The right neon sign does more than glow — it expresses your personality, sets the mood, and transforms a blank wall into something unforgettable. But with so many options for size, color, font, brightness, and placement, it can be hard to know where to start.
This guide breaks it all down, helping you:
- Pick the right size for your room or wall
- Choose colors that complement your vibe
- Select the perfect font and layout
- Understand placement and installation options
- Decide between custom or premade signs
- Make sure your sign fits your lighting needs
Let’s dive into what really matters when choosing your neon masterpiece.
1. Choose the Right Size for Your Space
The most common mistake? Going too small.
A neon sign should fill the space without overwhelming it. Here's a quick guide:
| Space | Ideal Sign Width |
|---|---|
| Small shelf or desk | 12"–18" |
| Bedroom wall or kitchen area | 24"–36" |
| Over a couch or bed | 36"–48" |
| Event backdrops / parties |
48"–60"+ |
Pro tip: Measure the wall space where you want the sign. Aim for the sign to take up about 2/3 of the wall’s width for visual balance.
Read our full guide: What Size Neon Sign Should I Get?
2. Pick a Color That Fits the Mood
Color affects mood and style. Are you going for cozy, romantic, bold, or retro? Are you a blue neon person? Pink or purple? When in doubt, white neon signs are always a classic. Here are some popular picks:
- Warm White – Classic, soft glow (great for weddings and bedrooms)
- Hot Pink – Bold, playful, perfect for birthdays or girlboss energy
- Electric Blue – Sleek and modern for bars or gaming setups
- Red – Passionate and dramatic
- Lime Green or Yellow – Eye-catching and energizing
Consider: your wall color, the existing lighting, and whether you want contrast or harmony.
Not sure? Check out: How to Choose the Right Neon Sign Color
3. Select the Font That Matches Your Style
Fonts speak volumes — literally. From elegant cursive to bold block lettering, the style you choose will define your sign’s personality. This is especially true if you're getting a quote neon sign.
- Script fonts – Romantic, stylish, flowy (great for events and quotes)
- Sans serif / block fonts – Bold, modern, easy to read from afar
- Caps-only fonts – Great for business names, slogans, or storefronts
Think about legibility, especially for longer phrases. Need inspiration? Browse our font gallery to see previews in real-time.
Learn more: Neon Sign Font Styles Explained
4. Plan the Perfect Placement
Where you place your neon sign affects both visibility and vibe. Some popular placements include:
- Over a bed or headboard
- Behind a bar or liquor shelf
- Centered on an event backdrop
- In entryways, kitchen walls, or home offices
- Mounted above mirrors or fireplaces
Make sure your sign:
- Is at eye level
- Has access to a nearby power outlet
- Doesn’t clash with bright daylight or nearby lighting
Dive deeper: Where to Hang Your Neon Sign
5. Indoor or Outdoor? Know the Difference
Most neon signs are made for indoor use, but if you’re styling a food truck, patio, or outdoor wedding, you’ll need one rated for outdoor durability.
Look for:
- Water-resistant / waterproof backing
- Sealed LED tubing
- Proper IP ratings for exposure
Read more: Indoor vs. Outdoor Neon Signs – What to Know
6. Dimmers, Remotes & Brightness Options
Modern LED neon signs come with dimmer remotes — and trust us, you’ll want one. Adjusting brightness lets you:
- Set the perfect mood for different times of day
- Avoid harsh lighting at night
- Make your sign photo-friendly at events
All Vibe Neon signs include dimmable options so your glow works exactly how you want it to.
Explore: Neon Sign Dimming & Brightness Guide
7. Should You Go Custom or Choose Premade?
Custom neon signs are perfect when you want to say something unique — like a name, phrase, or logo. Premade signs are ideal for quick, stylish solutions and often ship faster.
Go Custom If You Want:
- Your name, wedding hashtag, or business slogan
- A special quote in your preferred font and size
- Total control over layout, color, and vibe
Go Premade If You Want:
- A trendy or seasonal sign fast
- Budget-friendly glow with zero design hassle
- A best-seller design trusted by thousands
Explore both options: Custom vs. Premade Neon Signs
8. Don’t Forget Installation & Power
All Vibe Neon signs come:
- Mounted on clear acrylic backing
- Pre-drilled for easy wall mounting
- With a long power cable and plug-in power adapter
For extra clean installs, you can:
- Use command hooks or wall screws
- Hide the power cord with clips or run behind furniture
- Ask your electrician to install a wall switch for pro-level styling
Make It Personal with Vibe Neon
We’re not just another sign shop — we’re two California best friends who started Vibe Neon to help people light up their favorite moments. Every sign we create is handcrafted with:
- Premium LED neon flex tubing
- Durable, lightweight acrylic backing
- Real support from real people who care
Whether you're decorating your kitchen, planning a wedding, or building your dream studio, we're here to make it glow — your way.
Final Checklist Before You Buy:
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Measured your wall?
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Picked your ideal size?
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Decided on your color & font?
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Indoor or outdoor use?
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Dimmable option chosen?
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Mounting & power plan ready?