Your storefront sign has a big job to do. It needs to communicate your brand, attract attention and help customers find your business quickly. In many cases, your signage is your business’s first impression. Today, we live in a world with countless signs, advertisements and distractions competing for our attention and a poorly designed sign can easily be overlooked. 

So how do you make your signage stand out? Effective storefront signage should be easy to see, easy to read, and memorable enough that people notice it as they walk or drive by. In this post, we’ll explore a few simple ways to enhance your signage so it stands out and works harder for you.

How to make signage stand out?

A noticeable business sign typically uses strong colour contrast, clear lettering and adequate size. Lighting and dimensional elements can also help a sign attract attention, especially from a distance. Let’s take a look at these strategies in more detail:

1. High Contrast Colours

Signs that pop often use a strong contrast between the background and the lettering. For example:

• Black letters on a light background
• White letters on a dark background
• Bright colours, contrasting colours (blue and yellow, red and yellow, teal and orange, etc.)

High contrast colours make signs easier to see and read, especially from a distance.

2. Clear Lettering

Choose clear, bold fonts to make signage easy to read and recognize at a glance. Sans-serif fonts are commonly used for storefront signage because they remain legible from a distance. Fancy, decorative fonts may look interesting, but they often become difficult to read from far away. If someone has to pause to figure out what your letters say, your sign has already lost its effectiveness. 

3. Letter Size

When it comes to lettering, size matters. The larger your letters, the easier it is for people to see and read your sign from a distance. Before designing your sign, think about how far people will be when they see it. Will they be walking down the sidewalk, or driving past from a busy road? The distance and speed of passing traffic will have a big impact on how large your letters need to be. 

As a general guideline, each inch of letter height provides about 10 feet of readable distance. This means a 12-inch-tall letter can be read from roughly 120 feet away, which works well for pedestrians or slow-moving traffic. For vehicles moving at highway speeds, letters often need to be 18 to 24 inches tall or more to be read quickly and safely from the same distance. 

4. Illumination

Lighting can dramatically increase the visibility of your signage. Even the most well-designed lettering can blend in when the lighting is poor, but illumination makes your sign easy to see at night, on cloudy days, or during the winter months when daylight hours are limited. There are a lot of lighting options to help your signage stand out, including:

• LED channel letters
• Backlit letters or logos 
• Halo-lit letters
• Spotlights/Gooseneck lighting
• Front-lit cabinet signs
• LED digital signs

Illumination is almost always worth the investment, keeping your business visible around the clock. 

5. Add Depth and Dimension

Flat signage works well, but adding depth often draws more attention. Dimensional letters, such as channel letters, rise off the wall and create natural shadows that draw the eye. Layered logos or lettering add texture and contrast, which makes your storefront feel more polished and professional. Even subtle depth can significantly improve visibility, making your business more memorable for passersby.

Should a storefront sign include a lot of information?

Generally, no. The main goal for your storefront sign is to grab attention quickly and communicate your business at a glance. Too much text or information can overwhelm viewers and make your sign harder to read, especially for people walking or driving by. 

A good rule of thumb is to focus on the essentials, including:

• Business name
• Logo or brand icon
• Short descriptor (optional)

Anything beyond that can make your sign feel cluttered and reduce its impact. Remember, less is more.

Ready to create a sign that stands out in the crowd? Contact us today at National Neon Signs!

Signage is constantly evolving as companies look for new ways to attract attention and strengthen their brand. With so many competing businesses and visual distractions, today’s signs need to work harder than ever to make a clear impression. 

If you’re creating a new storefront sign or updating an existing one, understanding current trends can help you choose a design that feels modern and effective. So, what are some popular sign trends right now? Let’s take a look.

What are popular sign trends right now?

In early 2026, popular sign trends focus on bold, minimalist design, sustainable materials, dimensional or 3D lettering and digital interactivity. 

1. Clean, Minimalist Design

One of the biggest signage trends right now is clean, simple signage with very little clutter. Typical features include:

• Simple layouts
• Sans-serif or bold fonts
• Limited colour palettes
• Large lettering
• Plenty of space

Instead of filling the sign with extra graphics or information, minimalist signs focus on clarity and simplicity. This gives the sign a modern feel and makes it easy to see and read, especially from a distance. 

