Illuminated Sign Options: Halo Lit, Face Lit, Trough Lit

There is more than one way to light a sign and the words used for them are not obvious. Here is what each one actually looks like on a building.

Trough lighting

A slim housing mounted above the fascia with LEDs inside, throwing light down onto the sign. The sign itself does not glow, it is simply lit up. This is the cheapest illumination and the one councils most often accept in conservation areas because nothing on the building emits light directly.

Face lit letters

Built up letters with a translucent acrylic face and LEDs inside, so the letter faces glow. This is the classic bright high street look, maximum visibility and the strongest at distance. Ideal for evening trade.

Halo lit letters

Built up letters with a solid face and open back, mounted just off the wall, so light spills out around the letter and silhouettes it against a glowing outline. Subtle, expensive looking and popular with hotels, restaurants and professional offices. Often the compromise that gets approved where a bright lit box would not be.

Illuminated lightbox

A whole panel that glows, either an acrylic face or a tensioned flex face for larger sizes. Even brightness across the full sign, and the graphics are printed or applied to the face. The most cost effective way to light a wide shopfront.

Edge lit and light guide panels

LEDs around the edge of a clear acrylic panel light the etched graphic from within. Very slim, very clean, mostly used internally for reception signs and menus.

LED neon

Flexible LED rope formed into letters or shapes, giving the classic neon glow without glass tubes or high voltage. Durable, dimmable and popular in bars, salons and hospitality interiors.

Running costs and control

All of these use LED now, so the power draw is small and a typical shop sign costs in the region of £50 to £100 a year to run. Fit a photocell or timer so the sign lights at dusk and switches off after trading hours, which cuts the bill further and keeps neighbours happy in mixed use streets.

See it before you buy it

We manufacture all of these in house and can mock up the options on a photograph of your building so you can see the difference before committing. Free survey, call 0800 454 613.