The lobby is the gateway to your business. It’s the first impression visitors get when they walk through your doors. That’s why having the right lobby signage is so important – it has to align with and enhance your brand image. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting lobby signs to effectively represent your company.
Set the Tone
Before looking at materials and styles, think about the tone and atmosphere you want to create. The vibe of a law firm is vastly different from a creative agency. Define the emotion you want your clients to feel. – Reassured and confident or energized and inspired? It will inform aesthetic choices that reinforce the intended tone. A sleek, modern look may suit a tech startup, while wood and classic styling reflect heritage and tradition.
Reflect Your Brand Personality
Your signage should communicate something about who you are as a company. Branding elements like logos, fonts, and color schemes carry meaning that shape perception. For example, bright colors suggest vibrance and accessibility, while muted palettes seem refined and exclusive. Consider not just visual identity guidelines but your core values and brand personality to guide choices. Signs allow you to manifest intangible qualities into physical space.
Complement Your Design Scheme
Ideally, lobby signs should feel cohesive with their surroundings in style and form. The shape, size, finish, and material should make sense for the room. For instance, backlit signs add sleek luminosity without clutter, while dimensional lettering makes a bolder statement. Take stock of existing furnishings and architecture to enhance the signage instead of competing with the larger designs.
Spotlight Your Signs Properly
Placement and lighting deserve strategic thought to draw attention to your signs. Visitors may overlook even the most beautiful lobby art if it blends too much with the walls. Consider mounting it behind reception desks or above seating areas so sightlines lead the eye directly to your signage. Use track lighting or spots to illuminate it independently from the general lobby lighting. The goal is for it to stand out as a clear focal point.
Consider Long-Term Maintenance
While signs make an immediate visual impact, also evaluate practical maintenance factors. Some materials, like wood, may require frequent polishing to retain luster, while metal finishes are more durable. Similarly, the complexity of the sign affects upkeep needs. Details such as intricate shapes or neon tubing look fantastic when new but may be difficult to clean or replace over time. Factor in longevity and preservation when weighing options.
Rightly Size Your Signage
Bigger isn’t always better for lobby signs – make sure the scale suits the room size. Oversized art feels imposing and dominating in a small reception area. Conversely, a tiny sign in a two-story lobby with high ceilings gets visually swallowed instead of drawing interest. Measure your space and find the sweet spot between commanding presence and overpowering excess. Erring slightly larger often works better than too small.
Consider Digital Signage
Increasingly popular digital signage offers versatility that traditional static signs can’t match. LCD or LED displays embedded in lobby art allow you to change messages, showcase different photos/graphics, and even play video content. Wayfinding info, promotions, event announcements and more can be shown on a loop to engage visitors. Just ensure the technology integrates smoothly into the sign design. For the next-level wow factor, ShieldCo backlit lobby signs with integrated LED panels take digitization to the next level.
Variety of Lobby Signs
Lobby signs come in various styles and materials, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some popular options:
Channel Letters
Channel letters are three-dimensional signs made up of individually cut letters, numbers, or symbols. They add depth and sophistication to your lobby and are a popular choice for professional organizations.
Neon Signs
Neon signs are vibrant and eye-catching. Depending on the design, they can add a retro or modern touch to your lobby. Neon signs are perfect for businesses that want to make a bold and memorable statement.
Illuminated Signs
Illuminated signs use LED lights to create a glowing effect. These signs are highly visible and can grab attention even in low-light conditions. They are ideal for businesses that operate during evening hours or in dimly lit spaces.
Metal Letters
Metal letters, often made of aluminum, add a sleek and modern touch to your lobby. They can be routed to match the font of your other marketing materials precisely.
Murals
Murals are large-scale artworks that cover an entire wall. They can feature your brand’s logo, tagline, or a design that reflects your brand’s personality. Murals can turn a bare wall into a captivating visual statement.
Meet Zoning Requirements
While aesthetics drive most signage considerations, don’t overlook legal regulations for allowable sizes and placements. Zoning laws for both exterior and interior signs vary by location, so understand requirements upfront. Nothing derails great sign plans faster than permitting issues or citations! Consult your local zoning office and ensure you have the proper approvals before ordering any custom lobby art.
The Final Impression
Your business makes dozens of impressions on visitors before they even interact with your staff and services. From external building signage guiding them to the entrance to branded elements filling your lobby, you shape perceptions from the moment they arrive. The lobby signifies the transition into your world. Make sure your signage acts as the perfect ambassador, conveying who you are and what you stand for right from the start. With the right first impression, you start each client relationship off on the right foot.