2. Bold Colours and High Contrast

While many sign layouts are becoming simpler, colour choices are becoming more adventurous. Bold colours with strong contrast are being used to improve visibility and grab attention quickly. Some vibrant colours that are popular today include:

• Deep blues
• Emerald green
• Hot pink
• Fiery orange
• Warm gradients 

High-contrast colour combinations help your sign stand out (such as dark text on a light background or vice versa) and make it easier to read. Think:

• Cherry red and canary yellow
• Deep teal and warm coral
• Cobalt blue and neon green
• Classic black and white

Using colour strategically can reinforce your brand’s identity and make your business more recognizable.

3. Sustainable Sign Materials

Sustainability has become an important consideration for many businesses and signage is no exception. Eco-friendly signage is becoming a selling point for many brands. Popular materials that signal sustainability include:

• Reclaimed wood
• Recycled materials
• Low-VOC inks
• Bamboo
• LED lighting
• Solar-powered illumination

Choosing sustainable materials for signage can help businesses communicate their values and align with green branding.

4. Dimensional and 3D Letters

Flat signs are increasingly being replaced by dimensional lettering that literally pops off the wall. These signs feature raised letters, such as 3D channel letters, or logos that add depth and visual interest, drawing the eye and making your business more memorable. Channel letters are primarily constructed from aluminum backs and sides (returns) with an acrylic or polycarbonate face. These 3D signs are particularly effective when paired with LED lighting. Some illumination options include:

• Front-lit lighting
• Back-lit (halo) lighting
• Open-face lighting
• Combination lighting

These lighting choices give your 3D letters a range of eye-catching effects and help ensure your business stands out both day and night.

5. Digital and Interactive Signage

Digital signage in Canada is becoming more common across many industries, offering flexibility and interactive features that traditional static signs simply can’t match. Some examples include:

• QR codes
• Digital menu boards
• Touchscreen wayfinding kiosks
• Interactive product displays

LED screens and digital displays allow businesses to update messages instantly or rotate between different promotions or announcements without replacing signage.

Are digital signs replacing traditional signs?

No, while digital signs are growing in popularity, they are complementing rather than replacing traditional signage, and many businesses use both. 

• Digital signs offer dynamic content, flexibility, interactivity, and the ability to update content instantly. They’re ideal for restaurant menu boards, retail store promotions, event spaces or interactive wayfinding. Digital signs allow businesses to adapt instantly to changing needs. 
• Traditional signs remain essential for permanent branding. High-quality static signs are highly visible and aesthetically pleasing, offering a sense of professionalism and stability. Traditional signs are best used for storefronts, professional offices, or long-term advertising. 

Using a combination of digital and traditional signage gives businesses the best of both worlds: lasting brand presence and dynamic, flexible messaging. 

Your signage is a powerful tool for visibility and branding. By embracing current trends like dimensional letters, bold colours, and digital interactivity, your business can make a lasting impression. Ready to design a sign for your business? Contact us today at National Neon Signs. 

Neon signs have been around for over a century, with the invention of these signs credited to French engineer Georges Claude.  Claude’s invention involved passing an electrical current through rarefied neon gas in a sealed glass tube, causing it to emit a bright, glowing light.  His first public demonstration occurred in late 1910.

The first known use of a neon sign in advertising was in 1912 at a Parisian barber shop, where the words “Palais Coiffeur” were displayed.  This marked the debut of a new phenomenon – since then, businesses have been eager to capture the attention of their consumers with these vibrant, illuminated signs.  

Today, custom neon signs have become iconic symbols of nightlife in bustling cityscapes and the fun and frivolity of entertainment.  Over the decades, the popularity of neon has fluctuated, especially with the advent of cheaper, more energy-efficient alternatives like LEDs and fluorescent lighting.  However, many consumers still find themselves attracted to the warm, nostalgic glow of a classic neon sign, and it’s safe to say that their popularity is making a comeback.  

