How much space do you need for a salon chair?

Plan on about 150 to 200 square feet of total salon space per stylist. That figure from Buy-Rite Beauty covers reception, shampoo, drying and restrooms, not just the station. The styling area alone takes far less, and Minerva Beauty plans about 30 to 40 square feet per station.

Some states set legal minimums. Pennsylvania requires a cosmetology salon of at least 120 sq ft plus 60 sq ft for each added licensee. New Jersey requires shops of at least 350 sq ft plus 50 sq ft for each station past two. Many states set no number, so check yours.

At 150 to 200 sq ft per stylist, a 1,000 sq ft space holds about 5 or 6 chairs. The salon floor plan maker shows square feet per salon chair as you add chairs, a reception desk and waiting seats. See space between salon stations.