Types of Neon Signs: A Complete Guide
What’s the first thought that crosses your mind when you hear of neon signs? Well, for most, it’s the old diner-style neon sign with a humming sound. For starters, this is a traditional neon sign, but there are other types of neon signs out there.
Generally, neon signs can be classified into two major groups: the traditional gas-filled neon signs and the modern LED neon signs. The term ‘neon’ is generic and is often used in the industry to refer to neon lights without the specificity.
Here, we break down the two major neon sign types and how they differ from each other. We hope it helps you choose the right one for your space.
What is Neon Light?
‘Neon’ comes from a is a Greek word, ‘neos’ meaning “new,” and in the signage industry, it’s used to refer to all types of glow-producing signage. This term was coined by a British scientist, Sir William Ramsay, in 1898 when he and his partner, Morris Travis, discovered that when neon gas is subjected to high-voltage electricity, it emits a brilliant reddish-brown glow.
So, a neon light is basically any glow produced by a noble gas (neon, argon, krypton) when subjected to electricity. George Claude, a French scientist, was the first person to build and commercialize a neon sign when he demonstrated it at the 1910 Paris Car Show. With advancements in technology, neon signage has since evolved from being primarily gas-filled tubes to include LED types.
What Are the Types of Neon Signs
Now that you have an idea of where neon signs originated, let’s look at the types. Generally, neon signs exist in two major classifications: traditional neon signs and modern LED neon signs. Whether you need something alluring for your storefront or calm and mood-enhancing for your bedroom, here are the different types to help you choose the right one.
Traditional Neon Signs
These are the original neon signs, consisting of a noble gas sealed in a vacuum glass tube. They produce a distinctive, brilliant glow when high-voltage electricity (3,000 – 15,000 volts) passes through the tube. The glow has a nostalgic effect, making this neon sign a classic.
Traditional neon signs require skilled artisans who can bend the glass tube into specific desired shapes. All this is done by hand, and is probably the reason why some people find these signs magical. This also explains their hefty costs.
The process of crafting these neon signs is intricate; each tube has to be bent precisely, filled with a noble gas, sealed, and connected to electrodes. That’s why it’s a unique artistic piece.
A good example of this neon sign was the majestic Coca-Cola billboard in Times Square, New York, before being upgraded to the 3D robotic LED screen in 2017.
Key Features of Traditional Neon Signs
These gas-filled neon signs are not just lights; they’re craftsmanship in a glowing form. What sets these signs apart is the light itself. They depend on electrodes that ionize a noble gas to produce the light. This explains why their glow feels softer, somehow nostalgic. They’re not just brilliant, they have character and feel alive.
Next, their color story. Pure neon gas emits a reddish-orange hue. Other colors in these neon signs are produced by using a different gas instead of neon and a phosphor coating. For instance, argon, when mixed with mercury, produces a bluish glow. Phosphor makes it possible to produce other colors like green, pink, white, and more. That’s chemistry doing some artwork. Since obtaining other colors requires the addition of other elements, the color spectrum isn’t as broad.
Traditional neon signs can also last for decades when built with quality materials and expertise. Don’t be surprised to find that some vintage neon signs from the 1940s and 50s still glow today. But you know what that means; they fetch a high price, meaning not everyone can afford them.
Of course, these signs have other tradeoffs. They consume a lot of power, require transformers, and are fragile. Drop or knock one off accidentally, and you won’t like the sad sound of the glass shattering.
Still, for some people, this authenticity is worth every penny.
Common Uses of Traditional Neon Signs
These neon signs have always been known as storytellers. Most people who use them do so because of their authentic artisanal construction.
You’re more likely to find them in restaurants, cafes, and taverns that cherish the good old glass tube neon signs. They’re also used in bars that never sleep, portraying that authentic wild west theme. You’ll come across these neon signs in vintage motels that feel frozen in time. They’re also common in those casinos, theaters, or old-school storefronts that give that “we’ve been here for decades” vibe.
Artists love them too. That’s why you’ll find them in galleries, museums, and exhibitions where they’re used to evoke bold, emotional statements. There’s just a unique poetic allure about glass tubes that makes them glow in silence.
Even today, these types of neon signs are used by luxury brands and high-end designers to achieve an unmistakable, premium feel.
