For some people, barbershops aren’t just a place to get a fade, shave, or beard trim. They can also be a spot to relax and converse with each other. That means the vibe of your space can make or break this aspect of the customer experience. If your barbershop isn’t quite in the place you’d like it to be, you can fix it.
Fortunately, you won’t need a complete overhaul to level up your shop. By changing some aspects of your space more strategically, you can completely transform your barbershop, creating a welcoming environment while leaving a lasting impression. Let’s explore how you can enhance your barbershop with the right decorative details.
The Impact of Interior Design on the Customer Experience
Many barbers are quite familiar with the term “first impressions matter.” That’s usually the reason people come to you in the first place. The same concept applies to your business. Whether your client is coming in for their regular cut or visiting for the first time, your shop’s ambience sets the tone. Clean, Instagram-worthy spaces that feel intentional often leave customers impressed and eager to return.
At its core, interior design influences how clients perceive your business. A decked-out shop with carefully selected interiors tells your clientele you care about the details. It creates a sense of professionalism and pride in your brand. Plus, a well-designed shop is more likely to become a destination spot, the kind of place people tag on social media.
Beyond appearances, your barbershop design impacts how customers feel. A space with sharp accents and cozy touches encourages relaxation. When customers feel good in your space, they’re more likely to sit back, chill out, and trust you with their hair.
Key Decorative Elements That Pack a Punch
When it comes to augmenting your barbershop’s look with decorative elements, every detail counts. Thoughtfully chosen pieces like lighting, mirrors, and artwork can elevate your interior, taking it from basic to bold in an instant. Here’s how to upgrade your shop.
Lighting
Lighting influences the mood. Bright, harsh fluorescents can be hard on the eyes, while warm lighting creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Decide what statement your lighting should make. Should your shop evoke a rugged and industrial feel? Consider pendant lights with metal finishes. Want a sleek, modern vibe? Recessed lighting or LED panels can work wonders.
Layering your lighting can also enhance the ambience in your shop. Combine functional task lighting over workstations with softer accent lighting to highlight specific areas and create a balanced feel. Bonus points if you work a neon sign into your design for some bold branding.
Mirrors
While mirrors are essential in any barbershop so clients can see your work, they can double as versatile decorative elements. Go beyond the standard square frame, playing with shapes and sizes to add personality to your space. Circular mirrors can add a modern touch, while oversized framed mirrors bring luxury vibes.
Since mirrors also reflect light, they make compact spaces feel larger and more open. Position them strategically to multiply the effects of good lighting and make every corner look brighter.
Artwork
What’s on your walls says just as much about your barbershop as what’s happening in the chairs. Curate pieces that resonate with your shop’s vibe. Think black-and-white cityscapes for a classic, urban feel or bold, colorful pop art for a modern edge. You can always commission a local artist to create a truly unique mural or prints that reflect your brand’s personality.
Furniture Choices That Work Hard and Look Good
Like mirrors, the furniture you use in your barbershop plays a dual role for your clients. Not only does it provide practical uses, but it also achieves the vibe you’re going for in your establishment. From barber chairs to storage units, investing in the right salon furniture can effectively redefine your space.
Seating That’s As Comfortable as It Is Stylish
Chairs are the centerpieces of a barbershop. Investing in high-quality, durable barber chairs ensures comfort for clients and makes them feel taken care of. Look for materials like leather or vinyl that are easy to maintain and resistant to wear. Bonus points if the chairs feature sleek lines or bold colors that reflect your brand.
Don’t stop at barber chairs, though. Consider the seating in the waiting area as well. Plush accent chairs or leather benches give off inviting, professional vibes. Plus, this seating will help your clients not mind as much if they have to wait a little longer while you finish up with the previous client.
Styling Stations That Enhance Your Workflow
Barbershop styling stations set the stage for function and flair. Opt for stations that match your aesthetic, whether it’s industrial chic with a dark wood finish or ultra-modern with clean white surfaces. Additional storage and organizational pockets are must-haves to keep tools accessible but uncluttered.
Glass tabletops or glossy finishes are popular for their sleek appearance, but keep maintenance in mind. Nobody wants surfaces that constantly show smudges or fingerprints.
Display Units That Showcase Your Products
Retail sales are a key revenue stream for many barbershops, so don’t sleep on your product displays. The right shelving or display units can make grooming products, pomades, and merch look irresistible.
Consider open shelving with lighting to highlight high-end products or tiered displays to organize items by their price points. Wood or stainless steel shelves are trendy, functional options, blending with most aesthetics while standing the test of time.
The Role of Color Schemes and Themes in Creating Ambience
While all these ideas are great on their own, the thing that really brings them together is a cohesive color scheme. From your walls to your furniture, the shades you choose will influence the overall mood of your space.
Want something that feels sleek and timeless? Go for minimalist black-and-white tones paired with metallic accents. Looking to create warmth and character? Shades of brown, beige, and olive green are ideal for a vintage or rustic vibe. For a bold modern look, jewel tones like deep emerald, sapphire blue, or burnt orange make a striking statement.
On top of that, you should also incorporate a theme. Maybe you want to rock a classic barbershop vibe with vintage straight razors and barber poles, or perhaps you’re going for an edgy, tattoo-parlor-inspired aesthetic. No matter what you’re considering, be sure to pick a theme and stick with it throughout the design. This cohesiveness will help you build emotional connections with your clients more effectively.