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Vintage Neon vs LED Neon: What’s Right for You?

There’s something timeless about a vintage neon sign. The hum, the glow, the history. Each one tells a story. Whether it once lit up a restaurant, bar, or theatre, these pieces capture a slice of design nostalgia that’s hard to beat.

But when it comes to lighting your own space today, there’s a modern alternative worth considering: the custom LED neon sign. Both have their place. It just depends on what you need.

Why go vintage?

Owning a vintage neon sign is like owning a piece of history. No two are the same, and each carries years of character. They’re ideal for collectors, themed venues, or anyone who wants to build a retro atmosphere. The authenticity of real glass tubes, the gentle flicker, and the worn patina are part of their appeal.

That charm, however, comes with practical challenges. Traditional neon is made with fragile glass tubing and high-voltage transformers, which makes it delicate, heavy, and less energy efficient. Repairs and maintenance can also be difficult, but are certainly doable!

While they look great, they’re often not suited for constant use in modern homes or businesses because of heat output, energy consumption, and the risk of breakage.

The Case for LED Neon signs

LED neon brings the same distinctive glow, but with modern materials and technology. Instead of glass and gas, LED neon uses flexible silicone tubing and low-voltage LEDs. The result? A light that captures the same visual appeal while being easier to install, safer, and far more efficient.

Here’s why most people today choose custom LED neon:

  • Fully custom: Create your own logo, quote, or design from scratch. The possibilities are (nearly) endless.

  • Durable and lightweight: Built from flexible materials that won’t shatter and can be mounted almost anywhere.

  • 2 year guarantee: Each Radikal Neon sign comes with a 24-month warranty. If something goes wrong, we’ll replace your sign at no cost!

  • Energy efficient: Uses far less power than traditional neon.

  • Low maintenance: No glass tubes or transformers to replace.

  • Safe for all spaces: Cool to the touch and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Custom LED neon gives you the same striking look of neon lighting with none of the upkeep or fragility. It’s ideal for homes, offices, events, or businesses that need reliable, long-lasting signage.

Different Tools for Different Jobs

If you’re curating an authentic vintage aesthetic or collecting old-school pieces, a true neon sign might be the right fit. But if you want something made specifically for your space, that’s durable, efficient, and easy to maintain, custom LED neon is the practical choice.

Here at Radikal Neon, every sign is made to order. Whether it’s your design, or something we collaborate on together, we build it, and it’s made to last. Whether you want to capture a retro feel or create something completely original, we can bring your idea to life.