The Psychology of Colours
Choosing the right neon sign colour can be difficult. Often people will simply pick their favourite colour or even their business brand colours, however have you ever considered the psychology behind colours? Colours allow people to express personality and have a high impact on human emotions. For example, colours such as red and yellow often make people feel energetic and excited, whilst colours such as green and blue can help to create a sense of relaxation, security and calmness. Picking the right neon sign colour that resembles the message you’re trying to get across can make a huge difference.
Here’s a list of some popular colours, alongside their meanings:
- Blue: Calmness, sympathy, trust
- Red: Energy, urgency, and passion
- Pink: Creativity, romantic, fun
- Yellow: Optimistic, attention, happiness
Understanding the different associations to each colour will help you in deciding which neon sign to pick!
You will often see the colours red or yellow used in the fast food industry as they can evoke hunger.
Considerations When Buying Neon Signs
Why are you buying a neon sign?
Are you buying a neon sign to set a mood, attract new customers, or decorate your home? Bright red is a fantastic choice for restaurant or bar neon signs, whilst softer colours may be best suited for indoors.
Preferences & Target Audiences
It’s important to think about your target audiences. Younger people engage more with brighter colours such as pinks and bright blues, whereas older people typically prefer bolder colours, such as dark greens and pastel colours.
Outdoor & Indoor Usage
Outdoor signs need to be brighter and use more vibrant shades in order to be visible and compete with natural light. Indoor neon signs can be calmer and more subdued colours.
Popular Neon Sign Colour Choices
- Green Neon Sign: Green is a popular colour but is often associated with health, well-being, and nature.
- Red Neon Sign: A vibrant colour that demands attention. Popular for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. This is a colour designed to drive action
- Blue Neon Sign: Used in corporate and formal settings, and by healthcare and finance-related businesses. Blue can create a sense of trust and security. This is why companies such as PayPal and Facebook use blue in their branding
- Yellow Neon Sign: Attention-grabbing and often used for signage or highlighting important information.
- White Neon Sign: Minimalist and modern, typically used in upscale events like weddings or business venues. White is compatible with all colours
- Pink Neon Sign: Playful and youthful, perfect for beauty salons, boutiques, and romantic settings. Pink is also perfect for cocktail bars.
Combining Different Neon Colours
From homes to businesses, it’s important to colour match. We do this every day when selecting different clothing pieces to ensure they complement each other. Some colours are naturally compatible, such as blue and yellow or purple and green. Pairing colours together can help to create depth and also make your neon sign stand out from the crowd. For a more versatile look, consider using different gradient effects. By combining multiple shades, you can create a unique, one-off look.
How To Make A Neon Sign Stand Out
It’s important to make sure your neon light is being displayed on the correct background. For example, a white sign on a light background won’t pop as much as on a black background. Similar to combining different colours, having contrasting backgrounds can help your neon signs stand out. Consider the visibility of your neon sign by placing it in an area that is easy to access and can be easily seen. Keeping your sign clean and functional will also help, as the lights can become faulty or dull over time, losing their colour.
Different Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to picking the right neon sign colour, it is best to keep it simple yet effective. In some cases, using too many colours can lead to your sign looking overwhelming, chaotic, and potentially confusing. Sticking to no more than 3 shades can create a cleaner, more simplistic yet effective design. Choosing a neon sign that doesn’t conform with the surroundings can lead it to look out of place.
Energy Saving and Environmental Impacts
Almost all modern neon signs use fantastic energy-efficient LED technologies. This helps with reducing power consumption and environmental impacts.
At the end of the day, choosing the right neon sign colour involves a balance of practicality, aesthetics, and functionality. Due to specific colours offering different psychological effects, it’s important to understand the emotions behind colours. If you are using colours that are not your brand colours, then always factor in the audience, placement, and purpose of the neon sign colour, making sure you’re getting the most out of it. Whether you go for a playful pink or a bright blue, ensure your neon sign leaves a lasting impression.