Top 5 Illuminated Signage Options for Visibility

As a business owner, you know how getting noticed can be tricky, especially in an oversaturated market. One proven solution is enhancing your storefront with the right kind of illuminated signage.

Illuminated signs are about more than just visibility – they’re also an opportunity to showcase your unique style and personality. With several customization options available, from color-changing LED displays to classic neon signs with a modern twist, you can create a sign that truly reflects your brand.

And the best part? Today’s illuminated signs are more energy-efficient and cost-effective than ever before, thanks to innovative technologies like solar power and low-voltage LED.

In this article, we’ll examine the top illuminated signage options lighting up the business world. Whether you’re a small startup or a well-established enterprise, there’s an illuminated sign out there that’s perfect for you.

Get ready to light up your business!

Types of lighted signs

In the world of illuminated signage, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique advantages and applications. Let’s look at the types of lighted signs and explore the areas where they can have the biggest impact for your business. It’s good to note that over the past decade LED technology has revolutionized the signage industry, offering many benefits for businesses – not least that they are more cost-effective and last much longer! All of the below signs utilize LEDs.

1. Halo lit signs (backlit channel letter signs)

Halo lit signs, also known as backlit channel letter signs, are one of the most popular ways to make a bold statement. These signs feature individual, three-dimensional letters – channel letters – which are illuminated from behind, creating a halo effect. The letters are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum and can be customized with your choice of color, font, and size.

One of the advantages of halo lit signs is their ability to grab attention, even from a distance. The 3D design and individual illumination of each halo lit letter create a sense of depth and dimension that flat, front-lit signs simply can’t do. This makes them particularly effective for businesses located near busy roads or in areas with high foot traffic.

However, it’s not a case of either/or – you can have both! For maximum impact opt for a sign that is halo lit and face lit.

Halo lit signs can also feature edge lit letters. These signs have an acrylic return which lights up the edges of the letter, for a dramatic effect, where the letter is flush against the wall, but has an edge lighting.

2. Lighted panel signs

Lighted panel signs offer several options for customization:

a. Shoebox panel signs feature letters and logos that are reverse cut out from the face and illuminated, resembling the lid of a shoebox. The panel can also have an optional perimeter halo lighting for extra effect.

b. Push-through acrylic signs have letters and logos that are reverse cut out and feature push-through acrylic, providing extra dimension and an edge-lit effect to the letters.

c. Flat panel signs consist of a flat panel illuminated from behind, typically using energy-efficient LED lights. They can be customized with your business name, logo, or other graphics, making them a great choice for building brand recognition.

It’s also possible to mount halo lit letters onto a panel to allow for easier installation.

The biggest benefit of lighted panel signs is their adaptability. They can be mounted on a wall, hung from a ceiling, or even installed independently. This makes them suitable for a wide range of businesses, from retail stores to offices and everything in between.

Secondly, panel signs require only one wire to be run behind the wall, as compared to individual lighted letters. This is a huge benefit of a lighted panel sign as it makes installation much easier. Also, the panel itself adds a ‘background’, which can help the sign pop more as an architectural element.

3. Monument signs

Monument signs are a popular choice for businesses located in parks, campuses, or other large, open spaces. These signs are installed at ground level and typically feature a solid base made from brick, stone, or metal. The sign itself can be illuminated in various ways, including front-lighting or back-lit letters.

One advantage of monument signs is their ability to create a sense of permanence and credibility for your business. They are often associated with established, professional organizations, making them a great choice for businesses looking to convey a sense of stability and reliability.

4. Lightbox signs

Lightbox signs feature a translucent panel that is illuminated from behind, allowing light to pass through and create a bright, eye-catching display. The panel can be customized with your choice of graphics, making them a great choice for promoting sales, events, or new products.

5. Neon signs

Neon signs have been a popular choice for decades. They are widely used for businesses in the food, beverage, and entertainment industries. These signs feature glass tubes filled with neon gas, which creates a vibrant, eye-catching glow when powered by electricity.

In recent years, many businesses have started to shift towards LED neon signs, which offer the same visual appeal as traditional neon but with improved energy efficiency and durability. LED neon signs can last up to 10 times longer than traditional neon and consume significantly less power, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Installation considerations for lighted exterior signs

When installing lighted exterior signs, there are some things you need to think about for a smooth and successful installation process:

1. An electrical junction, either in the ceiling or wall, where the sign will be connected. This junction will provide the necessary power source for your illuminated sign.
2. A transformer to power the energy-efficient LED lights used in most modern lighted signs.
3. Sufficient access to run the wires from the sign to the power source. This may involve drilling through walls or ceilings, so it’s important to assess the installation site beforehand and make the necessary preparations.

Got a question? Drop us a message! Impact Signs has a comprehensive FAQ section that covers many common installation topics, from mounting fabricated aluminum panel signs to the specific type of electrical junction required.

Create your custom sign with Impact Signs

At Impact Signs, we specialize in crafting tailored signage solutions that showcase your unique identity. Our expert team is dedicated to working closely with you to design and manufacture a sign that meets your specific needs and exceeds your expectations.

From durable, eye-catching materials to energy-efficient LED lighting, we offer a wide range of options to ensure that your sign is both visually stunning and cost-effective. Plus, with our commitment to exceptional customer service, you can trust that we’ll be with you every step of the way, from the initial concept to the final installation.

Contact Impact Signs today to build the perfect lighted sign for your business!