How to Choose the Ideal Neon Sign Size?

Signs
Guide

Lea Alber

September 16, 2025

A neon sign is described as "a bright sign composed of either flexible LED neon or traditional glass neon tubes that gives off a bright glow." Most neon signs used to consist of glass tubes filled with neon gas, but now most neon signs will have LED equivalents that are more energy efficient, safer, lighter, and less brittle. 

I. What is neon?

Neon signs are normally very bright, but look very cool and sleek. Neon signs can serve as branding tools for businesses, decorative elements in homes, or highlights at weddings. Lake Worth Playhouse, located in Lake Worth, Florida, has the oldest neon sign in the United States that is still on and lit; it has been continuously on and lit every night since 1929.

What is neon

II. How to choose the ideal neon sign size?

1. Use of the neon sign

The intended use of a neon sign largely determines its size. Before selecting a size, you need to decide whether it is going to be used for business promotion or for a home decor item.

 ● Business promotion: Storefront or shop signs will typically require a larger neon sign to attract customers from a distance of 20 or more feet, which leads to neon signs that are larger in size.

 ● Events or home decor: If there may be restrictions on the area where the sign will be used, then a small or medium neon sign is likely a great option because it will fit without overwhelming the space.

 ● Photo backdrop or weddings: If the purpose of the neon sign is to be a focal point in a backdrop for photos, then a larger neon sign is ideal, especially for larger weddings with a lot going on in the images. 

Neon Signs

2. Viewing distance

 The distance to view a neon sign will determine how visible the sign is. If the sign will be contributed to a large audience, larger generally works better. Use the distance to view the neon sign to determine the relative sizing of the sign.

 ● Close viewing: Smaller sizes (12-24 inches) work well, for instance, for indoor wall decor.

 ● Medium viewing: Medium sizes (24-36 inches) for walls in a cafe or at an indoor event.

 ● Long viewing: Larger sizes (36 inches and larger) work best to provide clarity in readability, for instance, for storefront spaces or outdoor usage.

3. Placement & space available

Your space will determine the size of your neon sign, so it is good practice to measure your available space on your wall or display prior to ordering your neon sign, to ensure that it will be in scale with the amount of space you have measured.

You can allow for your sign to fit by defining some buffer area. If your area is very small, consider your display options vertically, or ordering a smaller neon sign. Just be sure you have adequate space so your neon sign is not overly large.

Neon Sign

4. Visibility

The visibility of neon signs is a combination of design and size. Larger sizes will make complex neon designs more visible. If a design is too small, it will likely not be legible from any distance.

Simple designs can be smaller while still being legible. Detailed fonts or graphics will require larger sizes to be legible and clear. Bright neon colors in high contrast can help make neon signs legible while maintaining small sizes.

5. Budget considerations

Because of additional material, labor, and shipping costs, larger neon signs will typically cost more. It will be helpful to establish a budget ahead of time so you can compare size options more easily. 

Consider whether one large sign will work better than a few smaller signs. LED neon signs will commonly cost less than traditional glass neon signs.

III. What are the recommended neon sign sizes?

Neon Sign Size

For indoor and outdoor neon signs, the size selection varies greatly. Here are some recommended sizes for your reference.

1. Small signs (4-20 inches wide)

Utilization: desk decoration, small wall decoration, bedroom, or personalized gifts.

Advantages: inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use.

Uses: short words, initials, or small icons.

Small Signs

2. Medium signs (20-36 inches wide)

Best for: cafes, bars, living rooms, or as an event decoration.

Advantages: balanced visibility with space needed; Suitable for indoor walls.

Uses: business logos, phrases, or wedding background.

Medium Signs

3. Large signs (37-60 inches wide or larger)

Best for: storefronts, outdoor displays, stage use, etc.

Advantages: highly visible from afar with significant focus.

Uses: store name, big event signs, and art.

IV. Conclusion

Little-sized neon signs are useful for personal areas, a medium-sized neon sign is perfect for work within a home, event, or within a café, and a large-sized sign is the size that is perfect for the retailer's shop front and outdoor advertising, where you want to stand out. 

When you purchase your neon sign, think about how far away you will be viewing from, the location of the site, visibility, and your budget limits. Using the right size will ensure your neon sign sings and lights up as you intended!

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