Neon Signs for Home Decor

Here at Fire House Neon Signs we’re big fans of both color and typography, and if there’s a fun way to combine them—even better. Which is why this 'No Vacancy' neon sign in the home of Birmingham artist Matt Underwood decorated by designer Barri Thompson is one of our favorites, and why we’re still obsessing over neon signs as decor. No longer just for bar signs (though those are still going strong!), you too can decorate like an interior designer and add a little glow to your home. 

Comment on our Facebook or Twitter pages about how you would go about bringing a bit of Vegas into your humble abode.

Custom Neon Signs for Home or Business

Custom neon signs are a great way to advertise your business. They allow you to get the attention of people who pass your business everyday without requiring an additional advertising budget. These types of signs range from totally custom to template designs with customization options.

The first company to have a custom neon sign designed was the Packard Car Dealership in Los Angeles. The sign read "Packard" and sold for $24,000. Since then, businesses all over the world have used neon signs to attract people to their storefront.

The First Neon Sign sold in the USA

Custom neon signs can be used by homeowners or any business including bars, restaurants, nail and hair salons, convenience stores and more. The price of a sign really depends on the complexity of the design and how big the piece is you plan to create. Many basic signs can be purchased for under $500. These small investments pay for themselves pretty quickly with increased customers. An important consideration is that this is a one time purchase. It is not a reoccurring expense like other forms of advertising including radio, television, newspapers and magazines. Neon sign last. Many historical neon signs are over 30 years old and still running. Las Vegas has a history museum devoted strictly to older neon signs.

If you have a sign inside your business, safety should be a consideration when choosing a place to hang the sign. Some neon signs come with a protective Plexiglas cover to keep the tubes from touching anything. Neon tubes are made of glass which can be broken, so you never want them to be in a location where they can come into contact with anything or anybody. Therefore, place them out of the path of customers and away from other materials.

Neon is available in range of colors and styles. Most sign manufactures have a catalog of templates you can choose from. Some come "as is", others allow you to add your company name to them. In addition you can have a completely custom product completed with your logo or pretty much any other design that you can come up with.

Whatever design or colors you use for your custom neon sign, it is sure to bring your business more attention. People's eyes are automatically drawn to the bright colors of neon and the first step to getting a new customer is getting their attention and letting them know you are there.

Perks Of Using Neon Lights on the Street

The electrifying and innovational concept of neon lights was introduced to the world in the early 1920’s and traditional marketing methods soared to another level. In the year 1923, a French company in the United States called Claude Neon owned by Georges Claude, introduced the world to neon gas signs. In the same year, the first neon sign was installed at a Packard car dealer in Los Angeles City at a cost of $24,000.

Since this early installation of neon, the concept has boomed due the many advantages neon offers over other types of signage. Even today, neon sign age holds it ground, despite what competing industries such as LED would have you believe. Some of the very prominent benefits of using neon lights are as follows:

Catchy Appearance for Consumers

The neon signs used today are infused with miscellaneous noble gases like helium, and neon that have the characteristic of producing a diverse variety of colors which is not possible with simple lights. These lights can be viewed from a farther distance no matter what the color. This is why neon lights are so attractive for consumers as they can’t help but notice the colorful sign boards. You hardly ever miss them as you look at the dazzling display of neon lights. Just take Broadway in New York or the Fremont Street of Las Vegas. They are just as beautiful and artistic as the fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Sign of Popular Trademarks

Neon lights have the potential benefits of not only attracting onlookers, but also adding to the image of the product or company. The eye-catching displays create a psychological impact on the mind, by luring the customers and to make them think that “this is their best choice”. Many national companies continue to select neon in their newest installations including: Target, Old Navy, Bass Pro Shop, Ramada, Red Lobster and Bennigan's  to name but a few. 

Customizable Characteristics

Neon can be used extensively to serve different purposes because of its customizable characteristic. It can be bent to form different shapes, letters, symbols, and numbers. This is why they are not only used for exterior signs, but also for decorating the interior walls and ceilings. This way, you can create different themes to make your displays catchy and relevant.

Low Cost and Energy Consumption

One of the massive benefits of using neon lights is that they are not expensive, at least as compared to the benefits that they render. Neon lights can easily be maintained for a long period because of their low energy consumption rate and durability. Too often, large corporations producing alternate lighting systems like LED, who have robust marketing campaigns, mislead the public or present incomplete information. When claims are made about the environmental impacts of neon, including energy efficiency and mercury content, one must consider the source of the data. Scientific studies have proven neon's low cost and energy efficiency. These studies show that neon signs are environmentally responsible and, with an extensive color palette, a creative flexible lighting system. 

You can boost up your business to greater heights with the lure of attractive and colorful neon signs. You can even follow up some ideas for your installations from Fire House Neon Signs!

