When it comes to increasing visibility, attracting foot traffic, and establishing brand recognition, few tools are as effective as the right building sign. Exterior business signs do more than show your name. They communicate your identity, your professionalism, and your value. Sometimes in just a glance.
Whether you’re launching a new storefront or upgrading outdated signage, understanding the different types of building signs can help you make smarter choices. This guide breaks down the most common sign types in clear detail, so you can pick the right solution for your location, brand, and budget.
Channel Letter Signs
Channel letter signs are one of the most popular options for business signage, and for good reason. These three-dimensional letters are typically made from aluminum with acrylic faces and feature internal LED lighting. This makes them highly visible both day and night.
You’ll often see channel letters mounted directly to the building façade, individually lit and spaced to create a clean, modern look. They’re a top choice for retail storefronts, restaurants, and professional offices because they’re customizable in color, font, and size.
Why choose channel letters?
- High visibility, especially at night
- Long-lasting and energy-efficient with LED illumination
- Highly customizable to match your brand identity
Whether you go for front-lit, halo-lit, or reverse channel letters, these signs bring a high-end, professional look that communicates trust to passersby.
Dimensional Letter Signs
Unlike channel letters, dimensional letter signs are usually not internally illuminated. Instead, they rely on materials like metal, PVC, or acrylic that are cut and mounted to create a raised, sculpted appearance.
They’re for businesses that want a polished but understated look, which is perfect for law firms, clinics, and corporate buildings. You can mount them directly to walls, reception areas, or monument signs.
Why consider dimensional letters?
- Elegant and refined appearance
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor signage
- Can be fabricated in a wide range of finishes and depths
If you’re in a shared office park or professional setting, dimensional letter signage communicates credibility without overwhelming your surroundings.
Monument Signs
Monument signs are freestanding signs typically installed at eye level near a property entrance. They’re often used in front of medical complexes, schools, and office parks, where visibility from the road is key.
These signs are usually made from durable materials like stone, brick, or high-density foam with aluminum panels, offering a more permanent and architectural presence.
What makes monument signs effective?
- Ideal for locations set back from the road
- Offers long-term durability and a high-end aesthetic
- Can include changeable letter boards or LED displays
Because they’re at ground level, monument signs are easy to read for both drivers and pedestrians. If your building sits far off the street or behind landscaping, this is a great solution for guiding traffic and making your location easier to find.
Pylon Signs
Pylon signs are tall freestanding structures supported by one or two poles. They’re often placed near highways or shopping centers to showcase multiple tenants or catch attention from a distance.
These are especially useful for businesses located near busy intersections or fast-moving roads where height matters.
Why go with a pylon sign?
- Extremely visible from long distances
- Great for multi-tenant properties or plazas
- Can include illuminated panels or digital message centers
Pylon signs provide a platform to advertise your presence at scale. Combined with an eye-catching design, they create a long-lasting impact for high-traffic locations.
Blade Signs (or Projecting Signs)
Blade signs extend perpendicular to a building’s wall and are typically mounted above eye level. Because of their angle, they’re easily spotted by pedestrians walking along a sidewalk. These signs are popular in historic downtowns, urban shopping districts, and on brick buildings with limited front-facing space.
They may include illumination via gooseneck lights or built-in LEDs depending on the local sign ordinance and your aesthetic preference.
Benefits of blade signs:
- Excellent for walkable areas or tight streetscapes
- Highly visible without taking up wall space
- Adds charm and character to your storefront
Blade signs are often one of the most charming types of commercial signage and work especially well for boutiques, salons, cafes, or small businesses that rely on foot traffic.
Window Graphics
Window graphics are one of the most flexible and cost-effective types of building signage. These vinyl decals can display logos, hours of operation, promotions, or full-scale decorative images across glass doors and storefront windows.
They’re perfect for businesses that want branding without adding bulk to the building exterior.
Reasons to choose window graphics:
- Budget-friendly and easy to update
- Great for seasonal promos or privacy
- Does not require structural changes to your building
From full coverage to minimalist designs, custom window decals can be a fast and eye-catching way to get your message across, especially in competitive retail corridors.
Cabinet Signs (Lightbox Signs)
Cabinet signs, also known as lightbox signs, are illuminated rectangular or square sign boxes mounted to a wall or pole. The graphics are typically printed on translucent acrylic or polycarbonate panels, backlit with fluorescent or LED lighting.
These are common for gas stations, strip malls, and 24-hour businesses.
Key benefits:
- Easy to see at night
- Can feature static or changeable panels
- Long lifespan with proper maintenance
Cabinet signs are simple but powerful, especially when used in conjunction with other building signage like channel letters or window decals.
The Role of Sign Installation
Choosing the right sign is just one part of the equation. Professional sign installation is just as important for safety, code compliance, and visual impact.
Whether you’re mounting dimensional letters or setting a pylon sign in concrete, proper installation ensures the longevity of your investment. A secure install also protects your brand image by avoiding crooked letters, poor lighting, or uneven spacing.
At Matly Digital Solutions, our expert team handles everything from permitting to final placement so your business sign stands the test of time.
Which Sign Is Right for You?
Every type of commercial signage has its own strengths. The right choice depends on your location, customer behavior, budget, and local regulations. For example, a restaurant in a walkable area might benefit most from an illuminated blade sign and window graphics. On the other hand, a professional office could opt for dimensional letters and a monument sign near the road.
It’s also common to mix and match, combining multiple sign types to maximize visibility from different angles and distances.
Need Help Choosing the Right Sign?
Exterior business signs are not just markers. They’re marketing tools. The right signage brings visibility, reinforces brand identity, and creates the first impression for new customers. It works quietly but constantly, all day and night.
Whether you’re launching a new location or upgrading old signage, consider how each sign type can play a role in telling your story. From channel letters to window graphics, every choice shapes how your business is seen and remembered.
At Matly Digital Solutions, we understand that custom business signs are more than decoration. They’re investments in visibility, credibility, and long-term growth. Let’s build something that draws attention for all the right reasons.
If you’re searching for signs for buildings that are crafted to match your vision and perform over time, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with Matly Digital Solutions for expert design, fast turnaround, and precision sign installation across Kentucky, Southern Indiana & Ohio.