Different Types of Illuminated Signs: Halo-Lit, Face-Lit, Lightboxes, Faux Neon & more

Halo-lit signage creates a soft backlight around each individual letter or logo, casting a glow onto the surface behind. It’s an elegant choice that works particularly well when mounted on pale or textured backgrounds like brick, slate or stone. The glow defines the lettering and adds depth without being overpowering, which is ideal for high-end retail, hotels or offices wanting a more refined look.

Halo lighting is particularly popular in locations where brand presence needs to be strong but not brash. It’s also well suited to venues that want to highlight architectural features without obscuring them. Think ambient sophistication rather than shouty signage.

Face-lit signs do exactly what the name suggests, illuminate the front face of each letter, usually with LEDs embedded inside. The result is bold, direct visibility that works wonders for businesses that trade into the evening, such as shops, restaurants and gyms.

This style of illumination is great for grabbing attention from a distance. If you’re located on a busy street, retail park or road with fast-moving traffic, a bright face-lit sign ensures your name stands out clearly, even in poor weather or low-light conditions.

Lightboxes are one of the most versatile forms of illuminated signage. They can be wall-mounted, freestanding or even suspended, and are commonly used for shop fascias, industrial units and directional signage in large complexes.

Internally lit with LED strips, lightboxes create even illumination across a flat surface. Fabric or acrylic panels can be printed with vibrant colours, making them ideal for logos, slogans or high-impact imagery. They’re also easy to update seasonally or during rebrands, giving you long-term flexibility.

If you’re after a clean, modern look with strong brand presence, a slimline lightbox is an excellent investment.

Faux neon brings all the character of traditional neon signage, bright colours, cursive fonts and nostalgic glow but with safer, energy-efficient LED technology. These signs are made from flexible LED tubing that mimics the look of neon without the fragility or high power consumption.

This type of sign is especially popular in hospitality and leisure venues, from cocktail bars to beauty salons. It’s also becoming a top choice for office feature walls, reception areas or retail displays where a fun, Instagram-friendly aesthetic is a must.

Faux neon is highly customisable, with options for colour, font, and size. Making it a brilliant way to show off your personality or inject some playfulness into your brand.

Backlit signs use built-up lettering with LED lights housed inside, creating a crisp, professional look. These are often made using acrylic letters that are either flush with or protrude through the back panel, depending on the desired finish.

Fret cut trays are ideal for high-end office buildings, professional service firms or any business that wants clean lines and sharp brand presentation. They’re also highly visible in darker conditions without being overpowering.

Cabochon signs feature individual bulb-style lighting, often multicoloured, set into lettering or sign shapes. Most popular in leisure and entertainment settings, they bring a vintage or fairground-style flair that demands attention.

Despite their dramatic appearance, cabochon signs are cost-effective to run and relatively simple to maintain. They’re ideal for venues looking to make a statement or add character to their exterior or interior design.