Modern LED Neon Signs
Now, let’s talk about the convenience of modern LED neon signs. Because these are built for a different kind of experience. They’re the new kid on the block, making use of flexible silicone or PVC tubing instead of gas-filled glass tubes. Wondering whether they create the same nostalgic effect as the traditional ones? Yes, they do, almost the same neon-like glow, but just minus the fragility that comes with glass.
At a glance, you might mistake them for glass tube neon signs. But under the hood, they’re built differently. LED neon signs are lightweight, energy-efficient, and don’t require much expertise to install. No high-voltage transformers needed or specialized skills to bend the glass. The sign makers design, fit the LED neon flex into the desired shape, and that’s it.
Plus, you, the end user, can dictate the shape, glow color, font, and even the size of the LED neon sign without even meeting with the sign maker. Using the free neon sign design tool, you can customize everything about the sign and have the sign maker build the exact design.
This is mainly why the LED neon signs have exploded in popularity. Weddings, bedrooms, startups, offices, homes, everywhere you look, there’s an LED neon sign quietly stealing the spotlight.
Key Features of LED Neon Signs
What makes LED neon signs so attractive? Why are more and more people adopting them for their spaces?
Flexibility and Design Freedom
The LED neon tubing is really flexible. You can bend it into whatever shape, letter, logo, or symbols without worrying about cracking glass. This creates more room for endless design possibilities. Whether you’re after a handwritten script font or a detailed logo, it can be done with LED neon flex. Maybe a quirky neon quote for your wall? Consider it done.
Even though traditional neon signs can do this, it comes with a lot more effort, risk, and costs.
Energy Efficiency
The energy consumption of LED neon is significantly less than the glass tube neon signs. This means you don’t have to worry too much about high electricity bills, which means less environmental impact.
These types of neon signs consume significantly less power than the glass tube neon signs. This means you don’t have to worry too much about high electricity bills, which means less environmental impact.
If you’re planning to run your neon sign for extended hours, such as in a café, shop, or even your living room, LED neon sign is a practical choice. And your wallet will thank you for it.
Safety
Traditional neon signs operate at high voltage. LED neon signs don’t. This means the heat they dissipate is less, and they remain cool to the touch. Install them in your bedroom, living room, public spaces, or at an event without worrying about the risk of burns. Plus, no high-voltage or glass shuttering risks. Overall, the safety standards of LED neon are very high; this is why spaces like kids’ bedrooms, weddings, and parties mostly use LED neon signs.
Durability
Glass tube neon signs are beautiful, no doubt about that. However, they’re fragile. This risk isn’t in LED neon signs because they use neon flex tubing, which is tough. They can withstand vibrations, bumps, and outdoor conditions (if built for outdoors). That’s why they’re ideal for modern businesses seeking style without the headache of constant maintenance.
Common Uses of LED Neon Signs
LED neon signs have changed how people use neon. Gone are the days when neon signs were confined to bars, cafes, and storefronts. Now, they’re found in living rooms and bedrooms too.
You’ll find LED neon signs in:
- Cafés and coworking spaces with minimalist logos
- Retail stores with sleek branding
- Influencer studios and YouTube backgrounds
- Bedrooms bearing motivational quotes like “Dream Big.”
- Events and pop-ups that need instant visual impact.
- Weddings with glowing hashtags and names.
Overall, LED neon signs have democratized neon. This means you don’t need a massive budget or a professional neon sign shop to have one. It’s easier to design your own personalized neon sign using free design tools and have an expert sign maker bring your idea to life.
The Emotional Power of Neon Signs
Here’s one fact about neon signs that you should know. They’re not just functional decorative pieces. They’re also emotional. A place that had a dull appearance can instantly feel alive by just adding a neon sign. A dull street can quickly become a cinematic scene by having neon signs on storefronts.
The traditional neon signs whisper stories from the past—timeless diners, old cities, and road trip experiences. LED neon signs, on the other hand, speak the language of the present. That is, creativity, individuality, and digital culture. They’re different technologies, but with the same magic.
Final Thoughts
None of these types of neon signs is better in absolute terms. They just serve different needs. So, whether you’re decorating your bedroom, lighting a storefront, or creating an ambience for your event, there’s always a neon sign waiting to help you tell your story. And once you see it lighting in the dark, you’ll understand why neon really never goes out of style.