How can you stand out from the crowd and ensure your brand will be seen? A good sign meets three key criteria: size, colour and font. Whether you’re looking for wayfinding signage or an advertising board, these three factors have the most impact on how your sign is seen and understood.
Size:
The size of your sign is the first thing people notice. A sign that is too small is easy to overlook, but a sign that is too big can feel overwhelming in a small space.
When choosing size, consider the viewing distance, location and purpose. Large exterior signs, such as storefront or roadside signage, usually need to be bigger, while smaller interior signs like window graphics, indoor directions or reception plaques can be more compact because they’re viewed up close.
As a general rule, letters should be one inch tall for every ten feet of viewing distance. For example, if your sign will be read from 30ft away, letters should be at least three inches tall. Keeping the overall design well-proportioned is key to improving readability.
At Bright Signs & Graphics we work across a wide range of formats, from small indoor displays to striking monoliths, tailoring each design to suit its space and purpose.
Colour: Eye-catching and readable
A pop of colour here and a splash of contrast there can really help when it comes to sign visibility. Making sure there is a strong difference between the background and text colour ensures that your message won’t get lost, even in low light. Try a classic combination like black on white, white on dark blue or yellow on black (like our new Bright Signs & Graphics van).
Using your brand colours can also help customers recognise your business at a glance. With so many patterns and colourways to choose from, plus bespoke large format printing, your signs are sure to catch attention wherever they’re placed.
Font: Clear and legible
Your message won’t matter if nobody can read it. Font choice is important for making a sign visible. Bold, simple fonts such as Arial, Helvetica or Futura help letters stand out, while tricky or highly decorative fonts can slow down comprehension – and increase frustration.
Make sure spacing is even and think carefully about capitalisation. You can also try mixing two complementary fonts – one for headings and another for body text – to guide the reader’s eye and make your sign seem dynamic.
Note that different signs might need different styles. Directional signs should be quick to read, while illuminated signs might need wide lettering that is easy to spot.
Our tips for better sign visibility
Even once you’ve got the right size, colour and font, a few extra touches can make your signs more readable.
- Keep it concise: Only include essential information as too much text can make a sign hard to read.
- Consider lighting: Think about where your signs will be placed. If the lighting is poor, it might be worth considering brighter colours or illuminated signage.
- Test visibility: Try viewing your design from different distances and angles to make sure it’s clear.
- Consistency: Use consistent colours and fonts across multiple signs to reinforce your brand’s image.
- Maintenance: Keep your signs in good condition – even the biggest and best sign won’t work if it’s faded or dirty.
Bright Signs & Graphics can help you to bring all these details together. With our end-to-end service, your signage is sure to be noticed for the right reasons.
Bright Signs & Graphics
Choosing the right size, colour and font can transform a simple sign into a powerful tool for your business. Bright Signs & Graphics combines expert design, installation and support to make sure every sign is readable and memorable.
Ready to make your signage impossible to ignore? Call 01223 835714 or visit brightsigns.co.uk/contact to discuss your next project.