You know what’s better than paying someone thousands of dollars to decorate your salon? Doing it yourself and keeping that money in your pocket. I’m not saying professional designers don’t have their place, but honestly, DIY projects can transform your space just as effectively—and they’re way more satisfying.
I’ve tackled more salon DIY projects than I care to admit, and some turned out absolutely stunning while others… well, let’s just say they taught me valuable lessons. Here are 13 projects that actually work, won’t require a construction degree, and will make your salon look custom and intentional.
Build a Custom Reception Desk
Store-bought reception desks are either very expensive or have a generic appearance. You can make exactly what you want for a much lower cost by building your own.
Build a basic frame with plywood, 2x4s, and some simple hardware. For a marble or wood-grain appearance, finish it with paint, wood stain, or even peel-and-stick contact paper. You can create a custom desk that precisely matches your space needs by adding legs or a base.
I built mine over a weekend using YouTube tutorials and basic tools from the hardware store. Total cost? About $150 versus the $800+ for similar retail options. The best part is telling clients “I made that” when they compliment it—instant credibility boost.
Create a Living Wall Planter
Living walls look expensive and complicated, but they’re surprisingly doable. They add that wow factor everyone loves while improving air quality.
You’ll need:
- Wall-mounted planter boxes or repurposed gutters
- Sturdy wall anchors rated for the weight
- Potting soil and easy-care plants like pothos or philodendrons
- Basic tools for installation
Mount your planters at staggered heights, fill them with trailing plants, and watch your wall transform. I created mine using old wooden crates I found at a flea market, stained them dark walnut, and mounted them in a geometric pattern. Clients literally take photos of it daily.
DIY Floating Shelves with LED Strips
Standard floating shelves work well. LED strip lighting concealed beneath floating shelves? Next-level design is what we’re talking about now.
Add battery-operated or plug-in LED strips to the underside of your floating shelves after installing them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The glow sets the mood and draws attention to anything you put on the shelves, whether it be merchandise, plants, or décor.
This project took me maybe two hours total, and people genuinely think I hired an electrician. The LED strips cost about $15 online, and the effect is absolutely worth it. IMO, this is one of those small touches that makes your salon feel premium 🙂
Paint and Stencil an Accent Wall
Stenciled patterns elevate plain painted accent walls to a whole new level. Basically, you make personalized wallpaper for a lot less money.
Purchase or make a stencil in the pattern of your choice; abstract designs, geometric shapes, and flowers all look great. After securing it with painter’s tape and using a foam roller to apply paint (which stops bleeding), repeat the process across your wall.
I stenciled a modern hexagon pattern on my shampoo area wall using two shades of gray. The pattern adds visual interest without overwhelming the space, and clients constantly ask where I got the “wallpaper.” When I tell them it’s paint? Their minds are blown every single time.
Upcycle Vintage Furniture
Why buy new when you can transform old pieces into statement furniture? Thrift stores and estate sales hide absolute treasures waiting for some love.
Finding and Transforming Pieces
Look for solid wood furniture with good bones. Don’t worry about ugly finishes or dated hardware—you’ll change all that. Sand, prime, paint in your color scheme, replace hardware, and suddenly that $30 dresser becomes high-end storage.
I found a massive mid-century credenza for $50 that had seen better days. After stripping the old finish, sanding it smooth, and applying fresh stain, it became my product display unit. Clients assume it cost hundreds, and I love that the piece has history and character.
Make Custom Framed Mirrors
Simple mirrors are useful but uninteresting. They become design elements without the custom price tag thanks to custom frames.
Using 1×4 lumber, construct basic frames, miter the corners, and use construction adhesive to secure them around your current mirrors. To match your decor, paint or stain them. You can go rustic with weathered wood finishes or modern with sleek black paint.
For less than $100 in materials, I framed all five of my styling station mirrors. My stations went from being builder-grade basic to purposefully designed in a single weekend, which is absurd. Once I got the hang of it, building each frame took about thirty minutes.
DIY Project Difficulty Guide
| Project | Skill Level | Time Required | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reception Desk | Intermediate | 6-8 hours | $100-200 |
| Living Wall | Beginner | 2-3 hours | $50-100 |
| LED Shelves | Beginner | 2 hours | $40-80 |
| Stenciled Wall | Beginner | 4-6 hours | $30-60 |
Create a Pegboard Organization Wall
Garages aren’t the only places to use pegboards. When properly styled, they turn into useful artwork that keeps your tools accessible and organized.
Choose a striking hue for your pegboard that goes well with the color scheme of your salon. Add hooks, baskets, and shelves to hold styling tools, products, and accessories after firmly mounting it to the wall. Put everything in its proper place; this isn’t about jamming things in wherever you can.
I put in a matte black floor-to-ceiling pegboard behind one styling station. Having all of the tools accessible and visible makes my work much easier, and the contrast against the white walls is breathtaking. Here, style and function come together flawlessly.
