When it comes to capturing attention, few branding tools are more powerful than a well-lit sign. Whether you’re trying to stand out on a busy street or make your storefront visible at night, commercial lighted signs give your business 24/7 visibility and impact.
But not all illuminated signs are created equal. From bold channel letters to modern LED displays, the right lighted sign can enhance your brand presence and draw in more foot traffic. So, what types are most popular with today’s commercial businesses?
Let’s break it down.
1. Channel Letter Signs
Channel letters are one of the most popular types of lighted signage—and for good reason. These 3D letters are individually crafted and internally lit, offering a bold and professional look that can be seen from a distance.
Why businesses love them:
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Highly customizable in color, font, and size
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Internally illuminated for clear visibility day and night
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Great for storefronts, offices, and strip malls
You can choose front-lit, back-lit (halo-lit), or combination styles depending on the look and visibility you want.
2. Cabinet Signs (Box Signs)
Cabinet signs, also called box signs, feature a large rectangular or square face with internal lighting, often using LED technology. The face typically includes the business name, logo, and sometimes services.
Why they’re popular:
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Easy to read from a distance
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Durable and weather-resistant
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Great for monument signs or pylon signs
They’re ideal for multi-tenant plazas and businesses with longer names or logos.
3. Pylon and Pole Signs
Pylon signs are tall, freestanding structures that are elevated on poles. These often include lighted cabinets at the top and are commonly used along highways or in commercial plazas.
Why they work:
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High visibility from the road
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Can feature one or multiple businesses
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Lighted for 24/7 branding
Businesses that rely on drive-by traffic benefit most from this large-scale signage option.
4. Monument Signs with Lighting
Monument signs sit low to the ground and are designed to reflect the architecture of the building. When outfitted with internal or external lighting, they become a bold and elegant branding piece.
Benefits include:
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Aesthetic integration with property design
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Backlit or spotlight options
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Great for corporate campuses and plazas
Monument signs provide a professional, upscale look—especially when paired with landscaping.
5. LED Digital Displays
For businesses that want to update messaging regularly, LED digital signs offer flexibility and modern appeal. These signs can display promotions, messages, images, and animations with bright, programmable LED panels.
Why businesses choose them:
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Change messages anytime
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Attract attention with motion and color
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Perfect for schools, retail, and event venues
LED signs are especially effective for high-traffic areas where dynamic content stands out more than static signage.
6. Neon and Faux-Neon Signs
Traditional neon signs bring a nostalgic, colorful glow—but many businesses today use LED-based faux-neon alternatives that are safer, more energy-efficient, and longer-lasting.
Common uses:
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Restaurants, bars, and boutique shops
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Accent branding inside or outside
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Available in custom shapes and colors
They add character and warmth to your brand, especially in creative or nightlife-driven businesses.
Choosing the Right Lighted Sign for Your Business
The best lighted sign depends on your:
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Location (street vs. highway visibility)
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Brand personality (modern vs. traditional)
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Budget and maintenance preferences
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Zoning and sign code requirements
For example, a corporate office might benefit from halo-lit channel letters on the façade, while a retail store along a busy road could use a combination of pylon signage and digital display boards.
Let Landmark Visibility Solutions Light the Way
At Landmark Visibility Solutions, we specialize in designing and installing all types of illuminated commercial signage—from sleek channel letters to towering pylon signs. Our team helps you choose the right sign type based on your goals, brand identity, and property specifications.
We handle every step—from permitting and fabrication to expert installation.
