Buying guide for best manicure tables
Whether you’re a freelance nail technician or a salon owner looking to give your business a boost, having a dedicated manicure table is essential to providing professional manicures. That’s because a manicure table not only helps inspire client confidence but also provides a more ergonomic setup to guarantee a comfortable manicure experience for both parties. But only if you choose the right manicure table, and that isn’t always easy considering how many options there are.
That’s where BestReviews comes in. We’re here to help make shopping a little easier. Let us take care of the product research so you can save time – and frustration – in your quest to find the perfect items for your home.
If you’re in the market for a new manicure table, our shopping guide has plenty of helpful tips to make sure you wind up with the ideal table for your needs.
Who needs a manicure table?
If you’re a freelance nail technician or salon owner who wants to start offering manicures, a manicure table is key to giving you credibility as a nail professional. Using a general-purpose table or office desk doesn’t inspire the kind of confidence that leads to repeat customers. Most tables aren’t designed to organize professional manicure tools or hold up to the rigors of a professional salon environment.
And while manicure tables are meant for professional use, manicure junkies might also like having one for home use. You likely don’t need all the features that a professional table offers, but it can be convenient to have a dedicated space for doing your nails and storing all of your polish and tools.
Manicure table features to consider
Size
The first decision you have to make when shopping for a manicure table is what size best fits your needs. The table should be large enough to hold all the tools and supplies necessary for a manicure, as well as provide enough comfortable legroom for both the manicurist and client.
You also have to take the available space into account when choosing an appropriate size. If you’re purchasing the table for a salon and setting up a fixed station, measure the area and choose the largest table that you can fit in the space.
If you’re a freelancer, you’ll likely need to create a mobile manicure station, and a smaller model will be easier to transport. A small manicure table is also a good option if you’re buying one for home use.
- Small, portable manicure tables usually measure 35 to 37 inches long and 15 to 17 inches wide.
Stationary vs. portable
Stationary: If you’re setting up a manicure table in your salon, you’ll probably want a stationary or fixed table that isn’t meant to be folded away for storage. This type of table tends to be sturdier and more durable because it’s intended for a permanent setup. A stationary table usually costs more than a portable table.
Portable: For the freelance nail technician who travels to clients’ homes or a manicure enthusiast who plans to use the table at home, a smaller portable model is the best option. These tables are foldable, which makes it easy to fit one in your car for travel or fold it up and store it in a closet or beneath a sofa or bed when you’re not using it. Some portable manicure tables also include a carrying or storage bag to make transporting and storing the table as easy as possible.
Surface
It’s pretty common to spill nail polish or polish remover during a manicure. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a table with an acetone-resistant surface. You’ll be able to easily clean up any nail polish or other spills without worrying about damaging the table. Glass-top manicure tables are the easiest to clean, but you’ll pay more for one.
"If you plan to use your manicure table to do nail extensions in addition to regular manicures, choose the largest option you can afford. Extensions take longer, so you’ll want the extra space to make sure you and your client are comfortable during the process."
STAFF
BestReviews
Tool storage
To keep your tools and supplies organized, a manicure table usually includes some type of storage space. Most tables have drawers – some have a single drawer, while others have multiple drawers on both sides of the table. Choose a table that offers enough storage for all your supplies so you don’t have to clutter the work surface during manicures.
Wrist bar
You want your clients to be as comfortable as possible, and many manicure tables feature a padded wrist bar or wrist rest that enables your clients to comfortably position their hands while you work on their nails. Keep in mind that smaller tables might not have enough room for a wrist bar.
Vents
Nail polish, nail polish remover, filing debris, and other supplies necessary for a manicure can give off fairly strong fumes or produce particles that you don’t want to inhale. To create a safer environment for you and your client, some manicure tables are equipped with vents with attached bags to collect dust, debris, and other particulates and keep them out of the air. The vents may also have filters that help reduce strong odors. A table that’s equipped with vents and filters must be plugged in to operate properly, so you’ll need access to an outlet.
Lights
Because a manicure involves detailed work, it’s important to be able to see what you’re doing. Some manicure tables have built-in lighting that illuminates the table surface so you can more easily see your work and prevent eye strain.
Did you know?
Stationary manicure tables usually feature lockable storage shelves or drawers, so you can trust that all of your supplies and tools are secure.
STAFF
BestReviews
Manicure table prices
Manicure table prices vary based on whether the table is portable or stationary, its size, and the features it includes. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $55 and $600 for a manicure table.
Inexpensive
Small, portable, folding manicure tables that measure less than 45 inches long and have limited storage and accessories range from $55 to $125.
Mid-range
Large, stationary manicure tables that measure 45 to 50 inches long and have at least two storage drawers, venting, and lighting range from $125 to $250.
Expensive
Oversize, stationary manicure tables that measure over 50 inches long and feature significant storage, venting, odor filters, and lighting range from $250 to $600.
FAQ
Q. Does the color of the manicure table matter?
A. Some nail technicians prefer a white table because the dust and debris from filing nails shows up more easily on a dark-colored table. But black and other dark surfaces hide some stains more easily than white, which can be helpful with nail polish spills. In the end, choosing a color for your table is really a matter of personal preference, so select whatever option you like best.
Q. What features should I look for in a portable manicure table?
A. It helps to choose a portable table that comes with a carrying case or bag. It will protect the table when you’re transporting it from place to place and keep it clean when it’s in storage. It’s also a good idea to look for a table with wheels, so you can easily adjust where you set it up. Opt for a model with locking wheels so you don’t have to worry about the table moving around while you work.
Q. What’s the best way to clean a manicure table?
A. After finishing a manicure, wipe down the surface with a damp towel or rag to remove any debris and dust. Next, use a disinfectant wipe or spray on the surface. Allow the surface to air-dry or wipe it down with a clean towel so it’s ready for the next client.
