What Is a Blade Sign and Its Best Uses

Foot traffic is the lifeblood of most storefront businesses, but getting noticed on a crowded street isn’t always easy. Even the best products and services can go unnoticed if people don’t realise your business exists. This is where blade signs come in.

Blade signs, mounted perpendicular to your storefront, help your business stand out—literally. They’re designed to attract the attention of pedestrians, ensuring your company doesn’t blend into the background.

What Is a Blade Sign?

The name "blade sign" comes from their distinctive design—they project outward from the wall, resembling a blade sticking out from a handle. These signs can be crafted from materials like wood, metal, glass, or plastic and are typically customised to align with the business’s branding.

Why Choose a Blade Sign?

This type of signage offers numerous advantages for businesses. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Blade signs are highly versatile and suitable for almost any type of business.

• Constructed from durable, high-quality materials, they are built to last for years.

• Many blade signs are easy to install and don’t require specialised tools or equipment.

• Their sleek, modern design adds a professional and polished appearance to your business.

• Basic blade signs can be a cost-effective option while still creating a noticeable impact.

• For a more striking effect, illuminated blade signs can become the focal point of an entire block.

What Are the Best Materials for Blade Signs?

Here are some of the key materials and why they’re ideal for creating effective and durable blade signs: 

Metal

Metal blade signs are a go-to choice for businesses due to their strength and adaptability. Commonly crafted from aluminum or steel, these signs are weather-resistant and boast a modern, polished look, making them suitable for a wide range of industries. Advanced fabrication techniques like welding and laser cutting allow for intricate designs in custom blade signs, ensuring your sign stands out.

To enhance your storefront even further, pair your blade sign with our Metal 3D Logo Wall Sign Collection. These striking signs not only reinforce your branding but also add a sophisticated, professional touch to your business. Their ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions ensures your business’s message remains bold and visible for years.

Acrylic

Acrylic blade signs offer a lightweight yet durable alternative for businesses looking for vibrant and customizable signage. This material provides endless design possibilities, from unique shapes and sizes to bold colours and finishes, helping you reflect your brand’s identity effectively.

Acrylic signs are highly resistant to impact and outdoor elements, making them a practical choice for exterior use. Their lightweight nature also simplifies installation and handling, making them a versatile option for a wide range of applications.

For businesses looking to enhance their blade signage, our Printed Acrylic 3D Logo Wall Sign is an excellent choice. Customisable in a range of colours, it can complement your blade sign by adding depth and a polished finish to your branding. 

Wood

Wooden blade signs exude timeless charm and warmth, making them a popular choice for businesses seeking a classic or rustic aesthetic. Durable woods like cedar, redwood, or treated pine are often used to ensure the sign can withstand outdoor conditions, making them ideal for outdoor blade signs while maintaining their appeal.

The natural grain and texture of wood add character, and custom finishes can align with your brand’s personality. To keep wooden signs in top shape, regular maintenance is essential. Applying sealants to protect against moisture and sunlight, along with periodic cleaning and inspections, will preserve their beauty and functionality for years.

Best Uses of Blade Sign 

Blade signs are a practical and versatile option for making your business more visible and drawing in attention. Here’s how they’re commonly used:

Storefront Visibility

Exterior blade signs project perpendicularly from a building's façade, ensuring high visibility for pedestrians and motorists approaching from various angles. This is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas or streets with closely spaced buildings, where traditional flat signs might be overlooked. 

By extending outward, blade signs capture attention and guide potential customers to your storefront, especially when enhanced as illuminated shop signs, making them even more noticeable at night.

Wayfinding

Inside large or complex spaces such as shopping malls, airports, or office buildings, interior blade signs play an essential part in navigation. Mounted perpendicular to walls or ceilings, hanging blade signs clearly indicate directions to specific areas like restrooms, exits, or department locations, enhancing the overall visitor experience by simplifying navigation.

For a deeper dive into the importance of effective wayfinding and how signage can transform spaces, check out our blog ‘Everything You Need to Know About Wayfinding Signage.’

Branding

Customizing blade signs with distinctive designs, colors, and logos strengthens brand identity. Custom outdoor restaurant signs, for instance, not only serve a functional purpose but also act as an extension of your brand's personality. A well-designed blade sign can convey the essence of your business, attract your target audience, and differentiate you from competitors.

Similarly, with our Office Branding services, we can help you create a professional, cohesive environment that reinforces your brand identity. Combining both office and storefront branding ensures your business stands out in every space.

Directional Support

Blade signs do more than mark entrances; they strategically direct visitors to specific areas, such as parking lots, service entrances, or pickup zones.. This ensures smooth traffic flow and enhances customer convenience, particularly in larger establishments or complexes with multiple entry points.

Historical or Decorative Appeal

In historic districts or themed shopping areas, blade signs contribute to a cohesive and charming aesthetic. Their classic design reminds back to traditional signage, adding character and authenticity to the street's cape. Many businesses in these areas opt for handcrafted or vintage-style blade signs to complement the architectural style and create an inviting atmosphere. 

Attract More Foot Traffic with Customised Blade Signs 

For storefront businesses, standing out can make all the difference. With the right blade signage ideas, blade signs offer a compelling way to capture attention, attract foot traffic, and showcase your brand's personality. Their distinctive design ensures your business stands out, whether on a busy street or within a bustling shopping centre.

Investing in a blade sign isn’t just practical; it’s a smart way to make your business impossible to overlook. By pairing your blade sign with our Logos Collection you can craft a unique and captivating design that strengthens your brand’s identity. A customised blade sign paired with a creative logo tells your storefront's story. It keeps your business memorable.

Key Takeaways

• Boost Visibility and Foot Traffic: Blade signs extend outward, making them easy to spot for pedestrians and motorists, helping your business stand out on busy streets.

• Built to Last and Customisable: With materials like metal, acrylic, and wood, blade signs are durable and adaptable, offering a variety of styles to suit your brand.

• Showcase Your Business Identity: Blade signs aren’t just functional—they allow businesses to display unique designs, colours, and logos that represent their brand authentically.