These illuminating landmarks have been a part of cityscapes for decades, entrancing onlookers with their bright lights and instantly becoming symbols of the city.
However, you may not be aware that neon signs come in a variety of styles.
From classic hand-blown neon to cutting-edge LED neon and beyond, this blog will cover it all.
There's something here for anyone interested in neon art, whether they prefer the classic variety or the cutting edge.
So come along as we explore the many varieties of neon signs.
What Exactly is a Neon Sign?
Electric signs known as neon signs use neon gas in tubes to create a vivid glow. These signs have been a common sight in cities for nearly a century, and their distinctive and eye-catching design hasn't lost any of its appeal.
Neon signs are made up of a glass tube filled with a very small amount of neon gas. High voltage causes the gas inside the tube to glow, creating a vivid, intense light. The tube can be manipulated into a wide variety of forms, including letters and shapes, and a wide range of colours can be achieved by introducing different gases or coatings.
Neon signs stand out due to their ability to emit light without creating any heat.
Neon signs don't have a fragile filament like traditional light bulbs or halogen lamps. Because of this, neon signs are safer and last longer than ever before.
The first known use of neon gas as a sign medium was by French engineer Georges Claude in the early 20th century. He discovered that he could make the gas glow by applying an electrical charge and immediately began exploring ways to put this discovery to commercial use.
Claude built the first neon sign in 1910 and showcased it at the Paris Auto Show. The sign was so popular that it ushered in a whole new sector of the advertising market that relies on neon and other forms of illuminated signage.
Rapidly, neon signs started popping up in cities all over the globe, as companies saw their potential in using them to both attract customers and establish a distinct brand identity.
It was around the middle of the 20th century that neon signs became a common sight on the streets of major cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Tokyo.
During this time, neon signs became an integral part of the urban landscape, with artisans coming up with novel methods for fabricating signs with complex designs and a rainbow of hues.
Although LED lights have largely supplanted neon signs in many applications, neon signs are still in common use today.
LED lights can be used to create the same effects as neon, but at a lower cost and with less energy consumption.
However, there are still many who favour neon signs due to their one-of-a-kind appearance and nostalgic feel that are difficult to replicate.
In recent years, neon signs have gained popularity not only as functional advertising but also as decorative pieces in their own right. Neon is used by many artists to create sculptures and installations that delve into issues of colour, language, and illumination.
There are now museums and galleries devoted to showcasing the work of modern neon artists, establishing neon as a legitimate subgenre within the art world.
Neon signs have become an iconic and interesting feature of the modern urban landscape. Whether we're gazing up at the famous neon signs of Las Vegas or exploring the newest neon art installation, we can't seem to get enough of these glowing tubes of gas.
What are the Different Types of Neon Sign?
Neon signs come in a variety of styles, shapes, colours, and sizes, and can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
Hand-blown neon signs are the most iconic and frequently used for commercial purposes like storefront signage, restaurant and bar decor, and outdoor advertising.
LED neon signs are an alternative to conventional neon signs; they are made of bendable tubes illuminated by LEDs to produce a glow.
LED neon is commonly used for interior design, public art installations, and special events because it is less expensive and uses less energy than conventional neon. Neon sculptures, both abstract and figurative, are another form of neon sign, as are neon clocks, which have a retro theme and feature neon accents.
And then there are custom neon signs, which can be made to order and styled to suit any need or aesthetic preference.
Neon signs of every variety continue to captivate onlookers with their dazzling illumination and distinctive aesthetic value.
Neon Sculpture
The term "neon sculpture" refers to a specific type of artwork in which neon tubes are shaped and arranged to create an abstract or figurative form.
These sculptures are an unusual and interesting art form that can be used to generate a wide range of optical illusions.
Rather than depicting a concrete object or person, abstract neon sculptures rely on the interplay of hue, contour, and intensity of light to evoke an emotional response in the viewer.
A sense of movement and depth can be conveyed through the use of simple or complex geometric shapes, curves, or spirals in these sculptures.
In contrast, figurative neon sculptures depict real-world subjects like animals, plants, and people.
Neon tubes of varying colours, as well as other materials like wire, may be used to give these sculptures a sense of depth and dimension.
Both public art installations and private collections can benefit from neon sculptures.
They make a striking design statement and are frequently used in contemporary interior design.
Hotels, restaurants, and art galleries are just a few of the commercial spaces where they can be used to great effect.
Neon sculptures have the potential to produce a striking visual effect without the need for additional heating.
Neon tubes are more durable and long-lasting than more conventional light bulbs because they don't use a filament that heats up and eventually burns out.
As a result, neon sculptures are safer and last longer than ever before.
Light, colour, and shape can all be manipulated in fascinating and captivating ways in neon sculptures.
Neon sculptures, whether abstract or figurative, continue to captivate and inspire people of all ages for a variety of reasons.
Neon Clocks
Neon clocks are a special kind of wall clock that light up the wall with glowing neon tubes. These clocks are suitable for both domestic and commercial use, including homes, offices, restaurants, and other businesses.
