Perhaps we were missing raves and clubs. Or maybe Brits were just desperate to enjoy some colour in their lives. Either way, neon lighting was a huge trend last year.
It seems like this trend is here to stay in it all its dayglo glory. According to livingetc.com, “Pinterest reported an 800 per cent increase in searches for ‘neon room’ during the last year, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down”. We’re not surprised.
Once confined to late night bars and movie theatres, this trend now has the power to add a vibrant element of interest to any home. It can be charming, fun, quirky, and most importantly, can add a touch of frivolity to any room – and that’s something we all need right now, don’t you think?.
As interior designer Jenn Feldman tells House Beautiful, “With neon lighting, you’re dealing with a medium that’s really alive and allows you to emotionally feel the presence of art in your room by physically turning it on and off”. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
Going deeper, we think neon signs, in particular, are an amazing way to brighten a space, whether this is for an office, your home, a gym, or your next big event.
Whatever the reason, you’re probably wondering how to go about buying a neon sign. Not probably, you definitely are; that’s why you’re here. After all, this is a likely an unfamiliar, exciting purchase, and one which can have a big impact on your space. With the help of Neon Creations, here are 5 considerations when buying a neon sign.
MAKE SURE IT IS GENUINE NEON
First things first; make sure the company you are using is selling genuine neon.
Unfortunately, as neon signs grow in popularity, more and more companies attempt to sell what is claimed to be genuine neon signs, but are, in fact, LED. It should be noted that neon and LED are two separate products entirely.
Genuine neon signs are created by teams who have mastered the skill and creativity required to heat and bend the glass tubing used to create such a sign. Making this purchase, only to find out you have bought an LED light instead, is simply disheartening. Always check the companies you choose carefully, assessing reviews and recommendations, before making that final transaction.
PREDESIGNED OR CUSTOM MADE?
The easiest and cheapest way to buy neon art is to buy a readymade piece. There’s a plethora of ready-to-buy neon signs out there – you just have to choose one to suit your taste, whether that’s cool or gaudy, subtle or assertive.
That said, the great thing about getting a custom made sign is that it allows you to be as creative as you like, especially in terms of the words, logos, and shapes used. Consider a phrase or inspirational quote that is near-and-dear to your heart, or an icon with particular relevance.
Be aware that getting a neon sign manufactured to your exact requirements and specifications is usually more expensive, as costs are dependent on the overall size, font used, colour and background/casing.
If you need some inspiration, we suggest heading down to God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow. This North London salvage yard has a truly prodigious collection of signage from throughout the ages including an extensive range of neon signs.
The owner was the late, great veteran neon artist Chris Bracey, who designed neon signs for Soho sex dungeons and Hollywood blockbusters alike. His works can be seen in pictures as diverse as Byzantine, Eyes Wide Shut and the first Captain America movie, amongst other showcase platforms. It’s the place where ‘neon never dies’, and will give you heaps of inspiration for your own neon sign.
BACKING OPTIONS CAN REALLY MAKE IT POP
Of course, you will have carefully considered the colour and wording of your neon sign. Whether it be a simple UV and white sign, a ferocious red or a subtle pink, there’s a huge array of rainbow colours to choose from. However, one thing many people overlook is that buying a neon sign isn’t actually about, well, the neon sign itself. Really.
One of the final stages of purchasing a neon sign is to choose your backing option. Most companies will offer you a number of choices, including:
- Acrylic backings or cases
- Faux Foliage
- Printed backgrounds
- Wooden panels
Whatever backing you choose, this will add the perfect final touch to your neon sign creation and will help you match the piece to the overall aesthetic of your home.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOCATION
When choosing the location for your neon sign, it’s really important to consider where would be most appropriate for the sign to go before you have the design finalised. The creation of your sign may differ slightly depending on your choice of location; for example, external signs may need specialist installation and additional considerations.
Think about whether it is going inside or outside, and how power will be supplied to the sign.
CONSIDER MAKING YOUR OWN SIGN
When it comes to furnishing your own home, there’s something really special about being involved in the creation of its contents. Whether it be reupholstering an old chair, upcycling some battered bedroom furniture or even proudly displaying a jug that you made in a pottery class years ago, having made the piece makes the item’s presence in your house all the more special.
As such, why not make your own sign? Neon Creations offer a neon sign making workshop which includes:
- One to One tuition from an experienced neon glass bender (the team are able to accommodate 2 participants per workshop)
- A brief history of neon and of Neon Creations
- A tour of our glass shop so that you can understand the different steps of the process
- An introduction to flames and simple bends
- A discussion around your chosen design (the company will brief you on this prior to your visit, but a simple shape or initials would be achievable in the timescale)
- Making the design
Could be just the ticket, don’t you think?