In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the history of neon signs, taking a closer look at their craftsmanship and modern applications.

Evolution of Neon Signs

1910s

After his discovery, Georges Claude first unveiled his invention at the Paris Motor Show in December 1910.  After demonstrating its potential for advertising, he would later patent his system, including a specific design for the electrodes within the tubes and methods for purifying the neon gas, enabling the creation of bright, long-lasting neon lights.  This patent formed the basis for his company, Claude Neon Lights.  

1920s to 1950s

Often referred to as “liquid fire”, neon signs became widely popular worldwide during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in large, urban centers.  This period became known as the “golden age of neon.”  The rapid growth of cities and the increased availability of electricity provided the perfect circumstances for neon signs to flourish.  Neon signs became a powerful tool for advertising, creating vibrant, memorable displays in iconic locations such as Las Vegas and New York City.  These displays came to symbolize progress, modernity, and the possibilities of the electronic age.

The popularity of neon signs lasted well into the 1950s.  During this time, neon lighting technology saw significant improvements, including the introduction of more colors and greater design flexibility.  While neon itself produces a reddish-orange glow, adding other gases like argon and mercury, and using fluorescent coatings applied to the inside of the glass tubes, allowed for the creation of other colors such as blue, yellow, green, purple, and white.  Advances in glass and electrode technology led to more durable and reliable neon signs, reducing breakage and maintenance issues.  Improved materials and the ability to create a wide range of colors allowed for more detailed, complex signs than ever.

1960s

However, neon signs became less popular in the 1960s due to a combination of factors.  By this point, neon signs were no longer a novelty – what was once considered the peak of modernity began to be perceived by some as outdated or even tacky.  Neon signs were fragile and expensive to manufacture and repair.  The 1960s saw the rise of more affordable and more durable illuminated signs, most notably the advent of LED (light-emitting diode) lighting.  LED signs were cheaper, easier to install and maintain, and lasted longer than traditional neon.  Finally, the glass used in many neon signs contained lead, which raised health concerns, particularly as safety regulations began to tighten in the 1960s.  

1980s

Neon experienced a brief revival in the 1980s – a decade known for its bright colors, extreme fashions, and iconic trends.  Popular TV shows of the day, such as Miami Vice, contributed to its resurgence.  The show prominently featured neon lights in various settings, including nightclubs, buildings, and even clothing, creating a vibrant and stylish atmosphere, adopting neon once again as a symbol of luxury and entertainment.

2010s to 2020s

Today, neon is making a comeback.  The resurgence is partly driven by nostalgia and the desire to recapture the retro, vibrant aesthetic of decades past, particularly the 1980s and 1990s.  Today’s fast-paced world can be overwhelming and overstimulating, whereas a vintage neon sign feels warm and inviting, bringing us back to a simpler time.  Younger people, too, are embracing neon as a fresh, bold visual statement.  Their eye-catching, photogenic quality makes them popular on social media, allowing users to capture their alluring retro charm in the modern age.  

Neon Sign Craftsmanship: How Neon Signs are Made

Traditional neon signs are made of sealed glass tubes, filled with neon and other gases.  The tubes are bent and twisted to form letters, symbols, or other designs.  When electricity is added, the neon emits light, causing the sign to glow.  The art of neon sign glass tube bending is a specialized skill that requires precision and experience.  Today, it is considered an endangered craft.  

Let’s briefly discuss how neon signs are made:

• Design – A pattern for the neon sign is created, which is used as a reference during the glass-bending process.
• Heating the Glass – Skilled artisans use various burners to heat and soften the glass tubes so they become malleable.
• Bending the Glass – The heated glass tube is gently bent, using the pattern, to achieve the desired shape.
• Adding Electrodes – The tubing is capped with electrodes, which are the connection point for the electricity source that powers the sign.
• Gas Filling – Impurities are removed from the glass before carefully introducing the appropriate gas (typically neon or argon).
• Completion – The ends of the tubes are sealed, and the sign is ready to be installed!

Today’s Neon Signs 

How do today’s neon signs differ?

