If you need to communicate a written message to your customers or colleagues, a sign can be a great option. You don’t have to spend tons of money on signs either. There are plenty of DIY ideas out there that you can use to creatively display your messages.
DIY Business Sign Ideas
Here are DIY business sign ideas to get you started.
Wood Pallet Sign
If your business has a rustic vibe or you just want some classic signage around your business, you can nail together some wood pallets and then paint your message across the front. This method not only recycles materials but also adds a charming, rustic appeal to your business façade.
Chalkboard Sign
Chalkboards make for great business signs since you can change up the message regularly and even add some artistic elements. This is something you can purchase and then customize or make your own using chalkboard paint. They’re perfect for cafes, restaurants, and boutiques looking to communicate daily specials or messages.
Fabric Banner
For a more homemade touch, paint or stitch a message onto fabric and hang it up at your location. You can even promote a classic or vintage vibe by creating a pennant shape for your sign. This option is fantastic for creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere or for promoting special events.
3D Letter Marquee
For short messages that you want to really stand out, customize cardboard or wood letters with paint or even some string lights. Adding string lights not only enhances visibility but also adds a cozy ambiance to any setting. From evening events to hopping establishments, these illuminated signs grab attention.
Signs on Equipment
Do you want your sign to really fit with the vibe of your business? Display it on something that you use every day. For restaurants, you can paint messages onto plates or serving platters. If you have a hardware store, use the flat part of a saw. This concept can apply to any number of businesses. This creative approach ensures your brand is closely associated with your daily operations.
Arrow Sign
If your sign is directing people toward a specific location, like restrooms, for example, you can cut an arrow sign out of wood or another material and then draw or paint your message onto that shape. It’s a functional yet stylish way to guide your visitors.
Rope Sign
You could also use a rope to spell out a short word or phrase and then attach that rope to a board or wall. This can be especially useful for businesses with a rustic or nautical vibe. This method adds a nautical or rustic charm, perfect for businesses near the water or in rural settings.
Neon Letters
For a more eye-catching look, you can purchase neon wire in a specific color, then arrange it to spell out a word or phrase so that your message lights up. Neon signs are great for nightlife venues, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Painted Window
If you want your message to be visible from multiple angles, you could use some washable paint and add it right onto the windows of your storefront or use some recycled glass to create indoor signage. This media maximizes your storefront’s visibility and can be easily changed as needed.
Framed Sign
Representing a more classic option, you could simply draw or paint a sign onto paper and then add it to a frame that fits with your business’s style and hang it up as you would a piece of art. Framed signs offer a sophisticated touch to any setting.
Hanging Doorway Sign
For small signs that you want to stand out, attach a bracket to the wall outside of a doorway and then add a small hand-painted sign that hangs below it.
Light Projector Sign
For a sign that really lights up your business, create a small stencil of your message that you can put around a lampshade. Then when you turn the light on, the shadows created by that stencil should project your message onto a nearby wall. This inventive method casts your brand into the spotlight, literally.
Bunting Banner
To spell out a short phrase, you can create a bunting banner with fabric and ribbon, then include one letter on each banner.
Scrabble Tile Sign
You can also attach Scrabble tiles that spell out your message onto a board that you can put on display. If you want to create a larger display, use wood to recreate the look of the tiles, but paint on your own letters. This concept offers a playful interaction, inviting customers to engage with your message.
Canvas Sign
Canvas is a popular material for paintings and art. So if you want to create a sign that includes lots of artistic elements using it and then hang it as you would with artwork. Blends seamlessly with your business’s aesthetic, enhancing its visual appeal.
Tabletop Sign
If you have a restaurant or business with tables, you can paint messages directly onto those tabletops. Directly engages customers in their personal space, making every table a potential touchpoint for communication.
Refurbished Antique Sign
For businesses that have a vintage or antique vibe, head to an antique store to find old signs, platters, or other flat surfaces. Then you can strip or paint over the surface and add your message to it.
A-Frame Sign
If you want a sign to display outside of your business, you can make your own a-frame sign by attaching two boards together and propping them against one another. Highly visible and easily customizable, A-frames serve as a versatile outdoor advertising solution.
Floral Marquee Letters
If you want a very decorative or feminine feel for your sign, use some cardboard or wood letters and add some foam to the inside so that you can secure flowers throughout the centers of each letter. Use artificial flowers if you want the sign to stay up for awhile.
