Manicure tables are just regular tables, right? They are basically just flat surfaces where you can rest your hands during nail beautification. Or so one may think. There are many things to consider when selecting nail tables for your salon, but the three most practical components are comfort, lighting and storage.

For the manicurist, days can sometimes be very long. A manicurist might spend hours moving between manicure tables without much of a break. A manicure table should be ergonomically designed to be as comfortable as possible, both for the manicurist and the client. Neither the nail technician, nor the client is offered a lot of movement during the manicure process. Manicure tables with cushioned arm rests and comfortable chairs make the process more enjoyable for the client and more healthy for the manicurist who must remain within such a narrow focus for so many hours in a day. Adjustable manicure tables are a little bit more expensive, but having a moveable top that can tilt towards or away from the client offer the most convenient way to accommodate people of different heights and sizes. A simple manicure, which may only involve soaking the hands, can take as little as ten minutes. But a client who contracts for a complex manicure, complete with nail art, may spend as much as two hours at various manicure tables before her job is complete. Comfort is a must.

Another aspect of a good manicurist’s table to consider is its light source. Shaping nails is close and careful work in the best light…in poor light it is made nearly impossible. Manicure tables that feature either built-in, adjustable lighting sources OR convenient cord separators for your own personal lighting sources are the best. Manicure tables with built-in lights that cannot be moved or tables without a designated space for you to place a light should be avoided.

If you have ever seen any manicure table, most have drawers on one side or the other for manicure instruments and accessories. This is a very convenient but not necessarily required amenity of many manicure tables. The storage is very handy for the nail technician, but many manicurists have a movable cart that they move between nail tables. Of course, the movable nail cart is an added expense that can be avoided by purchasing manicure tables with built-in storage. An added bonus is the lift-out polish display that is the highlight of some of the better nail tables. It is easy to show the client what her choices are by removing the polish rack and placing it under the light for her to view.

While storage, lighting and comfort are the three basic things to look for in manicure tables, there are a few other things you may want to consider. Some manicure tables come with vents, which is very convenient for eliminating the unpleasant smell that is often associated with any sort of nail work. Others can be customized to match the décor in your salon. Most look serviceable enough, but choosing just the right manicure tables for your nail salon and your budget can be challenging and exciting.