What size of neon sign should I buy? - This is one of the most common questions we get asked.
Finding the right size neon sign for the space isn't straightforward. A few factors come into play. This blog post was written to answer that question as best as possible.
Using the following factors, we can arrive at a reasonable approximation for the size of a neon sign for a given space.
Choosing neon sign sizes comes down to the following considerations:
- Printing letters from your design in differing sizes and positioning in your selected sign location allows you to test readability.
- The required viewable distance determines the size of your lettering in the neon sign.
- Once you have determined the lettering size, you can adjust the design to suit the custom neon sign size.
- Ensure the sign's readability from all customer angles and perspectives—sizing might need to increase if acute angles are involved.
- If in doubt, consult your friendly neon sign maker.
Once you have gone through this guide you will be able to choose a correctly sized neon sign for your space.
Location, Location, Location
The first step is to select a location where you think the neon sign will be best suited. It might not be the final place where you mount the neon sign, but there has to be a starting place.
Often, the best place to have a neon sign is perpendicular to an entrance (meaning straight across from an entry point) to the room or space. This type of placement is typically the most visually striking as it is viewed immediately upon entry into the room.
Other options include having the neon sign above elements you wish to highlight, like a restaurant or retail business payment terminal. Behind the service area in a bar or cafe. A wedding neon sign positioned in a nook at the party or in a photo booth.
Pro tip: You probably already know the location and how the neon sign is intended to be used, so keep this in mind when walking through the remaining steps.
Visual Impact
Questions to ask: Will the neon sign have the impact I want in the size of the space? Will the effect be too little or too much?
Think about the impact you want the room's LED neon sign to have. Do you want it to be a bold focal point or a subtle accent? This will help you determine the appropriate size for your neon sign. For a statement piece, you may want to choose a larger sign that fills a significant portion of the wall. For a more understated look, a smaller size may be more suitable.
I recommend choosing a moderately sized neon sign for a bedroom and a larger sign for a living room. Wedding neon signs can be more subtle in color and design.
Pro tip: The important considerations here are as follows: Given the proposed size and location of the neon sign, will this sign have the required impact? When creating the neon sign ensure to buy a dimmer and controller, to allow dimming of the light.
Viewing Angle
Question to ask: Is the neon sign positioned at an angle to the viewing audience, either vertically or horizontally?
If the viewing angle is too acute—beyond 90 degrees—then it can make seeing the sign harder. To overcome this, we create a larger sign, which somewhat compensates for the angle.
When making the sign, factor in this to ensure the sign size is appropriate for the angles at which it will be viewed.
Pro tip: It's essential to consider the vertical and horizontal viewing angles.
The vertical and horizontal viewing angles of an LED neon signReadable Distance
Question to ask: How far away are most of the people who will view the neon sign?
The viewing distance is another factor to consider when sizing neon lights for an LED neon sign. Think about where people will be in relation to the sign. If it will be viewed from a distance, you may need a larger size to ensure visibility. On the other hand, if it is viewed closely, a smaller size may be sufficient.
Pro tip: Use this chart to create letters of letter sizes you want to test, in the font you want to use. Tape them to your wall, and stand where the sign will be mostly viewed. This is an excellent way to test the letter sizing and the readable distance.
Measure the Wall Space
Get out your measuring tape and measure your space—you need to know the width and height of the wall.
Ensuring the space has been measured side to side makes choosing the neon size easier. With exact measurements, you can use them to factor into your viewing distance, balance this with the allowable wall space, and calculate the optimal neon sign dimensions.
Neon Sign Size Chart with Visual Comparison
Having decided on the above factors and knowing where you want to position the neon sign, we can calculate an appropriate size.
Pro tip: Using the letter sizing chart above and working out the distance to the viewing spot will give you a very accurate idea of the size the letters in the design should be. Once this is calculated, the sizing for the letters in the sign design will dictate the size of the entire design. Factor in any viewing angle issues and the size of the wall to ensure the size is correct.
The image below shows the relative sizes of a neon sign and a queen-size bed. This allows for effective comparison and selection of size.
Consult with a Neon Sign Maker
If you still have questions about neon sign sizes and what is most appropriate for your space, please consult with our customer service team. We have a design team with expertise in correctly sizing neon signs for specific spaces.
Pro tip: If you still need help, discuss your sizing dilemma with a neon sign maker.
Create a Concept Design
Before making a final decision, it's essential to see concept drawings of the neon sign on a dark wall and technical drawings showing sizing, spacing, hole positions, and technical details.
We provide a FREE design and quote for custom neon signs.
Pro tip: You can visualize the sign's appearance in the space using paper cutouts or digital design tools. This will give you a better sense of its size and impact before purchasing.
Contact our team for help on your next neon sign project.
Neon Sign Size Conversions - inches to cm
This chart shows the conversion of inches to cm.
Neon Sign Sizes FAQ
What size should a neon sign be?
A neon sign can be any size you wish - if you need it for a business, it could be 30'; for home decor, it could be 2' - we tailor the size to the design. The neon sign size is down to your space, budget, and preferences. There are no limits to how big, there are however limits to how small a neon sign can be - mainly due to bending constraints on the flexible tubing we use to make the sign - read about LED neon flex.
How do you make a neon sign?
We use LED neon flex, which is plastic tubing filled with LED lights. LED lights are durable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient.
They are easy to mold and shape into almost any design, making them perfect for neon signs.
We mold and shape the LED neon flex onto an acrylic backboard, connect the power supply and all wiring, and test the sign once it is completed.
What size neon sign for the above bed?
The most common sizes of neon signs customers buy to position above a bed are 40" to 50". The image above shows the sizing of this exact situation and relative to the bed.
What size can a customized neon sign be?
We create custom neon signs for many customers. We have made neon signs from 35' wide to 1' wide. There is no limit to the size we can manufacture.
