17 Barber Shop Design Ideas for Your Business

Design and decor play a huge role in establishing both the ambiance and character of any business, but especially a barber shop. 

In fact, about 95% of all consumers in a 2011 Omnibus survey said that exterior and interior appearances really matter when it comes to choosing where to do business – with more than half saying they've walked away simply because of how a business looks.

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to the success of your barber shop, every detail matters, no matter how mundane. 

In addition to attracting and retaining customers, the aesthetic appeal of your shop can also serve as a valuable marketing tool in our digital age. When clients share their experiences on social media, taking pictures and posting them online, you're able to tap into an essentially free version of marketing that's one of the most effective methods available.

With that in mind, how do you create a shop that's both functional and attractive? We'll walk you through some stylish must-know barber shop ideas in this post.

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5 Barber Shop Interior Must-Haves

Looking for tips on how to decorate your barber shop interior? Here's a helpful overview.

1. Barber’s Pole

No barber shop is complete without the iconic barber’s pole. 

Despite its old-fashioned look, the rotating red, white, and blue stripes remain a symbol of trust and tradition in the barbering world. It sounds like a cliche, but placing one at the entrance of your shop can immediately draw attention and set the stage for a classic yet inviting atmosphere.

2. Comfy Sofa for Waiting Area

First impressions matter. Make sure your waiting area is equipped with a comfortable sofa where clients can relax before their appointment. This not only enhances the client experience but also contributes to the overall barber shop decor.

3. Organized Product Displays

Keeping your products organized and accessible is key to both aesthetics and functionality. Use stylish shelves or cabinets to display grooming products. This keeps your space tidy while also encouraging clients to purchase items they might need – some helpful upsells.

4. Well-Lit Signage

Attracting walk-in customers starts with a well-lit sign. Make sure your shop’s name and logo are displayed prominently and illuminated well, especially during the evening hours. 

5. Eye-Catching Floor Design

Your floor can make a strong design statement. Whether you choose classic checkered tiles or polished hardwood, just make sure it complements the overall theme of your barber shop. 

Barber Shop Design Ideas

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s dive into some inspiring design concepts that can set your barber shop apart.

1. Vintage

Embrace a nostalgic vibe with a vintage design for your barber shop layout. This style offers a timeless appeal and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that many clients find comforting. 

Think Edison light bulbs, old-school barber tools displayed as decor, and classic leather chairs.

2. Sports-Themed

Cater to sports enthusiasts with a sports-themed barber shop; this theme can create a lively and engaging environment that keeps clients entertained.

How can you accomplish this? Consider framing and displaying jerseys from popular teams, create a wall mural of a stadium, or even set up mini trophy displays.

3. Minimalist

A minimalist design focuses on simplicity and functionality. Use a neutral color palette, clean lines, and modern furniture.

This style not only looks sleek but also creates a calm and uncluttered atmosphere, enhancing the overall client experience. Opt for white or light gray walls, simple black or metal-framed mirrors, and sleek, modern barber chairs.

4. Contemporary

Modern barber shop ideas for design tend to incorporate contemporary elements. This style exudes sophistication and can attract clients who appreciate a cutting-edge aesthetic. 

You can use stainless steel countertops, glass shelving units, and LED lighting to create a bright and modern look.

5. Bright Lights

Brighten up your space with a luminous design. 

A well-lit environment feels more open and welcoming, making it perfect for creating an uplifting vibe. For this design, install floor-to-ceiling windows and use light-colored furniture and decor to reflect natural light throughout the space.

6. Stone

A stone-themed barber shop offers a sophisticated and elegant look and creates a cohesive and stylish appearance that appeals to modern sensibilities. 

You can mix light gray walls with charcoal gray accents, like furniture or artwork, to add depth and interest.

7. Sleek & Dark

For a more dramatic effect, opt for a darker design. Use deep colors like navy, black, or forest green, along with dim, ambient lighting. This theme creates an intimate and luxurious atmosphere that can set your shop apart from the competition. 

You can also use dark wood for flooring or black leather chairs  to set a dramatic tone.