A neon clock is a type of wall clock that uses neon light to display the time. They are typically round or rectangular and have large, bright numbers. The neon tubes can be used to outline the clock face, draw attention to specific numbers or features, or both.
Neon clocks are commonly used as a form of interior decoration.
They are both a practical way to keep track of time and a great decorative accent for any room. There are many rooms in the house where a neon clock would be a welcome addition, including the bedroom, living room, home office, and kitchen.
Neon clocks are frequently used in business settings to emphasise certain areas or set the mood. Bright, multicoloured lights are frequently found in bars and restaurants because of their ability to set a fun and welcoming mood.
Neon clocks aren't just for bars and restaurants; they can also be a striking addition to the decor of a clothing store or record store.
Neon clocks are a one-of-a-kind piece of decor that can give any room or space a modern and trendy look while also adding a sense of fun and playfulness. They make a striking visual impression in any setting, whether domestic or professional.
Custom Neon Sign
Custom neon signs are made to order and can feature any design or message that the customer desires. These signs have a wide range of potential applications, from private home decor to public service announcements.
Hand-blown glass tubes are filled with neon gas, an inert gas that emits a bright glow when subjected to an electric current, to create custom neon signs. Using their ability to be bent and shaped, the tubes can take on any shape desired by the client, including letters, numbers, shapes, logos, and more. The neon tubes are then attached to a support structure like a board or frame and connected to a power source.
Advertisements are a common application for custom neon signs. They can be used to make interesting signage for a store's window, to draw customers' attention to a specific item or section, or to emphasise an overall theme. Trade shows, events, and exhibitions are other venues where a custom neon sign can be used to great effect.
Custom neon signs have many different applications, including commercial and residential interior design. Use them to make a one-of-a-kind, custom-made statement piece that conveys a meaningful message or features an eye-catching design that reflects the owner's interests and personality. Any style from the modern and edgy to the retro and vintage can be achieved with the help of custom neon signs.
Neon signs made to order are adaptable and can be used for a variety of purposes. It's hard to imagine a more striking or effective way to get a message across or make an indelible visual impression than with these.
LED Neon Sign
LED neon signs are a type of sign that use LED lights to simulate the appearance of classic neon signs. In comparison to conventional neon signs, these are intended to be less taxing on the environment and the wallet while still conveying the same message effectively.
Traditional LED neon signs are bendable plastic tubes illuminated by LEDs. The tubes can be formed into any design, lettering, or image, and can take on a variety of colours to make a striking visual display. These signs typically feature low-voltage LED lighting, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Commercial advertising is a major user of LED neon signs. In a shop, they can serve as directional signage while also drawing attention to a featured item or setting the mood. LED neon signs aren't just for the storefront; they can also be used to make an impression at parties, conventions, and exhibitions.
LED neon signs have many residential applications in addition to their commercial ones. Use them to make a one-of-a-kind, custom-made statement piece that conveys a meaningful message or features an eye-catching design that reflects the owner's interests and personality. Whether you're going for a vintage or retro vibe or something more modern and edgy, LED neon signs are a great way to achieve either.
LED neon signs are a flexible and adaptable form of signage that can be used for many different purposes. They can replace conventional neon signs with the same visual impact and personalisation options at a fraction of the cost and energy consumption. LED neon signs, whether for business or decoration, always make an impression.
In conclusion, neon signs can be used for a variety of purposes and are a great way to grab people's attention. These signs can be used in a variety of contexts to make an eye-catching visual display; examples include neon clocks, neon sculptures, and both traditional and LED neon signs.
Neon signs, with their bright and colourful glow, are still widely used in commercial advertising. Instead of traditional neon signs, LED neon signs are available, which are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly while still providing the same visual impact and personalisation options.
Neon clocks and sculptures, with their bright colours and intricate designs, add a fun and unexpected twist to any interior design scheme or business lobby. Custom neon signs can be made to order and can be designed to convey a specific message or reflect the interests of the buyer.
If you want to spice up your interior design or draw attention to your business, you can choose from a wide variety of neon sign styles. Neon signs, whether used for commercial or noncommercial purposes, are guaranteed to grab people's attention and leave an indelible impression.
Conclusion
Electric neon signs use neon gas in tubes to produce a bright neon glow. All you need is a glass tube and some tiny amount of neon gas to make any letter or shape you can imagine. Neon signs stand out because they emit light without producing heat, unlike standard light bulbs or halogen lamps, and thus are safer and last longer.
In 1910, French engineer Georges Claude constructed the first neon sign, which used neon gas as a sign medium, for the Paris Auto Show. Neon signs quickly proliferated in urban centres around the world as businesses realised their potential in drawing in customers and differentiating themselves from competitors.
Artisans have developed unique techniques for creating neon signs with intricate designs and a wide range of colours; as a result, neon signs have become an indispensable part of the urban environment.
Despite LED lights' widespread adoption, some people continue to prefer neon's distinctive style and enduring appeal. Numerous artists use neon in their works to explore colour, language, and light.
Signs made of neon light can be found in a wide range of designs, forms, hues, and dimensions, and serve many functions. For commercial purposes, hand-blown neon signs are instantly recognisable and ubiquitous, while LED neon signs offer an alternative to traditional neon.
