Why Are Neon Signs So Popular? | A1deSIGNS (2024)

Why Are Neon Signs So Popular? | A1deSIGNS (1)

A Brief Look at the Reasons Why Neon Has Become So Popular!

More and more people are turning to neon to create stunning visuals, not only for marketing, but for decorative purposes too. With its massive surge in popularity in recent years, it’s really got us wondering; “why have neon signs become so popular?”.

Let’s take a brief look at the history of neon signage first and the way it has changed.

The History of Neon and How it has Evolved.

In the past 100 or so years, neon has made its way from lab experiments to the dizzy heights of Las Vegas and London, lighting up some of the most famous buildings in the world’s most recognised cities. Today, neon can be found in shops, restaurants, bars, at events and even in homes. But where did it all begin?

Neon emerged into the world as a high-end luxury item, with the first signs sold in America bought for thousands of dollars. In the 60’s and 70’s its red glow became synonymous with some of the less reputable areas of the world, however as time has progressed, it has evolved into more than just a medium for signage, it has become an art form. These days, musicians, architects, artists and business owners are all warming to the idea that neon signs can be used to create eye catching works of art that can be used in a variety of ways.

For whatever reason, neon is back in the spotlight once again, providing visual merchandising opportunities for some big brands names, such as Armani, Levi’s and Topshop. Neon has gone from being widely associated with motels, sex shops and red light districts to a world involving music, arts and commercial marketing.

So, Why do People Love Neon?

There’s plenty of reasons to love neon and the people of the world are really starting to agree. Below, we look at the top 5 reasons why we believe neon has become popular once more:

  1. Colours – Though neon’s trademark colour is red, with the assistance of powdered tubes, there is now a range of other colours available, meaning that signs can be made to compliment a brand or add a burst of colour into a room.
  2. Versatility – Neon tubes are available in a variety of diameters and because it is hand bent, it means that almost any style that uses a consistent stroke width can be ‘neonised’.
  3. It’s almost unmissable – You really can’t miss it. Business owners and marketing managers want their stores to be seen and neon is one of the best ways of achieving this.
  4. It’s an art! – Neon really is an art. You only have to look at some of the examples below to see for yourself how easy it is on the eye.
  5. It Glows– Unlike other traditional sources of illumination, neon glows, rather than lighting up. Because of this, the effect is always pleasant on the eye, as opposed to being too bright.

There’s dozens more reasons why neon is a strong contender for the most popular signage form out there, but we’ll not bore you with a super-long list. Instead, why not check out the different ways neon can be used to enhance the look of your home?

Commissioning a Neon Sign

It’s fun to get creative using neon. Depending on where you choose to display your sign, it can add light and colour to a room or window. Suitable for both internal and external use, neon is a unique way to draw the eye.

However you choose to use it, neon can be mixed with other styles and themes to create unique displays. So whether you’re a minimalist or you prefer a contemporary approach to design, there is no reason why neon cannot be used as an eye catching compliment.

If you are looking to use neon in your project, A1deSIGNS can commission a neon sign for you. Contact us today and we can get to work planning your very own neon creation.

Why Are Neon Signs So Popular? | A1deSIGNS (2024)

FAQs

Why are neon signs so popular? ›

Neon lights are exceptionally long-lasting due to their vibrant colors and the ability to craft tubes that function for decades.

Why is neon so famous? ›

One of the reasons why neon signs are so popular is their artistry and brightness. The colored lighting of neon signs creates an attractive effect that attracts people's attention. This makes neon signs an effective advertising tool and a unique piece of art.

Are neon signs still popular? ›

Neon signs are making a comeback — their vibrant and mesmerizing glow is becoming a captivating way for companies to make a statement and establish their brand identity in a highly competitive market. This resurgence is reshaping the way businesses communicate.

Why do I like neon so much? ›

It Glows – Unlike other traditional sources of illumination, neon glows, rather than lighting up. Because of this, the effect is always pleasant on the eye, as opposed to being too bright.

Why is neon so important? ›

Neon is also used to make high-voltage indicators and switching gear, lightning arresters, diving equipment and lasers. Liquid neon is an important cryogenic refrigerant. It has over 40 times more refrigerating capacity per unit volume than liquid helium, and more than 3 times that of liquid hydrogen.

When was neon really popular? ›

They are mainly used to make dramatic, multicolored glowing signage for advertising, called neon signs, which were popular from the 1920s to 1960s and again in the 1980s.

When did neon signs become popular? ›

They hit their peak popularity from the 1920s to the 1960s. Streets were aglow with bright neon signs marketing business's wares and services, everything from hotdogs to designer clothing at department stores to local nightclubs.

What are positives about neon? ›

  • Long Life: An average bulb's life is about one year, but a properly made neon light lasts for years. ...
  • Colorful: Another advantage of neon is that they can easily be formed into different colors. ...
  • Flexibility: ...
  • Visibility: ...
  • Low Energy use:

Why are neon signs so rare? ›

Much of the high cost of traditional neon signs is a result of how rare they are now. That process is a mastered art known by few and done professionally by even fewer — so when there's only a handful of people able to make neon signs through that complicated process, the price is naturally high.

Why were neon signs banned? ›

Between the lines: Many Pacific Northwest companies replaced their neon signs during the '70s and '80s following campaigns to ban them because they were considered "tacky" and "garish," said collector John Bennett of John Bennett Properties.

Why is neon not popular anymore? ›

First introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1910, neon signage spread to widespread use, but declined after a few decades. By the 1960s, most businesses went away from neon signs because they were so expensive and fragile.

Why is neon so popular? ›

Popularity Boom

Neon signs became synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the era, adorning theaters, bars, and storefronts. Businesses embraced neon as a powerful tool for attracting customers, and the entertainment industry embraced the luminous trend.

What is so special about neon lights? ›

It's not that efficient when it comes to energy consumption, and it's not the most practical way to light a room. But neon has many characteristics that make it easy to love. For example, it is uniquely durable, and can burn for 50+ years if left on.

Why do people like neon lights? ›

Elevation of Mood

Neon lights, especially those emitting warm colors like red and yellow, can potentially elevate our mood. The bright and lively hues create a stimulating environment that can induce feelings of happiness, excitement, and positivity.

Why don't people use neon signs anymore? ›

First introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1910, neon signage spread to widespread use, but declined after a few decades. By the 1960s, most businesses went away from neon signs because they were so expensive and fragile.

What do neon signs symbolize? ›

A Sign of the Times

Signs fueled by glowing neon became icons of commerce and entertainment. The bright lights of neon came to signify the bright possibilities of the electronic age, a symbol of progress. There was nothing more modern than neon.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 6014

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.