Signage is often considered as serving a single, functional purpose: guiding visitors around the office space or displaying branding. However, custom signs for businesses are increasingly being seen as an integral element of interior design.
In addition to being an effective means of communication, interior signs offer a powerful means of enhancing interior design. Offices, retail stores, hotels, healthcare providers, and any establishment receiving visitors has the potential to use signage as a cohesive part of its interior design.
Discover some of the most popular ways to incorporate signage into your interior design, which will help you enhance branding while maximizing utility.
Custom Signs as a Statement Piece
In many spaces, signage is serving the purpose that wall art used to. Custom lettering, wall murals, and backlit panels—all different types of signs—are used as visually impactful features. For instance, a backlit company motto on a brushed metal panel is both aesthetic and functional.
Functional Design, Not Just Branding
Wayfinding signage often gets overlooked because it’s designed to blend in, or in some cases it doesn’t match the rest of the space. However, there’s a growing shift toward integrating directional signs into the overall design.
Wayfinding signs can be color-matched to wall finishes, floor markers made from the same materials as the surrounding surfaces, and ADA signs can be customized to suit interior design. The opportunities for personalizing signs is endless, and an experienced signage team can advise you on the wide array of customizations available.
Tasteful Branding with Custom Signage
Signage doesn’t have to carry the company logo on every wall. Instead, it can reflect the brand’s tone and personality through a variety of other cues, such as color schemes, lighting, and patterns.
What branding is right for you depends on the nature of your business and industry. A technology company may, for instance, illuminated acrylic signage to convey a sense of modernity. A law firm, on the other hand, may opt for metal signs and darker finishes to convey a premium ambiance and success.
Subtle branding is essential not just for the décor, but for making the space your own, too. It helps differentiate the office from competitors, and creates a more memorable impression on visitors.
Turning Required Signs into Design Elements
Some signs, think menu boards, directories, and emergency exits, are essential and cannot be omitted from a signage plan. However, they can be personalized to fit more neatly into the space’s décor. The choice of material, finishes, and even lettering can completely change the nature of the sign, turning it from an eyesore into an interesting design element.
Directories made of brushed or polished aluminum lend a premium look to the space and make a positive first impression. Similarly, menu boards can be fully personalized to match your branding and décor. Emergency signs don’t offer a lot of personalization, since they must meet California and federal requirements, however, by adjusting their location, you can reduce their impact on the office’s décor.
Putting Digital Signage to Use
Digital signage has been the ‘next big thing’ in signage. It offers a versatile, flexible platform for businesses to display corporate films, ads, branding, promotional films, and more. If you are looking to inject energy into your office space, a digital sign is a must-have.
Many businesses connect digital signs in conference rooms and entrance areas to connect with visitors. When not in use, these signs can be used to display the company’s branding. Best of all, they allow you to update the messaging without having to invest in expensive replacements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few missteps you should be aware of when deciding on a signage plan for your office:
- Quality signage is essential – Low-quality materials and rough edges will be glaringly obvious, especially at close quarters. Invest in quality signage that you will proud to display in your space.
- Avoid using decorative signage for promotional activity – Signs designed to match décor are designed to work seamlessly in the space. They are not optimized for highlighting promotional messages prominently.
- Don’t overbrand your signage – Avoid displaying the logo, tagline, and business name on every sign. On most signs, just displaying your brand’s colors and using your brand’s fonts will be sufficient for branding.
- Work with a proven partner – Work with a seasoned team that can advise you on interior design, visual communication and, of course, signage. That’s the best way to maximize your investment and install the right signs in your space.
Also Read:
- How Custom Signs Help Irvine Businesses Stand Out in Competitive Commercial Areas
- Top 10 Interior Sign Trends in Orange County for 2025
Leverage Over 25 Years of Marketing, Business, and Signage Experience
VizComm Signs & Graphics is the go-to signage partner for businesses across California. We help business owners transform their space cost-efficiently with custom signage. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your vision and create a custom signage plan with a local expert.
