Stand-up vs Lay-down Sunbeds for Salons
Choosing between stand-up and lay-down sunbeds starts with your salon: the room, your customers and the equipment you already have. Use this comparison to prepare a shortlist, then confirm each model's requirements with our team.
Two types, different layouts
Stand-up sunbeds are also called vertical sunbeds or tanning towers. Customers stand inside the equipment. With a lay-down sunbed, sometimes called a lie-down sunbed, customers lie on a bench beneath a canopy.
Compare the individual models as well as the type. Dimensions, controls and optional features vary; the type alone does not tell you whether a bed will fit your salon.
Compare the practical differences
Scroll across to compare both options.
| Consideration | Stand-up sunbeds | Lay-down sunbeds |
|---|---|---|
| Customer position | Standing inside a tower. Ask customers whether they prefer this position. | Lying on a bench beneath a canopy. Ask customers whether they prefer this position. |
| Room layout | Check the exact height, door movement and space to enter and leave. Do not plan from the footprint alone. | Check the exact length and width, canopy movement and space to approach and get onto the bench. |
| Access | Review the entrance and controls on the specific model. Discuss your customers' access needs before choosing. | Review getting onto and off the bench and reaching the controls. Discuss your customers' access needs before choosing. |
| Cleaning | Review the manufacturer's routine for the floor, handles and acrylic panels on the model you choose. | Review the manufacturer's routine for the bench, canopy and other contact surfaces on the model you choose. |
| Equipment mix | Consider whether a standing option adds a choice your customers have asked for. | Consider whether a lying-down option adds a choice your customers have asked for. |
Neither column is a universal recommendation. Check access and cleaning on the actual equipment, and follow its manufacturer's instructions. Your room also needs suitable installation access and services; our team will confirm the electrical and installation requirements for your salon.
Start with your customers and existing equipment
If you already offer tanning, ask which type customers request and what they like or find difficult about your current equipment. Use that feedback when deciding whether to replace a bed with the same type or offer a different choice.
For a new salon, compare the room plan and the experience you want to offer before choosing a model. A mixed range is an option to discuss, rather than a requirement for every salon.
Your selection checklist
- Measure the room and ceiling height, and note doors, corridors and any stairs on the delivery route.
- Record the equipment already installed and the power and ventilation provision you know about.
- List the customer preferences and access needs you want to discuss.
- Compare the exact model's dimensions, door or canopy movement, controls and cleaning instructions.
- Decide whether you want to explore buying, hire or both.
- Send your shortlist and room information to our team so we can confirm suitability, availability and the full quotation.
Browse the options
Browse stand-up and vertical sunbeds or browse lay-down sunbeds.
Explore Luxura by Hapro and megaSun by KBL for more about the brands, then open individual model pages for their specifications.
See our commercial sunbeds for sale or read about commercial sunbed hire. The hire page explains the current offer; availability and terms are confirmed with the team.
Need help with your shortlist?
Tell us about your room, the beds you already have and the choice you want to offer customers. You do not need a trade account to make an equipment enquiry.
Talk to us about equipment, or call 0808 108 7778.