Build a Custom Product Display
Retail displays from specialty stores cost a fortune. You can build better ones yourself using basic materials and a bit of creativity.
Wooden crates, glass shelves, and simple brackets combine to create eye-catching displays. Stack crates vertically for height variation, install floating glass shelves for an upscale look, or build a simple ladder-style shelf that leans against the wall.
I built a tiered display using reclaimed wood planks and black iron pipes. The industrial-chic look fits my salon perfectly, and clients browse products way more now that they’re displayed attractively. Better displays literally translate to more retail sales—it’s that simple.
Design DIY Neon-Style Signs
The price of real neon signs can reach the hundreds or thousands. LED neon signs that you can manufacture yourself? Much less expensive and equally effective.
Purchase flexible LED neon flex rope (the kind that bends into shapes) and use it to create a motivational phrase, logo, or name for your salon. Install it directly on the wall or on a clear acrylic backing. These signs instantly set the mood and take stunning pictures.
I used pink LED neon flex to create a “Beauty Starts Here” sign for my entrance. About $60 was spent in total, and it creates the atmosphere as soon as customers enter. It’s also so incredibly photogenic that it’s all over my Instagram. Really, it’s a win-win situation.
Craft a Macramé Wall Hanging
Macramé adds texture and bohemian vibes without breaking the bank. You need cotton cord and basic knot-tying skills—that’s literally it.
YouTube has endless tutorials for every skill level. Start with something simple like a basic wall hanging with geometric patterns. As you get more comfortable, tackle larger, more complex pieces. The meditative nature of knotting cord is actually pretty therapeutic too. FYI, this is perfect for those evenings when you want to create something but don’t want to deal with power tools :/
I made a huge macramé piece for my waiting area during slow winter months. Materials cost maybe $40, and the finished piece adds warmth and personality that you just can’t buy in stores. It’s uniquely mine, and that matters more than people realize.
Refinish and Reupholster Seating
Your salon chairs might be stuck, but your waiting area seating? Totally transformable through refinishing and reupholstering.
The Process
Strip old finishes from wood frames using paint stripper or a sander. Apply fresh stain or paint in your chosen color. Remove old fabric, add new padding if needed, and staple new fabric tightly across the seat. Choose durable, commercial-grade fabric that can handle daily use.
I tackled four waiting room chairs this way, and they went from dated and sad to modern and inviting. Each chair took about three hours to complete once I got into a rhythm. The satisfaction of transforming something tired into something beautiful? Absolutely worth the effort.
Create Custom Artwork
Making your own artwork is almost free, but original artwork costs a small fortune. Modern designs and abstract art are very forgiving, so you don’t have to be Picasso.
You can make geometric abstract art with canvas, acrylic paint, and painter’s tape. Make neat lines and shapes with tape, paint in the spaces between your color palette’s sections, and then take off the tape when it dries. Instantaneous personalized art that perfectly complements your interior design.
Using this technique, I made a three-panel piece for my salon. Three large canvases in gold, white, and navy. People frequently ask where I bought them, and the total cost was probably $50. Saying “I made them” is a constant source of joy.
Install a Gallery Wall Collage
Gallery walls look complex but follow a simple formula. You’re basically arranging frames and art in a visually balanced way.
Lay everything out on the floor first to plan your arrangement. Mix frame sizes and orientations while maintaining consistent spacing. Include mirrors, artwork, photos of your work, and even 3D objects like small shelves or decorative items.
I spent an entire Saturday creating my gallery wall, and it’s now the most photographed spot in my salon. The trick is planning thoroughly before you start hammering nails—measure twice, hang once. I learned that lesson the hard way with about fifteen unnecessary holes in my wall.
Build Rolling Storage Carts
The cost of commercial styling carts is high. For a fraction of the price, homemade rolling carts made from simple materials function just as well.
Organize your tools and goods inside wooden crates or boxes that have caster wheels attached to the bottom and handles added if necessary. To match your decor, paint or stain them. These are very useful because of their mobility—roll them where you need them and store them when you’re finished.
I used unfinished wooden crates from the craft store to construct three matching carts for various stations. They are now both practical and aesthetically pleasing after I added heavy-duty wheels and painted them in my brand colors. The cost of making each cart was approximately $25, while comparable retail versions cost over $80.
Final Thoughts
DIY projects transform your salon while keeping costs reasonable and adding personal touches that store-bought items just can’t match. Sure, some projects might take longer than anticipated (they always do), and you might make mistakes along the way (I certainly have), but that’s part of the process.
Start with projects that match your skill level and available time. Build your confidence with simpler projects before tackling the complex ones. Remember that imperfections often add character—not everything needs to be showroom perfect.
The real beauty of DIY salon decor is creating a space that’s authentically yours. Every piece tells a story, and clients respond to that authenticity way more than they respond to generic store displays. Now grab your tools and start creating—your salon transformation is waiting 🙂