The struggle to make a small salon feel more spacious without sacrificing style or functionality is something salon owners have been dealing with forever. However, we all have to start somewhere, and if your salon takes off, you’ll soon be able to move into that larger commercial space you’ve had your eye on.
In the meantime, though, you have to make do with what you have. Since your styling areas aren’t something you’ll want to compromise on, you may want to turn your attention to the reception area. Fortunately, this space can be quite flexible, as there are many ways to redesign it in order to maximize the space. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered with clever, stylish, and super-functional ideas to save space with your hair salon’s reception desk and surrounding areas. With these ideas in mind, you should have no problem making your business equal parts compact and stylish.
Choose a Compact, Minimal-Design Desk
One of the most important things to remember when working with limited space is that less really is more. Swapping out a chunky, oversized reception desk for a sleek and compact design can open up a surprising amount of room. Think clean lines, modern finishes, and no unnecessary bulk.
When looking at small-scale hair salon reception desks, be sure to go with options that have slim tabletops and light materials like glass or acrylic. These features can make the area appear bigger and more streamlined. For added flair, go for a pop of color or textured material on the desk’s surface to keep it visually interesting without overwhelming the room.
Choose a Desk With Built-In Storage
An important thing to remember with a reception area is that this spot isn’t just for client check-ins. It’s also where you’ll stash appointment books, client cards, and all those scratch papers you scribble on during your busiest days. A reception desk with built-in storage compartments is a total lifesaver.
Look for desks with hidden drawers, adjustable shelves, and compartments that can hold everything from your cash drawer to product samples. This variety keeps your workspace organized while avoiding the cluttered look that can make a small area feel even cramped. Bonus points if you find a desk that has pull-out keyboard trays that keep tech stuff out of sight but easy to access.
Use Rolling Carts As Sidekicks
If you feel like a reception desk might be too small, a rolling cart could be the perfect addition to your setup. These mobile space-savers can work as an extension of your reception desk, holding all your essentials while staying out of the way when not in use.
You can keep it stocked with forms, tablets, or even extra product displays and roll it back into storage at the end of the day. Plus, if you ever rearrange your space for an event or pop-up sale, you’ll be able to simply roll the cart somewhere else—it’s salon versatility at its finest.
Go Dual-Purpose With a Reception Desk/Display Combo
Something that many salons try to do is set up a display near the entrance with products they sell. However, this can be difficult to do in a smaller space. Since you need the reception area, why not combine the two? A reception desk that doubles as a product display shelf is a practical and creative solution in these scenarios.
Choose a desk with shelving compartments on the front or sides that allow you to showcase your salon’s product line. Think shampoos, styling tools, or even cute lifestyle items such as scented candles or journals. This space-saving measure also highlights your retail game by catching clients’ attention as soon as they check in. It’s a win-win!
Install Vertical Storage
If a desk/display combo simply won’t be an option, you should try implementing some vertical storage instead. These types of shelves are a must-have for any small salon. By installing pegboards, wall-mounted racks, or floating shelves above or behind your reception desk, you’ll be able to show off products in a way that isn’t easy with floorspace alone.
If your salon doesn’t sell products, you can use these shelves for storing clipboards, appointment books, and even small plants to keep the desk area looking fresh. For extra organization points, use labeled bins or baskets to keep everything tidy. If you want to get more creative, you could dedicate a vertical space to fun client touchpoints. Consider creating a loyalty card display or a board where clients can pin up their favorite photos of your hair styling magic.
Opt for a Wall-Mounted Reception Desk
If you like the idea of utilizing vertical space, why not mount your desk to the wall? A sleek wall-mounted reception desk can work wonders in a small salon. This design eliminates the bulky base of traditional reception desks, instantly freeing up more space around them.
Best of all, many wall-mounted desks are easy to customize, giving you the ability to better match it with your salon’s vibe. From minimalist chic to bold glam, you’ll have tons of options to choose from.
Hidden or Flip-Down Work Surfaces
One space-saving reception desk idea that not enough small hair salons consider is hidden or flip-down work surfaces. While something like this might not sound ideal, it can be a game-changer if you’re working with a truly limited space. By incorporating a reception desk that you can tuck away when it’s not in use, you’ll open up your salon big time.
For example, a foldable reception desk mounted on wheels can sit against the wall after greeting clients. Or, consider a flip-down tabletop anchored to a wall or cabinet. Use it for check-ins and payments during business hours, then simply fold it up to reclaim the space after closing time.
Decorate Intentionally for the Illusion of Space
Sometimes, it’s not just about what furniture you’re using but how you style the reception area itself. Keep the color palette light and cohesive to make a small space feel open and airy. Use mirrors near or behind the reception desk to create the illusion of depth.
Be sure to try going minimal with décor, opting for just a few stylish touches like a desk plant, ambient lighting, or an eye-catching piece of wall art. Want a little extra personality? Add a neon salon sign or brand logo for that Insta-worthy vibe.