Today, modern neon signs are more affordable, more versatile, and safer than ever.  In particular, LED neon offers an alternative to traditional neon signs, using light-emitting diodes housed within flexible, plastic tubing to mimic the appearance of classic neon, without the use of fragile glass or hazardous gases.  

Here are a few key differences between today’s neon signs and those of yesteryear:

• Materials – Traditional neon signs use hand-bent glass tubes filled with inert gases like neon or argon.  Modern LED neon signs use flexible silicone or acrylic tubing instead of glass, so they are shatter-resistant, free from harmful substances, and are not hot to the touch.
• Energy Consumption – Traditional neon signs consume significantly more energy than modern neon signs, which are designed with energy-saving components.  LED neon is more eco-friendly and can help save costs on monthly utility bills.
• Initial Cost – Traditional neon signs are typically more expensive to purchase and install.  LED neon is generally more cost-effective, especially when you factor in long-term energy and maintenance costs.
• Durability – With proper maintenance, both traditional and modern neon signs can last a long time.  However, traditional neon signs, made with glass tubes, are more susceptible to breakage.  LED neon signs use durable, low-voltage LEDs encased in flexible materials, making them more resilient to physical damage and weather conditions.  

What are some modern applications of neon signs?

Modern neon signs can be used in a variety of ways, extending beyond traditional advertising to include interior design, art installations, and event decor.  These eye-catching displays are often used to create a unique atmosphere and add a personalized touch to both residential and commercial spaces.  

Here’s a more detailed look at some of their modern applications:

• Home Decor – Neon signs are used to add a focal point to living spaces, contributing to the mood or aesthetic of the room.
• Office Decor – Neon signs can be used to inspire creativity or add a unique touch to workspaces.
• Event Decor – Neon signs add personality and a retro touch to weddings, parties, or other special occasions.
• Social Media Engagement – Neon signs are powerful tools for boosting social media engagement.  They help create visually appealing backdrops for photos and videos, encouraging user-generated content, and driving traffic to your online presence.
• Artistic Installations – Neon signs are increasingly used as art installations in galleries and other public spaces.
• Unique Gifts – Custom neon signs make unique and personalized gifts for various occasions.
• Wayfinding – Neon signs can be used for navigation, creating a visually appealing and effective way to guide people through complex environments such as airports, hospitals, or retail stores.
• Indoor Signage – Neon signs can help set the mood and add a unique decorative element in a variety of settings, including restaurants, cafes, salons, or other shops.
• Enhanced Branding – Businesses can use neon signs in their brand colors to display their name, logos, or other slogans, creating a memorable experience for customers.
• Advertising – Of course, neon signs are still used for advertising purposes.  Their bright, warm glow can make a business stand out, especially after dark.

There’s no doubt that neon has continued to stand the test of time.  Today, many people find the warm, nostalgic glow of a classic neon sign.  National Neon provides a wide range of signage options, including neon signs and digital LED displays.  To order your sign, contact us today!

Bright, glowing neon signs have become iconic displays of commerce and entertainment: a colorful cityscape fueled by neon signifies the possibilities of the electronic age.  Neon signs have been used in storefront displays and advertisements for more than a century; however, glass tube bending is often considered an endangered craft.  

The art of neon sign glass tube bending is a specialized craft that demands both precision and strict safety measures. Skilled artisans use heat and manual techniques to shape glass tubes into custom designs and lighting effects. The process involves heating specific sections of the tubing until they become pliable, then carefully bending them to form letters, symbols, or other shapes. Once the design is complete, the tubes are filled with inert gases—such as neon or argon—which produce the iconic glow when an electrical current passes through.

Glass tube bending requires skill, precision, and experience. In this article, we’re going to take a detailed look at the art of neon sign glass tube bending process: craftsmanship at its best.

1. Design and Planning

A design or pattern for the neon sign is created and printed to scale on a fire-resistant sheet, which serves as a reference used to guide the bending process. This can be done either manually or with the help of computer software.

