Do you need to replace your broken, old business sign? Or, are you looking for an eye-catching sign that has a bit more pizzazz than the plain, boring sign that you currently use?
Then you must be wondering, just what are your options for lighted business signs? Fortunately for you, you're about to find out.
In this complete guide, we list and describe the 9 best types of lighted business signs that you have to choose from. You'll learn the pros and cons of each type, including which ones are the cheapest and which are the most energy-efficient.
Whether you're looking into outdoor business signs, indoor displays, custom business signs, or something basic, you'll learn all you need to know from this guide. Read on to find out more.
1. Internally Lit Business Signs
Internally lit business signs are signs that contain lights within the structure of the sign. These come in many variations, including but not limited to:
Face lit signs
Halo lit signs
Lightbox signs
The internal lighting allows for a very artistic sign creation. Thus, these signs are always more impressive and eye-catching than externally lit signs.
2. Externally Lit Business Signs
An externally lit business sign is any business sign that is lit from the outside by separate, external lights. Any type of lighting solution can be used for this. Popular lighting choices include:
Spotlights
Concealed fluorescent lighting
Rope lights/Christmas lights
A clever array of spotlights, color-changing lights, or rope lights can make a very basic business sign really stand out. Still, external lighting is pretty useless during the day.
On the one hand, though, this saves you energy by not having to keep your sign lit all day. But on the other hand, an internally lit sign is impressive all day long.
3. Face Lit
Face lit signs are so common that almost every business has at least one. These are internally lit signs that project light through a translucent front panel (the face).
Square/Rectangle Signs
The simplest type of face lit sign is just a large square or rectangle with a flat panel in the front. With these, the front panel is basically a translucent banner or poster that can display anything you want.
Many businesses just spell out their business name in the font of their choice. Or, the panel can say the type of business or the services provided ("HOTEL," "Coffee and Sandwiches"). If you want, you can put all of these on your sign along with some original artwork.
This category also includes lightbox signs. These have a front panel that you can easily open or remove. That way, you can redesign your sign or update the information on it with ease.
Custom Shapes
You can also face lit signs in custom shapes, like letters and logos. These look much classier/more professional than a rectangle sign. And you can have the face panel digitally printed with your logo or artwork.
4. Halo Lit
A halo lit sign is merely a solid shape with a light behind it to create a silhouette effect. These signs look remarkably elegant for such simple technology.
Typically, companies that use these signs will have their business names spelled out in individual, halo lit letters. You would also want your logo halo lit as well. Obviously, these can be made in any shape you desire.
A benefit to these signs is that there's no need to turn them on during the day. You can save energy by only using them at night. In addition, you can add halo lighting to face lit signs to give them even more emphasis.
5. Individual Letter Signs
As mentioned, both halo lit and face lit signs can be made into individual letters to spell out the name/type of your business. This gives texture to the text on your sign and really makes it stand out. In general, it looks less generic than a rectangular face lit banner.
6. Signs Mounted onto a Backer
Next, the custom-shaped signs we've mentioned are much more convenient when mounted onto a single backer. That is, it's a lot more trouble to hang/install your sign when you have to mount each individual letter.
But the signage is a lot easier to mount and maintain when it's all connected as a single unit. Plus, it will look no less impressive this way. In fact, you can stylize the backing to add even more flair to the overall look.
7. Monument Signs
A monument sign is a style of sign that sits on the ground out in front of the business rather than attached to the business itself. You can incorporate any type of internally lit or externally lit sign into your monument sign.
8. Pylon Signs
Pylon business signs are basically the same as monument signs except that they're held high off the ground by one or two poles. Typically, the poles hold a single lightbox/face lit sign that says the name and/or type of business.
It's also common that there be a blank space on the sign where the business can add customizable messages with numbers and text. A business could, for example, use this space to display updated business hours or to advertise a new service.
9. Blade Signs
Blade signs are kind of a variation of pylon signs that are also held by one or two poles. But they are mounted onto the side of the building, perpendicular to it.
Thus, customers do not see these signs when they face the building. Rather, they see it as they drive past it or as they approach it on the sidewalk. Again, this style of sign can be used for any type of sign on this list.
Choose One or More of These Signs For Your Business
Based on this guide, we hope you've decided on the types of lighted business signs you need. If you're still not sure, we can help.
Here at ShieldCo, making you the perfect sign for your business is our area of expertise. Fill us in with a few details about the sign you want and we'll provide you with a free 2D mockup and a free quote. Get a 3D mockup for only $1.