Neon Signs - Old is New

Surprisingly, the new-age is familiar with technology, but people are still attracted to the old signage mainstays especially in case of neon. Many companies are more dedicated these days to create “new signs” that are reminiscent of yesteryear. If you have ever visited the City of Memphis TN, you will have seen Bass Pro Shops nationally recognized flagship store that encompasses this vintage look.

 
Known as the “8th Wonder of the World”, the Brass Pro Shops massive 32 story/535,000sf store is positioned as the Worlds Largest Pyramid. How did Bass Pro Shops endeavor to design visual signage for entrances into the various sections of this colossal structure without appearing dwarfed and all the while maintaining a down home feel? Using neon of course! Facades and directional neon are integrated into the overall design concept of an old-time bayou village.

In April, thousand of residents congregated in the parking lot of the Pyramid for the grand opening, amidst music and speeches. However once the festivities died down, the neon signs assumes the staring role as the crowd slowly filed inside. Not only does the neon gives a unique look to the interior of this retail nexus, but also beckons visitors to explore. Retail signage for specific products (rain wear, hunting clothing and fly shops) blend into the themed visual presentations to provide easy way finding for customers.

An example of animated neon signage can be seen in the Waterfowl sign, as visitors experience flying ducks chasing one another into cattails  below. Other signs include the neon-illuminated Fish Bowl sign as the one of the main features of Big Cypress Lodge. A leggy female figure beckons shoppers to the Ladies Apparel section. The animated Footwear sign would have been at home on the storefront of a 1930's cobbler. In the center of it all, the worlds tallest freestanding elevator glows in neon as it rises to an observation deck above.

With more than 35,000 visitors a day this retail giant attracts visitors and tourists from all over the world proving that using the power of neon is just good design.

Vintage Neon Signs Trending in Chicago

Since the advent of neon signs, people have been fascinated with the brilliant glowing colors. Once they served as signage and now as attractions in the modern era. When you see a classic restaurant, you probably don’t think that it neon signs serves anything other than an advertisement of services, and good food. Nowadays, however, they have another purpose: providing “vintage charm”.

There are several signs in Chicago that were built about half a century ago with the ambiance of a bygone era when “eating out” was considered an occasion and a novel opportunity. The same old concept is trending again.

As owners have quoted that customers cannot resist crowding around these vintage signs and taking pictures for fun and trend. Surprisingly enough, many of the diners are even enticed into going for the new eatery that’s only based on the vintage signs alone. They also add that most of the diners even come time and again to these restaurants over years just to greet the historical landmarks just as their old friends.

According to a survey that the famous newspaper of Chicago Tribune conducted, which asked readers to tell them about the restaurants’ marquees that stood out in the Chicago area, and interviewed the restaurant owners regarding the signs’ history, vintage neon signs are the new trend. The signs either shine today as neon beacons or mark the cultural aspects of the previous generation. In the Chicago area, vintage signs have continued to turn heads even today as customers’ favorites. A few of them are listed below:

Margie's Candies

A restaurant in Chicago at the Western Avenue which has been there from the ‘60s still popularizes itself for its vintage sign. As reported by the owner of the restaurant who said that Acme Wiley Sign. Co created the sign in 1954 which has his mother’s name on it. It’s made up of neon, porcelain, and metal. He added that his mother paid about $3,500 for the sign back in those times when the same amount could buy a Cadillac. Moreover, it has cost them only around $200 to maintain the signage.

Bill's Pizza & Pub

The pub is located in the village of Mundelein at the Lake St and still marks as an attraction popular in the area because of its vintage sign. The owner said in the interview that, in 1957, he had found an aged Rexall Drug sign from a shop that was in Waukegan and he had redesigned the same sign using neon. He put the same sign at the top of his restaurant and his restaurant started doing a lot better than the others.

Palace Grill

Another restaurant in Chicago at Madison St. rated one of the most popular restaurants with vintage signs. Its owner, George Lemperis, had told the Chicago Tribune that their sign has been displayed since the year 1938 and they are happily celebrating their 75th anniversary of longtime success this year. He added that although we don’t see a lot of neon signs in this modern age, at least on small businesses, the one that you see in our restaurant is a real conversation starter. He further quoted that “We are a classic diner and this is a classic diner sign”.

How to Use Neon Signs in Home Décor

The myth that neon signs are limited to bars and open signs is gone.  Neon Signs have smartly made their existence known by glowing strong in fashionable home decor and favorite hangout places. With their vivid pinks, yellows and blues, neon signs are becoming the newest and one of the most in-demand trends in interior design. 

Neon Furniture: Interior designers are going crazy over it. Modern furniture turned into bright glowing orbs have changed the dynamics of the furniture industry. Believe it or not, there are several designers who are incorporating neon into old world furniture. You might be thinking tacky designers are trying to "pimp their ride", but it has a much more practical application. It provides illumination without the need for lamps or overhead lights and, it highlights the details and classic lines of the traditional furniture. It is art that is functional. This concept can easily be DIY-ed using your own furniture and turning it into modern artwork.