2. Heating the Glass

Skilled artisans use various burners to heat and soften the glass tubes so they become malleable. Typically, a ribbon burner using propane is used to heat specific sections of the glass tube, softening it to a pliable state.  The temperature is high, around 1200°F or 650°C, until the glass reaches a state where it can be bent, twisted, and shaped into various designs.

3. Bending the Glass

The heated glass tube is then gently bent, following the pattern, to achieve the desired shape.  A blow hose or other tools might be used to control the diameter of the glass as it’s bent.  During this process, the bends are meticulously checked and adjusted against the pattern to ensure their accuracy and precision.  Once the desired shape is achieved, any excess glass is carefully cut off with a glass cutter or similar tool.  When necessary, separate glass sections are heated and fused together.

4. Adding Electrodes

Once the tubing is shaped, it is capped with electrodes.  These electrodes are the connection point for the electricity source that powers the neon sign.  Each separate tube that makes up the sign requires these connection points.

5. Bombarding

Bombarding is a technique used to remove impurities from the glass.  A strong electrical current is passed through a vacuum-sealed glass tube, heating it and its electrodes, causing the impurities and other contaminants to be released and then pumped away.  This process ensures a clean environment for the neon or other gases, resulting in a brighter, longer-lasting neon sign.  

6. Gas Filling

The appropriate gas (typically neon or argon) is carefully introduced into the vacuum-sealed tube to the desired pressure.  The tubing itself is sometimes coated inside with a powder called phosphor, which gives the tube a different color when lit, depending on which gas it is filled with.  Occasionally, parts of the tubes that are not meant to be seen are “blocked out” or painted to further define the shape of the neon sign.

7. Sealing

The ends of the tubing are sealed using a heat torch or other sealant to prevent gas leakage.  This step requires precision to ensure a tight seal.  It’s crucial to perform a leak test after sealing. 

8. Completion

The tubing is complete and ready to be mounted!  It’s generally recommended to have a professional install your neon sign.  Neon signs can be fragile and require careful handling during installation.  A qualified electrician can ensure the sign is installed securely and safely.

Neon signs are regaining popularity, with many consumers finding themselves attracted to their warm, nostalgic glow.  However, glass tube bending is considered an endangered craft, requiring years of training and experience.  Due to the handcrafted nature of the process, each neon sign is unique.  Today, modern neon signs are safer and more affordable than ever.  

Whatever type of sign you want, National Neon can help –  from the initial design to the final installation.  Contact us today for more information!

It’s time to go back to basics! That’s right—even today, monument signs can still make an impact. If you’re a local business looking to stand out in your community, this is the way to go. These ground level signs are often anchored in stone, brick, metal or high-density foam and can still make your place of business shine.

Are you a school, medical office, retail plaza, church or corporate campus. No matter what type of business you are, a monument sign can work for you. Let’s learn about how a monument sign can showcase your brand.

Monument Signs Explained

A monument sign is a freestanding, low profile sign that sits by a building’s entrance or along a roadway. In contrast to their pylon and pole counterparts, they are closer to the ground and tend to be between three and six feet tall. This makes it more grounded and readable from a distance. 

They tend to be made of the following materials:

• Stone or brick masonry
• Concrete
• Metal panels
• Stucco or acrylic
• Routed or sandblasted foam (for cost-effective replicas)
• Digital LED panels (for modern messaging)

Monument signs are classic and never go out of style. Even in our modern world, they still hold relevance. We will discuss why they still matter now next.

How Monument Signs Hold Up Today

When everyone is looking down at their phones, they might not notice a sign. However, that’s where you’d be wrong. These signs sit at eye-level. Check out some of the reasons businesses still turn to monument signs:

• Builds Credibility: A professionally designed monument says a lot about your business. It shows you are established, permanent and proud of your brand.

• Anchor Your Brand: Temporary and digital ads come and go, but monument signs are forever. Think of it like a landmark that customers will remember.

• Fuses Retro and Modern Influences: Even monument signs can use backlit logos, digital displays and QR codes. The material the display sits on combines tradition with trust.

From past to present, monument signs get the job done. They truly are unforgettable. We will learn about how to effectively design a monument sign next.

