment:

All of the above can help you create an illusion of more space, simplify storage, and provide easier access to the essentials and enough room for foot traffic. These ideas work well for any salon but are incredibly convenient for small or narrow suites of square, rectangular, or irregular shapes.

Mobile and flexible furniture lets you adjust the layout as often as needed to see which one suits your clients and preferences. It also allows you to accommodate changes and growth by diversifying or rearranging your salon setup as your needs evolve. Stations and carts with wheels are highly efficient add-ons for leveraging any floor plan, keeping everything organized, and preventing small spaces from feeling restrictive.

If your franchise grants you access to facilities that are smaller than the average size of a salon suite, you can also avail yourself of finishes and textures. They can be used throughout your studio to balance, offset, or echo each other to create:

Add extra mirrors, and you’ve got everything it takes to visually enlarge your studio.

Compare different suite rental or franchise options

Just as there’s no fixed salon suite size standard for all business enthusiasts to squeeze into, the current offers for the location of your choice may feature a lot of versatility regarding amenities and furnishings. Some franchisors stick to the bare basics, while others – like Optima – offer move-in-ready spaces complete with storage cabinets, shelving, and retail displays.

All-inclusive suites have proven convenient for individual stylists and estheticians. What’s more, they curb the upfront costs of putting your dream mini-salon into operation and take an immense amount of overthinking and stress out of your experience. All you have to do is add some personal touches and decor.

Wrapping it up

Remember, even if your studio is on the smaller side, making your identity shine creates a unique style and the right impression on clients when they walk in. This, in turn, can set the foundation for your thriving relationships and your happy guests referring you to others.

If you have no idea what size you should look for and what style you favor, using fully furnished suites as inspiration is a good strategy to find something that vibes with you. If you’re still undecided, just schedule and take that suite tour. It might be the best starting point to arrive exactly where you want to be.