Neon Signs as wall décor: Bold designing on a whole new level, interior designers are creating instant booms of color in some of the most fashionably decorated homes around. It’s a night light element that might make moist traditional interior designers cringe, but is a lot of fun. Used in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and kids’ playrooms to add a touch of whimsy with simple catch phrases like “joy”, or "love", famous quotes or names. And the best part? These wordy neon lights can be customized to your own specifications. Probably the most well known room that has incorporated this trend is reality star, Kourtney Kardashian’s master bedroom.  Her hot pink neon LOVE ME sign by artist Curtis Kulig stands out and really makes a statement against the black, white decor.  

Neon signs as Gifts: Customized neon signs for your loved ones are an ideal and modern way to show that you care. Be it birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions, what man wouldn't want a neon sign for his man cave? These cool neon signs add a warm and festive feeling to an otherwise dark cave! But don't limit it to just the men. Neon night lights for kids rooms are all the rage. Check it out! Perfect kids room decor could be any of the retro style wall clocks, decorative sculptures, and neon signs that will add a spunky vibe for the wee modernist. Fire House Neon has hundreds of neon signs to choose from. Match any decor, hobby or interest! 

Neon lightening for your backyards: Neon lights in backyards has become a much widely acceptable and an upscale way to dress up the patio. Art and lighting combines in one durable show piece. Many people have started considering them as a creative alternative to traditional lighing.

Neon signs for home addresses: How many times has it been that the GPS in our car has led us to the wrong location? We all have been through that time where we drove for hours searching for a place or specific location. Imagine a glowing outdoor neon sign instead of old boring house number. Neon signs for home addresses should be encouraged. Such a smart idea to light up your house numbers in neon for safety and as well as aesthetics. People have already started doing it. With glowing numbers, evening visitors will have no trouble finding their way to your door.

There are hundreds of other ways neon signs and clocks can be added to home decors bringing a modern and stylish look to brighten up any dull location. Make sure to light up your world using neon signs as they are the hippest and trendiest way to redesign your interior.

How to Install a Neon Power Supply

Like any electronics, a neon power supply will eventually fail. However with some care, a neon power supply can easily be replaced on a bar sign. Installing a neon power supply may seem difficult at first, which is why we have provided below a step-to-step guide for its installation. Follow the steps as explained and you will again have a glowing neon sign.

Safety first!

Always be careful when working with electrical equipment. While installing a neon power supply, make sure that the sign is disconnected from any power generating source to avoid possible shocks. Always keep installation in conformity with all local electric codes.(NEC, CSA, Ect.) 

1. The first step involves placing the neon sign on a safe surface and locating the power supply and the location of the GTO wires coming from the power supply. Follow the wires to where they connect to the neon glass. Make a note of the route, as we will want to install the wires of the new power supply in the same location. 
2. This is where things can go wrong. Neon tubes are fragile and the glass can end up broken, so be very gentle when handling. Carefully detach the rubber end caps from the neon tube exposing the tube’s electrodes and wiring. If the end caps do not want to come off, use a X-acto knife to split it open and peel away. The caps can be replaced with new ones.
3. Untwist the wires of the electrodes and GTO wire. Careful!  in old signs the wires can be brittle.
4. If there is a plastic backing, free the GTO wires coming out of the power supply by running them through the holes in the plastic. Never run the GTO leads across the power supply.
5. Find the screws holding the power supply to the sign backing, unscrew and remove. Save the screws to attach the new power supply.
6. Now with the screws, fit the neon power supply on the backing. We assume you are replacing with the same make and model. If using a different model you may need to make new holes for the screws. When using multiple power supplies on one sign, be sure to keep at least 3 inches between each unit. Make sure the power supply is secure.
7. Pass the two separate GTO wires coming out of the power supply though the holes in the sign backing. Turn over the sign to its front. You should be able to see the two wires out of the open holes.
8. Take one wire and thread it back to the first electrode, following the route of the old wire.  Route the wire so it will not touch the glass or cross the other lead wire. Always keep a minimum of 1 inch between GTO leads and any metallic surfaces.  Align the electrode and GTO and determine the length of the GTO needed.  Keep the leads as equal in length as possible. This step is a bit tricky, so check and double check before cutting. Trim off the excess wire with wire cutters. 
9. Strip the protective covering off the GTO wire about a inch from the end. Take the wire tips of the GTO and electrode in your hand and twist them together to join. Do this several times for a stronger grip and then bend the wires back to keep them in place.
10. Slide the rubber end cap back over the new wire splice covering it completely. The end caps not only hold the wires together, but also guard from possible electrical shocks. If you had to cut the old end cap off, buy a new cap to replace it.
11. Repeat Step 8 and 9 for the second GTO lead. 
12. Lastly, plug in the electrical cord of the power supply to a  power plug and light up your neon sign.