Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Neon Sign (Part 1)
If you’ve been thinking about adding a neon or LED neon sign to your space, this blog post is for you. Neon signs have become a go-to for businesses looking to stand out, homeowners wanting to freshen up their space, and event planners aiming to create unforgettable moments. But, if it’s your first time shopping for one, it can feel a little overwhelming.
Here’s a complete guide to what you should know before buying your first neon sign.
1. LED Neon vs. Traditional Glass Neon
When most people picture neon, they imagine the old-school glass tubes filled with gas. While they look cool, traditional neon is fragile, expensive to repair, and not energy efficient.
While we made our name specializing in LED neon signs, we also offer traditional glass neon signs in the USA. Both LED neon signs and traditional glass neon signs serve different purposes, and both mediums have their benefits.
Glass Neon: Iconic, handcrafted, and rich with nostalgia. Glass tubes give a timeless look that’s been used in bars, diners, and storefronts for generations. They’re especially great for those who want authenticity and a piece of neon history.
LED Neon: Lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient. LED signs are safe to touch, long-lasting, and more flexible for custom shapes and designs. They’re also easier to install and maintain.
For most buyers, LED neon is an easier option. But, if you’re looking for that romantic, vintage look - we’d recommend getting a glass neon sign.
2. Choosing the Right Size
There’s no universal “perfect size” for a neon sign, it depends on your space, your style, and how much impact you want it to make.
A simple rule of thumb is the rule of thirds: your sign should take up about one-third of the wall or backdrop it’s going on. That way, it feels intentional and eye-catching without overwhelming the room. In saying that, it’s really up to you - beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Still unsure? Measure your space before ordering, or better yet, send us a photo of your wall or area. We’ll create a free to-scale mockup so you can see exactly how your sign will look before you commit.
3. Picking Your Colors
Neon signs really are all about color, but not every color works the same way. Bright tones like hot pink and red really pop, while softer colors like deep purple or pale blue create a more subtle effect.
If you’re replicating your logo, we’d recommend using your brand colors. If you’re creating a warming, relaxing environment - you can’t go wrong with warm white or pale blue. If you’re looking to attract foot-traffic - go with bright red.
Not sure which color will work best for your space or design? Check out our full color range with real life examples of each shade so you can see what looks best.
4. Text, Logo, or Design?
With neon, simplicity always shines brightest. Clean logos, bold shapes, and short text translate beautifully into neon. Very thin lines and fine detail can be harder to capture since neon tubing has natural limits on how tightly it can bend.
For designs that need extra precision, we offer UV print. This process lets us print directly onto the clear acrylic backing, so details like gradients, fine text, or intricate artwork come through perfectly, while still pairing with the glow of neon for maximum impact.
Again, it feels like a cop-out typing this again - but beauty really is the eye of the beholder. At the end of the day, the design that will work best for your space is the design you’d like to see there. Be confident, be bold, and your space will shine bright.
Buying your first neon sign doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really all about understanding your options. From choosing between LED and glass, to finding the right size, colors and styles, you now have the essentials to start your neon journey.
In Part Two, we’ll dive deeper into indoor vs outdoor signs, pricing, installation, shipping, and how to care for your sign so it lasts for years to come.
Ready to explore your own design ideas in the meantime? Try our custom neon sign builder tool, or use our ai design tool, Wattson, and see how your vision could glow in neon.