8. Brick Everywhere

Exposed brick walls add a rustic charm to any barber shop. Pair the brick with industrial-style furniture and vintage decor for a trendy, urban look. This style is not only visually appealing but also showcases a unique character.

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Tips to Elevate Your Barber Shop Design

Already have an established barber shop or renting a booth/chair in an existing space? Looking for more inspiration to elevate your current setup? Here are some updated tips to take your barber shop aesthetics up a notch.

1. Select an Eye-Catching Color Palette

Choosing the right color palette can significantly impact the ambiance of your barber shop. Bold, vibrant colors can create an energetic atmosphere, while softer, neutral tones can make the space feel calm and relaxing. Consider your brand identity and the emotions you want to evoke when selecting colors.

For instance, a modern, high-energy shop might opt for reds and blacks, while a vintage-inspired shop could use warm browns and deep greens. If you're renting a booth or chair, consider using portable decor elements like colored drapes or a unique chair cover to introduce your color palette without permanent changes.

2. Have a Vibrant Sign to Attract Customers

A well-designed, illuminated sign is essential for drawing attention to your barber shop. Make sure your signage not only stands out but also reflects your brand’s personality. A creative sign can become a local landmark and attract both new and returning clients.

Think neon lights spelling out a witty slogan, or a retro barber pole with your shop’s name in a stylish font. For those in shared spaces, smaller, personalized signs or lightboxes can add flair without occupying too much room.

3. Focus on Your Branding

Your barber shop’s design should reflect your brand’s identity. Consistent use of colors, logos, and design elements helps create a cohesive and memorable experience for your clients.

Strong branding can set you apart in a competitive market and foster client loyalty. For example, if your brand is all about luxury, incorporate plush seating, elegant fixtures, and premium grooming products. For booth renters, branded aprons, capes, and even business cards can reinforce your unique identity.

4. Have Great Lighting

Barber shop lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ensuring a comfortable experience for your clients. Imagine sleek pendant lights over each barber station or soft, ambient lighting in the waiting area to create a relaxing vibe.

For those renting a chair or booth, portable LED lights or clip-on mirrors with lighted frames can enhance your space without needing to modify existing fixtures.

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Enhance Your Barber Shop Experience with GlossGenius

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed space. It's not just about looks – it's about creating an experience that keeps clients coming back. So pick a style that reflects your brand and watch as your barber shop becomes the talk of the town!

At GlossGenius, we understand the importance of creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for your clients. Our platform offers tools to help manage your business efficiently on a day-to-day basis, allowing you to focus on what you do best – delivering exceptional service in a stunning setting. With GlossGenius, you can schedule client appointments, process payments, and create your own booking site. Your site is often the first place a client gets to see your style, so it’s important to create a site that fits your brand. With GlossGenius’ customizable website templates, you can build a polished booking site in just a few minutes.

Ready to take your barber shop to the next level? Sign up and try GlossGenius free for 14 days. Explore how we can help elevate your business while maintaining your unique style today!

FAQ

How can I make my barber shop unique? 

Focus on creating a personalized experience for your clients, either through unique design elements, exceptional service, and a strong brand identity. Consider incorporating local art, custom furniture, or themed decor to set your shop apart – for example, a beach-themed shop could use surfboards as decor and offer complimentary cool drinks.

How do I design my barber shop?

Start by identifying the theme or style you want to achieve, then select decor and fixtures that align with that vision. Think about the flow of the space – comfortable seating in the waiting area, efficient workstations for barbers, and a welcoming reception desk.

How profitable is a barber shop? 

By offering exceptional service, maintaining a unique and inviting atmosphere, and effectively managing your business operations, you can increase profitability and achieve long-term success. For example, a well-located shop with high foot traffic and a loyal customer base can see substantial profits.

How do you build a successful barber shop?

Focus on creating a memorable client experience, maintaining a strong brand identity, and using tools like GlossGenius to streamline your operations and enhance client satisfaction. Consider hosting community events, offering loyalty programs, and keeping up with the latest grooming trends to keep your clients coming back.