When it comes to making your business visible day and night, illuminated signs are a smart investment. Whether you own a retail store, run a café, manage a salon, or you're preparing for an event or exhibition, light-up signage doesn’t just attract attention — it elevates your brand and improves visibility in all lighting conditions.
In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of illuminated signs, how they work, and which one might be best for your business.
1. Front-Lit 3D Signs
Front-lit signs are one of the most popular choices for shop signage. Each letter or shape is illuminated from the front using LED lighting, producing a bright, eye-catching glow.
Ideal for:
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Retail stores and boutiques
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Cafés and takeaways
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Salons and barbershops
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Gyms and wellness studios
Why choose front-lit?
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Bold, vibrant impact
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Great visibility, day or night
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Custom colours, fonts, and sizes available
2. Back-Lit (Halo) Signs
Back-lit or halo-lit signs glow from behind, casting a soft light around the edges of the letters. This creates a sleek, premium effect — ideal for modern brands.
Ideal for:
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High-end retail spaces
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Professional offices and clinics
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Hotels, spas, and showrooms
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Exhibition stands and trade show displays
Benefits:
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Elegant and subtle illumination
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Stylish branding for indoor and outdoor use
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Energy-efficient and long-lasting
3. LED Neon Signs
LED neon signs recreate the iconic look of traditional neon using modern LED technology. They’re lightweight, safe, and fully customisable — great for grabbing attention in-person and online.
Popular for:
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Pop-up shops
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Bars and cafés
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Retail display walls
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Event backdrops and exhibitions
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Hospitality and leisure venues
Features:
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Fun, on-brand messages or logos
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Safe for indoor use and photo ops
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Ultra shareable on social media
4. Lightbox Signs
Lightboxes are signs with printed graphics illuminated from the inside by LEDs. They’re perfect for promotional content, menus, and visuals that need to be changed regularly.
Used by:
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Restaurants and takeaway shops
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Shopping centres and kiosks
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Trade show exhibitors
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Retail displays and product launches
Advantages:
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Eye-catching from a distance
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Swappable graphics
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Wall-mounted or freestanding options available
5. Edge-Lit Acrylic Signs
These signs use clear acrylic panels etched with designs or lettering, which are then lit from the edges using LED strips. They create a clean, minimal glow that’s ideal for professional environments.
Best for:
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Office receptions and meeting rooms
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Real estate offices and corporate spaces
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Event signage and registration desks
Key Benefits:
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Sleek, modern look
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Low energy use
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Compact and easy to install
Who Uses Illuminated Signs?
We supply illuminated signage for a wide range of businesses across the UK, including:
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Independent shops and retail chains
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Restaurants, cafés, bars, and takeaways
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Beauty salons, hairdressers, and barbers
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Offices, agencies, and co-working spaces
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Trade show exhibitors and pop-up vendors
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Event planners and experiential marketing teams
Choosing the Right Illuminated Sign
When selecting a sign for your business or event, consider:
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Location – indoor or outdoor use?
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Style – does it reflect your brand’s tone?
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Functionality – is it static branding or a temporary display?
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Budget – different materials and lighting options affect cost
Still not sure? We’ll walk you through the best options during a free design consultation.
Get a Free Design & Quote
We design and supply custom illuminated signs for businesses of all sizes — from high street shops to exhibition stands.