Designing the Perfect Monument Sign

Wondering how to make your monument sign a staple of your neighbourhood? Well, there are few ways to stand out even in streets filled with signs. Try out the following;

• Match Architecture: Your sign should complement your building and surrounding landscape. A cohesive theme helps build trust.

• Simple Messaging: All you need on your sign is your business name, logo and an optional tagline. Keep digital messages short and readable.

• Make Everything Legible: Fonts, colours, contrast and lighting should be chosen with visibility in mind. This is especially true for drive-by traffic.

• Think Long-Term: Durable materials and timeless designs should be your top priorities. If you maintain it, your monument sign can last 20+ years.

Whether you have a monument sign or not, design is everything. After all, you’re putting out an image of your brand to the world. It should represent you and your business.

Let Legacy Meet Longevity With a Monument Sign!

Sometimes, it’s a good thing to go back to classics—monument signs prove it! They can showcase your brand and message if you use them correctly. Need help with your monument sign? You can count on National Neon Signs. We are your sign design and installation experts.

Ready to experience the benefits of monument signs? Contact us today! 

A well-designed store sign is one of your business’s most important tools for attracting customers, promoting products, or enhancing brand recognition.  However, signage placement is just as important as design.  Even the most compelling, visually appealing sign won’t help much if your customers can’t see it!  To ensure maximum visibility, you’ll need to consider the environment around you.  

Picking the perfect spot can significantly impact its success.  In this post, we’re going to explore some key factors that contribute to effective signage placement.  

1. Foot Traffic

The strategic placement of signage in high-traffic areas significantly amplifies its visibility.  Your sign should be placed where it is most likely to be seen by your target audience, which is why you need to prioritize locations that receive high foot traffic.  This might include areas like sidewalks, entryways, checkout lines, or other places where people tend to stop and gather.  By identifying high-traffic areas, businesses can ensure that their signage reaches a larger and more diverse audience, increasing brand exposure and capturing the attention of potential customers.  

2. Signage Height

For signs targeting foot traffic, place your sign at eye level.  This ensures your message meets the gaze of passersby, making it both highly visible and engaging.  However, if your sign is on a busy street with a lot of pedestrian traffic, you may want to consider placing it slightly above eye level, or higher if it needs to be seen from a distance.  For busy locations, you may want to angle the sign 45 degrees up or down from eye level and check if this makes it more visible.

3. Accessibility

Your sign needs to be easily accessible to the audience you want to reach.  Make sure it’s placed in a clear line of sight, where it is unobstructed by other signs, objects, or the surrounding environment.  Ensure your sign is in clear view and can be easily read and understood by passersby.  

4. Environmental Surroundings

The surrounding environment can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your sign.  Consider your sign’s surroundings, including any visual clutter or other signs that might be next to yours.  Your sign should stand out even in a busy environment, with clear design elements and contrasting colors.  Consider natural elements like trees, plant growth, or weather conditions that might affect visibility and factor these in when choosing the perfect spot for your sign.  Choose a location that complements your sign’s message and visual style.

5. Local Regulations

When placing your sign, it’s important to adhere to local ordinances and regulations.  This includes checking zoning laws, permit requirements, and any restrictions on sign placement.  Adhering to these guidelines helps prevent any legal issues in the future.  Make sure your sign is installed securely and safely to prevent accidents and avoid damage.

6. Vehicle Traffic

When placing outdoor signs, consider vehicle traffic, including the speed of traffic and the distance from where it will be seen.  For traffic moving at higher speeds, your sign will need to be larger, with a clear, concise message so drivers can quickly understand the information.   Signs need to be positioned and designed to be easily seen against the backdrop of other environmental surroundings.  Pylon signs, also known as freestanding signs, are often used along busy roads and highways.  They are strategically placed to be seen from a distance and are often double-sided so that they catch attention from both directions.

Finding the perfect spot for your sign has a huge impact on its overall success.  Ready to discuss how our signs can elevate your brand visibility and attract more customers to your store?  Contact us today at National Neon!