Here’s Why Neon Signs Are Making a Comeback
Neon signs are making a comeback — their vibrant and mesmerizing glow is becoming a captivating way for companies to make a statement and establish their brand identity in a highly competitive market. This resurgence is reshaping the way businesses communicate.
One notable aspect of this resurgence is the vintage and classical presence of neon signs. There’s nothing quite like personalized neon signs to convey messages effectively.
From outdoor neon signs that communicate important information to passing motorists to indoor office signs that promote a business’s brand and services, these signs enrich our lives, providing a feast for our eyes and aiding us in various ways.
Immortalized by Hollywood’s depiction of night-time Las Vegas, neon lighting has been adopted by countless retail stores and storefronts, from casinos to taco trucks.
Author Tom Wolfe once wrote that Las Vegas is:
“The only town in the world whose skyline is made up neither of buildings, like New York, nor of trees, like Wilbraham, Mass., but signs.”
If you’ve ever visited or seen pictures of Sin City, you know that the striking illumination of fluorescent signs creates a dazzling visual spectacle unique to the city.
Neon Window Lights Really Jazz Things Up
Neon window lights give a unique touch, setting a business apart from others on the street. For a shop or cafe, it’s like putting on a flashy outfit that says, “Look at me!” Dave’s Signs works with businesses to come up with designs that match their vibe. An excellent example is the one we did in Studio City, CA, for Roberta’s.
So, if a business wants to shine brighter and pull in more customers, Dave’s Signs can help jazz up their storefront with custom window neon lights signage.
Why Neon Signs Became Less Popular
Introduced in the early 1900s, neon signs quickly became an iconic way to light up the cityscape. But by the 60s, they began to fade in popularity. Their revival in the 1980s was significant, with cities like Las Vegas showcasing their neon splendor.
But it wasn’t just Las Vegas; the Hollywood neon signs also played a pivotal role in this renaissance. Landmarks such as the high voltage, neon-lit Sunset Strip, the iconic Hollywood Palladium with its glowing marquee, and theaters along Hollywood Boulevard celebrated the allure of neon.
We’d have to say we’re partial to the neon Art Deco signs in Hollywood if we had to pick ones we didn’t make ourselves.
These Hollywood neon signs, popular films, and music videos of the era reintroduced neon’s charm to a new generation, ensuring its enduring presence in urban aesthetics.
Unfortunately, neon fell off the popularity charts again in the 2000s. The once-appealing glaring light of neon signs became a sight too common.
Soon, cheaper alternatives started coming around, like LED lighted signs. While neon signs were hard to replace because of the custom-made nature of the tube, changing an LED only required a change of a ready-made bulb.
A custom LED sign consumes less energy, costs less money and offers more variations.
Additionally, a well-designed custom LED sign can mimic the appearance and vibrant glow of traditional neon signs, offering a modern and energy-efficient alternative. As such, businesses took no time switching allegiances to LED neon signs.
These aspects caused a decline in the demand for neon signs as major commercial hubs switched to the cost-effective and versatile LED neon sign option.
The Resurgence Of Neon Signs
Despite the advantages of LEDs in terms of energy consumption, cost, and variety, the allure and distinct charm of neon signs continue to captivate businesses and consumers alike.
As with neon signs, LEDs are also facing the paradox of prevalence. However, well-designed, personalized neon signs stand out in a sea of LED signs.
The craft and handmade aspect of a custom neon sign brings a certain aesthetic with them that helps brands distinguish themselves. The bright, electrifying (literally) light of custom neon signs also acts as a magnet in the bustling nightlife that indulges the commercial streets of cities.
Since neon signs are making a comeback, you may wonder if they are a good fit for your company. What follows is a little information about their cost—a determining factor for most business owners.
How Much Do Neon Signs Cost?
The cost of neon signs can vary widely based on several factors:
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- Size: Larger signs require more materials and labor, driving up the cost.
- Complexity of Design: A simple “Open” sign will be much less expensive than a custom-designed sign with intricate lettering or detailed graphics.
- Colors Used: Neon signs can be made in a variety of colors. If multiple colors are used, or if a particularly rare or unique color is chosen, the cost might be higher.
- Quality of Materials: High-quality materials and craftsmanship will generally last longer but will also come at a premium.
- Installation Costs: Depending on the location and complexity of the installation, this can add to the overall price of a business sign. Some signs might require specialized mounting, equipment rental or detailed electrical work.
To give you a general idea:
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- Small, pre-made signs might start as low as $100 to $200.
- Medium-sized custom signs can range from $500 to $2,000 or more.
- Large, complex custom designs for businesses or special venues can easily exceed $5,000 to $10,000.
Prices can vary based on region, supplier, and current market conditions. So, if you are wondering something like, “How much do restaurant signs cost?” contacting Dave’s Signs for a quote for that or any type of neon sign is a good idea. Tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll bend over backward to accommodate you and give you a competitive, fair price.
Harness the Unique Power of Neon Advertising Signs
Visible, vibrant, and lively – glowing neon light lettering, including neon business signs outdoors, offers a unique way to notify customers of your presence in the nighttime.
As a reminder of old times, New Yorkers have campaigned for a neon sign not to be replaced in an unprecedented act of nostalgia.
As you can see, beautiful and iconic neon signs are making a comeback. That said, how do you go about getting one of your own? Read on to find out how.
Neon Signs Manufacturing: Your Source for Neon and LED Neon Signs
We at Dave’s Signs are glad to see that neon signs are making a comeback. A customized neon sign requires special expertise, and Dave Signs knows how to make neon signs that take your breath away.
In addition to creating on-brand neon signs, we can also create a custom LED neon sign for your business, offering a modern twist on the classic neon aesthetic. Because of this, we have you covered if you are ever on the hunt for Neon or LED neon signs near you.
Give us a call at (805) 641-1387 or reach out to us online. Our team of experts will guide you through the process, providing you with high-quality neon signs tailored to meet your demands.
