Lay down vs stand up sunbeds: what should your salon offer?
Customers have firm preferences. The right answer for most salons is some of each.
Lay down sunbeds are the core of most salons and where premium features justify premium prices. Stand up sunbeds cost less, need less floor space (about 2.0m × 1.8m against 2.5m × 2.5m) and suit customers who want a quick session. Offer both if you have the room.
The practical differences
From our price list and installation guidance:
| Lay down | Stand up (vertical) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | £10,500 + VAT | £5,000 + VAT |
| Premium price from | £18,500 + VAT | £9,000 + VAT |
| Room size guide | About 2.5m × 2.5m | About 2.0m × 1.8m |
| Ceiling height | Standard | Typically 2.4m minimum |
| Customer experience | Relaxing, comfort features, flagship feel | Quick, no contact with a surface, even all-round tan |
What customers prefer
Some customers will only ever use a lay down, because the session is part of the appeal. Others strongly prefer a stand up, because nothing touches a shared surface and there are no pressure points. A salon with only one type loses the other group to a competitor.
Building your lineup
A strong small salon might run a premium lay down, a mid-range lay down and a stand up. Paradise Tanning & Beauty opened with six sunbeds across several brands, including lay down and vertical units. Forever Sun added one premium lay down, a megaSun K9S, alongside standard models to create a clear upgrade. Browse commercial sunbeds or ask us to plan the mix for your floor.
Lay down vs stand up: common questions
Are stand up sunbeds cheaper than lay down?
Generally, yes. Our commercial stand up sunbeds start from £5,000 + VAT and lay down sunbeds from £10,500 + VAT.
Which takes up less space?
A stand up. As a guide, allow about 2.0m × 1.8m against 2.5m × 2.5m for a lay down, but check ceiling height, typically 2.4m minimum for vertical units.
Should a new salon have both?
If the space allows, yes. Customers have strong preferences and offering both means you do not lose either group.
Which earns more?
It depends on your pricing and your customers. Premium lay downs usually carry the highest session price; stand ups turn sessions round quickly. The mix matters more than either alone.
More guides for salon owners
Sunbed salon regulations in the UK: licences, age limits and what is changing
What the law requires of a tanning salon in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, in plain English.
How much does it cost to open a tanning salon in the UK?
The equipment prices are fixed and published. Everything else depends on your unit. Here is how to build the budget.
Are tanning salons profitable? What actually drives the numbers
Nobody can honestly promise you a figure. What we can show you is how the model works and what real customers did.
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Book free consultationWhat salon owners say
Real feedback from people who’ve bought beds, had installs and trained with Julita’s team.
“I had a pleasure to deal with j solution. Best in the business. Have few sunbeds bought and assembled by the company. Never had any issues with the equipment. They would also advise what’s new on the market. Thank you kindly”
“I’ve had a great experience working with J Solutions. They are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to sunbeds, lotions, and overall salon setup. From installation to training days, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. The team took the time to explain everything clearly, making sure I felt confident using the equipment and products. Highly recommend J Solutions to anyone looking for reliable support, quality products, and expert guidance within the tanning industry.”
“The salon looks absolutely stunning – it’s on a completely different level. Everything feels premium and high quality, especially the tanning beds. From a staff and client perspective, the investment was 100% worth it. I also received extremely detailed and professional training on tanning, skin types and safety. The support doesn’t stop after delivery. Highly recommended.”
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