Living Plants Sign
For a more natural look, create a living plants sign that includes low-maintenance plants like succulents inside of 3D letters. Emphasizes your commitment to sustainability and brings a vibrant, green touch to your business environment.
Recycled Materials Sign
This one is another green option. Eco-friendly businesses can head to the junkyard or flea market to find some materials that you can give new life to. Arrange those items along your wall to spell out a short word or phrase, attaching them with brackets or wall hooks.
Balloon Letters
If you want to create a temporary sign for an event or promotion, get a bunch of balloons and arrange them into letters to spell out your message. Offers a colorful and uplifting way to catch the eye of potential customers.
Wreath Sign
For short signs to display on a door or entryway, you can create a decorative wreath for the season and then include a small banner across the front of it that includes your message.
Door Mat Signage
You can even purchase a plain door mat and use stencils and spray paint to add a pertinent message for people to read as they arrive.
Wall Mural
Finally, you can even paint signs directly onto the walls of your business. Of course, this will need to be something you plan on displaying for a long time. It’s also a good idea for you to sketch out the sign first so you know you like the look of it before committing.
| Sign Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Wood Pallet Sign | Create a rustic or classic sign using wood pallets. Paint your message on the front. |
| Chalkboard Sign | Use chalkboards for versatile signs that you can change and customize regularly. |
| Fabric Banner | Paint or stitch a message onto fabric and hang it for a homemade or vintage vibe. |
| 3D Letter Marquee | Customize 3D letters with paint or string lights for eye-catching short messages. |
| Signs on Equipment | Paint messages on everyday items used in your business, aligning with your business's vibe. |
| Arrow Sign | Cut arrow signs from wood or other materials to direct people to specific locations. |
| Rope Sign | Spell out words or phrases using rope and attach it to a board or wall for a rustic or nautical feel. |
| Neon Letters | Purchase neon wire to create illuminated words or phrases that light up your message. |
| Painted Window | Use washable paint on storefront windows or recycled glass for visible indoor signage. |
| Framed Sign | Draw or paint signs on paper and frame them for a classic, artistic display. |
| Hanging Doorway Sign | Attach a bracket to a wall near a doorway and hang a small hand-painted sign below it for visibility. |
| Light Projector Sign | Create stencils of your message to project onto nearby walls when placed around a lampshade with the light on. |
| Bunting Banner | Craft a bunting banner with fabric and ribbon, displaying one letter on each banner to spell out a short phrase. |
| Scrabble Tile Sign | Attach Scrabble tiles spelling your message onto a board, recreating the look with painted wood letters for larger displays. |
| Canvas Sign | Use canvas to create artistic signs with various elements, hanging them like artwork. |
| Tabletop Sign | Paint messages directly onto tabletops for businesses with tables. |
| Refurbished Antique Sign | Find old signs, platters, or flat surfaces at antique stores, refurbish them, and add your message. |
| A-Frame Sign | Build an a-frame sign by attaching two boards and propping them against each other for outdoor displays. |
| Floral Marquee Letters | Decorate cardboard or wood letters with foam and secure flowers inside for a decorative, feminine sign. |
| Living Plants Sign | Create a sign with 3D letters filled with low-maintenance plants like succulents for a natural look. |
| Recycled Materials Sign | Arrange materials from junkyards or flea markets to spell out words or phrases, attaching them with brackets or wall hooks. |
| Balloon Letters | Arrange balloons into letters for temporary signs for events or promotions. |
| Wreath Sign | Make decorative wreaths for seasonal displays and add a small banner with your message. |
| Door Mat Signage | Customize plain door mats with stencils and spray paint to convey messages for arriving customers. |
| Wall Mural | Paint signs directly onto business walls for long-term displays, ensuring you sketch and approve the design first. |
| These DIY sign ideas offer a wide range of creative options for businesses to convey their messages effectively. | |
Customizing Your DIY Business Sign
Creating a DIY business sign opens up endless possibilities for customization. Here are some tips to make your sign truly unique:
- Color Scheme: Choose colors that align with your brand or the ambiance you want to create. Bold, contrasting colors can make your sign pop, while softer hues offer a more subtle appearance.
- Typography: Experiment with different fonts to find one that suits your message and business style. Mix and match fonts to create a visually appealing design.
