Custom Storefront Signs

What Makes Storefront Signage Different

A storefront sign has one primary job: get noticed and read correctly from a distance, often by someone walking or driving past. That changes the design priorities compared to interior signage, putting more weight on letter size, color contrast, and overall visibility than on fine detail.

Storefront signs typically fall under our broader business signage category, but they're treated as their own design problem because the viewing distance and environment are so different from an office or reception sign.

Material and Illumination Choices

Aluminum and channel letters are common substrates for storefront identification because both hold up well outdoors and can be paired with illumination for evening visibility. Acrylic with backlighting is another popular option, particularly for storefronts under an awning or in a covered walkway.

Illuminated storefront signage, whether through LED channel letters or a backlit panel, extends a business's visibility well past daylight hours, which matters for retail and restaurant locations with evening foot traffic.

Sizing for Street-Level Visibility

Sign size should scale with viewing distance. A storefront sign meant to be read from across a parking lot needs noticeably larger lettering than one mounted directly above a doorway for foot traffic. We can recommend sizing once you share how far away the sign needs to be legible from.

Color contrast plays as large a role as size. Dark lettering on a light background, or vice versa, reads faster at a distance than colors with similar brightness values, even if the lettering itself is large enough.

Coordinating Storefront Signage With Your Brand

Many businesses order their storefront sign alongside window decals, A-frame signage, or interior wayfinding to keep their visual identity consistent from the street to the counter. Using the same logo file and color specification across each piece avoids the mismatched look that comes from ordering signage separately over time.

If your business needs broader signage beyond just the storefront, our business signs page covers the full range of indoor and outdoor options available.