Salons

Color Bar Lighting Design for Salons

Place light where people work or read faces. Layer task light over ambient light and test glare from occupied positions.

Explore the ideas
Parallel kitchen with teal cabinets and a continuous counter run
Service inspiration: organize equipment along opposing work runs.

Plan in this order

  1. Mark tasks, viewing angles and screen locations on the furniture plan before placing fittings.
  2. Separate regularly used tasks from the room's general lighting so each can be controlled independently.
  3. Test the proposed fitting and finish sample together. Glossy finishes can reflect a bright source directly into view.
Worked example

A laundry counter is shadowed when someone stands at the washer, even though the ceiling light seems bright.

Add a task source over the sorting and folding surface, controlled separately from ambient light. Check shadows with a person standing at the counter and with machine doors open.

How to test it

Check the space in daylight and after dark. Stand and sit where people actually use it, and check controls from the entry.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Place the bar near wash services with a direct staff path and separate clean product storage from used bowls.
Detail
Use stain-resistant worktops, task light that reveals color, and a splash-protected wall finish.
Trade-off
An open color bar looks active but exposes preparation clutter.
  • Set up and clean a typical color service
  • Check product labels are legible in the chosen light
Straight kitchen cabinets with a long counter and under-cabinet lighting
Service inspiration: keep task surfaces and storage easy to reach.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Kitchen with pale green base cabinets and a continuous tiled backsplash
Service inspiration: choose surfaces that can be wiped along work areas.

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