From the moment guests step inside, a well-designed lobby can influence how they perceive your business. The right combination of decor and lobby signs helps build a space that reflects your brand, offers visual appeal, and functions smoothly for daily use.
Choosing décor strategically, from materials to color schemes, can leave a lasting impression and make visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.
Align with Your Brand Identity
Lobby decor should mirror the style and message of your company.
- Style and Personality: If your brand is modern and minimal, keep décor clean and contemporary. A more traditional company might opt for classic artwork and warmer finishes.
- Visual Messaging: Use company colors, logos, or slogans to reinforce your identity. Mission statements or branded lobby signs displayed in prominent areas tie your messaging to the physical space.
- Consistent Elements: Fonts, shapes, and materials should be in line with your existing brand assets, helping build a unified look.
Artelier notes that selecting artwork for commercial interiors starts with aligning with your company values and personality to set the right tone. If yours is a fun and energetic workspace, make sure people see this as soon as they arrive!
Consider the Space and Scale
The size of your artwork or signage should match the space it occupies.
- Proportional Pieces: Avoid small pieces on large walls or oversized displays in tight areas. The goal is balance, not distraction.
- Focal Points: One or two large art pieces or custom lobby signs can serve as focal points to anchor the room.
- Ceiling Height and Layout: Consider vertical or horizontal orientation based on ceiling height and furniture placement.
The General Services Administration (GSA) recommends that government and commercial buildings use large-scale artwork and signage to help define open public spaces and make them easier to interpret.
Balance Aesthetics with Function
Design elements should look good and work well in a lobby environment.
- Durability: High-traffic areas demand sturdy materials. Choose aluminum, stainless steel, or durable plastics that stand up to cleaning and wear.
- Maintenance: Easy-to-clean finishes and materials minimize upkeep while maintaining appearance.
- Practical Design: Avoid sharp edges or fragile pieces that could become safety hazards.
Finishes for public spaces should include balancing visual appeal with functionality, especially in lobbies and corridors.
Use Color Purposefully
Colors impact how visitors feel and can subtly support branding.
- Brand Reinforcement: Integrate your brand colors into wall art, signs, or accent pieces.
- Emotional Cues: Use calming shades like blues and neutrals for waiting areas. Consider energizing colors like yellow or red for entrances.
- Design Continuity: Align lobby colors with the broader interior design to maintain consistency.
Color theory is well documented as a tool for influencing perception in environments, impacting how occupants feel and interact with spaces.
Add Dimension and Texture
Flat designs can feel sterile. Introducing layered or tactile elements gives the space more personality.
- 3D Features: Dimensional lobby signs or relief artwork adds shadows and visual interest.
- Texture: Wood, metal, and fabric finishes can soften or energize a room depending on how they are implemented.
- Lighting Accents: Backlit signs or spotlighted art enhance texture and shape.
For contractors and government offices,The U.S. General Services Administration supports the use of textured materials and sculptural signage to humanize large-scale commercial spaces.
Showcase Custom or Local Pieces
Investing in original artwork gives your lobby a more personal feel.
- Site-Specific Art: Commission pieces that speak to the history, mission, or clientele of your company.
- Local Artists: Support the regional art community by featuring pieces from nearby creators.
- Branded Displays: Combine form and function by integrating your logo into wall art or signage.
Integrating art in public buildings ca include displaying local art or custom work personalizes a space and connects it to the surrounding community.
A polished lobby doesn’t mean over-decorated. Choose meaningful elements and stick to a consistent theme.
- Edit Down: Fewer impactful pieces have more presence than cluttered walls.
- Consistent Style: Avoid mixing drastically different artistic styles or color schemes.
- Visual Balance: Leave white space to help art and signage stand out.
Every design element should serve both visual and functional purposes.
Start Your Lobby Décor Project with ShieldCo Art
If you’re ready to create a visually striking lobby that reflects the style and values of your company, the artisans at ShieldCo Art can help. We specialize in creating custom lobby signs and dimensional wall art that combine bold design with lasting durability. Our team works with you to design pieces that highlight your branding while enhancing the functionality and ambiance of your space.
Contact us today to discuss your project and uncover how custom metal signage can highlight your lobby. Visit us online or call 1-888-332-8762 to speak with our team. Let’s bring your vision to life.