Besides neon clocks and unique neon signs, neon sculptures of all shapes and sizes also fall under the category of neon signs. Unique and captivating, neon sculptures are a fascinating art form with the potential to create optical illusions.
Light, colour, and shape all work together in abstract neon sculptures to create an effect on the viewer. Humans, animals, and plants are just some of the things that can be found in the natural world that have been immortalised in figurative neon sculptures. Without the need for any additional heating, and lasting much longer than standard light bulbs, neon sculptures can create a stunning visual effect.
In addition to telling time, neon clocks are a stylish addition to any room's decor thanks to their bright, eye-catching glow. Neon clocks are a one-of-a-kind piece of decor that can give any room or space a cutting-edge, on-trend appearance while also adding a sense of playfulness and levity. Neon signs are made to order, so the customer can specify the design and text. In the retail sector, they can be used to create eye-catching window displays, to highlight specific products or sections, or to emphasise a central theme. They can be used in a variety of settings, from public buildings to private homes.
Content Summary
- These illuminating landmarks have been a part of cityscapes for decades, entrancing onlookers with their bright lights and instantly becoming symbols of the city.
- However, you may not be aware that neon signs come in a variety of styles.
- From classic hand-blown neon to cutting-edge LED neon and beyond, this blog will cover it all.
- So come along as we explore the many varieties of neon signs.
- Electric signs known as neon signs use neon gas in tubes to create a vivid glow.
- Neon signs are made up of a glass tube filled with a very small amount of neon gas.
- The first known use of neon gas as a sign medium was by French engineer Georges Claude in the early 20th century.
- It was around the middle of the 20th century that neon signs became a common sight on the streets of major cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Tokyo.
- Although LED lights have largely supplanted neon signs in many applications, neon signs are still in common use today.
- However, there are still many who favour neon signs due to their one-of-a-kind appearance and nostalgic feel that are difficult to replicate.
- In recent years, neon signs have gained popularity not only as functional advertising but also as decorative pieces in their own right.
- There are now museums and galleries devoted to showcasing the work of modern neon artists, establishing neon as a legitimate subgenre within the art world.
- Neon signs have become an iconic and interesting feature of the modern urban landscape.
- Neon signs come in a variety of styles, shapes, colours, and sizes, and can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
- LED neon signs are an alternative to conventional neon signs; they are made of bendable tubes illuminated by LEDs to produce a glow.
- Neon sculptures, both abstract and figurative, are another form of neon sign, as are neon clocks, which have a retro theme and feature neon accents.
- And then there are custom neon signs, which can be made to order and styled to suit any need or aesthetic preference.
- Neon signs of every variety continue to captivate onlookers with their dazzling illumination and distinctive aesthetic value.
- The term "neon sculpture" refers to a specific type of artwork in which neon tubes are shaped and arranged to create an abstract or figurative form.
- Both public art installations and private collections can benefit from neon sculptures.
- Light, colour, and shape can all be manipulated in fascinating and captivating ways in neon sculptures.
- Neon clocks are commonly used as a form of interior decoration.
- Custom Neon Sign Custom neon signs are made to order and can feature any design or message that the customer desires.
- Advertisements are a common application for custom neon signs.
- Trade shows, events, and exhibitions are other venues where a custom neon sign can be used to great effect.
- Any style from the modern and edgy to the retro and vintage can be achieved with the help of custom neon signs.
- Neon signs made to order are adaptable and can be used for a variety of purposes.
- LED neon signs are a type of sign that use LED lights to simulate the appearance of classic neon signs.
- Traditional LED neon signs are bendable plastic tubes illuminated by LEDs.
- Commercial advertising is a major user of LED neon signs.
- LED neon signs have many residential applications in addition to their commercial ones.
- Whether you're going for a vintage or retro vibe or something more modern and edgy, LED neon signs are a great way to achieve either.
- LED neon signs are a flexible and adaptable form of signage that can be used for many different purposes.
- LED neon signs, whether for business or decoration, always make an impression.
- In conclusion, neon signs can be used for a variety of purposes and are a great way to grab people's attention.
- If you want to spice up your interior design or draw attention to your business, you can choose from a wide variety of neon sign styles.
FAQs About Neon Lights and Signs
While the average lifespan of a neon sign is eight to fifteen years, many of them last much longer than that. A sign's lifespan can be shortened by leaving it on for extended periods of time, and it also increases the risk of overheating and electrical surge damage
Neon signs, which were common from the 1920s to the 1960s and again in the 1980s, require them to create the bright, eye-catching displays of colour that are their hallmark.
The neon glass tubes in the metal conduits are linked together by high-voltage electrical wires. When temperatures get too high, the wires powering the sign can melt, rendering it useless in whole or in part.
Believe it or not, no electricity is required here, despite the fact that many people think they must plug it in. When excited by either electricity or ultraviolet light, gas molecules release electrons, causing the gas to glow.
Neon signs are stunning to behold, but they pose a danger if they aren't regularly serviced. Injury from shattered glass, electric shock, or a fire hazard are all examples of the dangers that could arise.