- Size and Scale: Consider the size of your sign in relation to your space. A larger sign may be more noticeable, but it should fit comfortably within the area you intend to display it.
- Artistic Elements: Add illustrations, patterns, or graphics that represent your business. These elements can convey your brand’s personality and draw attention.
- Texture and Materials: Explore different materials to give your sign texture and depth. Wood, metal, fabric, or even recycled materials can add character to your signage.
- Lighting: If applicable, integrate lighting elements into your sign. LED lights, string lights, or backlit designs can create a captivating effect, especially for evening visibility.
- Seasonal Updates: If your business caters to seasonal promotions or events, design your sign with flexibility in mind. Create interchangeable elements that allow you to update messages easily.
- Feedback: Seek input from colleagues, friends, or customers to refine your sign’s design. Fresh perspectives can help you fine-tune your message and visuals.
- Testing: Before finalizing your DIY sign, test it in your intended location to ensure it fits seamlessly and is visible from various angles.
- Maintenance: Consider how your sign will withstand weather conditions or wear and tear. Apply protective coatings or choose materials that endure outdoor exposure if necessary.
| Customization Aspect | Tips |
|---|---|
| Color Scheme | - Choose colors aligning with your brand or desired ambiance. |
| - Bold, contrasting colors can make your sign stand out, while softer hues offer subtlety. | |
| Typography | - Experiment with fonts to find one that suits your message and business style. |
| - Mix and match fonts for a visually appealing design. | |
| Size and Scale | - Consider the sign's size in relation to your display space. |
| - A larger sign may be more noticeable but should fit comfortably within your intended area. | |
| Artistic Elements | - Incorporate illustrations, patterns, or graphics representing your business. |
| - These elements convey your brand's personality and attract attention. | |
| Texture and Materials | - Explore different materials for texture and depth, such as wood, metal, fabric, or recycled materials. |
| Lighting | - Integrate lighting elements like LED lights, string lights, or backlit designs for captivating effects, especially for nighttime visibility. |
| Seasonal Updates | - Design with flexibility for seasonal promotions or events. |
| - Create interchangeable elements to easily update messages. | |
| Feedback | - Seek input from colleagues, friends, or customers for design refinement. |
| - Fresh perspectives help fine-tune your message and visuals. | |
| Testing | - Test your sign in the intended location for seamless fit and visibility from various angles. |
| Maintenance | - Consider weather conditions and durability. |
| - Apply protective coatings or choose materials suitable for outdoor exposure if needed. |
Tips for Designing Effective DIY Business Signs
Creating a DIY business sign is not just about materials; it’s also about design. Here are some tips to ensure your DIY sign effectively communicates your message:
- Keep it Simple: Less is often more when it comes to signage. Use clear and concise language, and avoid clutter or excessive information.
- Choose Legible Fonts: Opt for fonts that are easy to read from a distance. Avoid overly decorative or script fonts that may be difficult to decipher.
- Contrasting Colors: Ensure a strong contrast between the background and text colors for readability. High contrast, like black text on a white background, is a good choice.
- Text Size: Make sure the text is large enough to be seen clearly. Consider the distance from which people will view your sign.
- Align and Space Carefully: Pay attention to alignment and spacing. Ensure that text and graphics are centered and evenly spaced for a polished look.
- Use Icons or Symbols: Incorporate relevant icons or symbols to enhance understanding and make your sign more visually appealing.
- Consider Branding: Incorporate your business’s logo, colors, or branding elements to maintain consistency with your overall brand identity.
- Weather Resistance: If your sign will be exposed to the elements, choose materials and paints that can withstand weather conditions.
- Test from a Distance: Before finalizing your design, step back and view it from a distance to ensure it’s visible and appealing from afar.
- Get Feedback: Show your sign design to others and gather feedback. Fresh perspectives can help you refine your design.
- Maintain Brand Consistency: If your business already has established branding, ensure that your DIY sign aligns with your brand’s style and tone.
- Regular Maintenance: If your sign will be outdoors, plan for regular maintenance to keep it looking fresh and appealing.
Images: MyLove2Create, Funky Junk Interiors, Shanty 2 Chic, The Thinking Closet
Top Photo via Shutterstock
This article, "25 Creative DIY Business Sign Ideas" was first published on Small Business Trends
0 Comments