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You might think an open/closed sign is a tiny piece of your storefront, but it’s one of the most powerful seconds-long impressions you make. A clear, well-designed sign saves customers time, boosts footfall, and looks professional — like a firm handshake before someone walks through the door. In busy high streets or quiet neighbourhoods, a visible sign tells people whether it’s worth walking up the steps or backing away. Simple, right? Yet the choice you make — LED vs. vinyl, fixed vs. reversible — changes how you’re perceived.
There’s no single “best” open/closed sign; there’s the right one for your business. Below are the main types you’ll see in the UK market and why each might suit your shop, cafe, or studio.
LED signs are bright, energy-efficient, and hard to miss—especially after dark. A typical LED “OPEN” box might be around 12 inches wide and can be mounted in the window or hung inside. These signs work best for businesses open late or on dim streets because they attract attention from as far as 100 feet away, depending on the size and brightness. Expect lightweight models weighing a few pounds and featuring plug-in or battery operation.
Reversible signs flip between “OPEN” and “CLOSED” and are a great low-tech option. Often made from acrylic or metal, these are simple, durable and easy to change at a glance. Many reversible door signs are compact, roughly 6 to 8 inches in height, making them ideal for small doors or counter displays. The charm of a swinging sign is its tactile, old-school appeal — customers notice the movement as well as the message.
For a more permanent, branded look you can choose acrylic, wood, or metal. An acrylic sign gives a sleek modern feel; wood adds warmth and personality; metal exudes durability and a premium effect. Sizes range from small 6 x 3 inch plaques to larger 18 x 12 inch displays. These materials cost more up front but last longer, resist scratching, and are ideal when you want your sign to match a particular aesthetic.
Vinyl decals stick directly to glass and are great for minimal, clean messaging. You can get full-colour prints, frosted effects, or cut vinyl in bold letters that measure 10 to 18 inches across for maximum readability. Decals work well when you want a flat, permanent solution without a bulky sign in the window. They’re also portable and inexpensive to replace when your hours or branding change.
Not sure where to start? The UK has both big-box retailers and specialist sign shops that cater to every budget and style. Below I break down where to look depending on what you need: cheap and fast, fully custom, or trade-quality.
Amazon and eBay are the fastest ways to browse a huge range of signs. You’ll find LED boxes, reversible plaques, and vinyl decals at budget-friendly prices. The upside is quick delivery and a vast catalogue; the downside can be inconsistent quality. Look for seller ratings and product photos, and favour listings that spell out dimensions in inches so you know how it will look in your window.
If you want to pop into a store and see materials in person, head to trade and DIY retailers like Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes or Homebase. These places stock sturdy metal and plastic signs, mounting kits, and often plug-and-play LED options. They’re particularly useful if you’re fitting multiple signs and need screws, anchors or a drill bit in the same trip — everything measured in inches and feet for straightforward planning.
For branded and printed solutions, online print specialists such as Vistaprint, Solopress or Instantprint are excellent. They offer customizable templates for window stickers, acrylic plaques and hanging signs. You can upload your logo, choose fonts and specify exact sizes — say, a 12 x 4 inch decal or a 10 x 8 inch acrylic plate — and receive a professional finish that matches your storefront colours.
Need bespoke shapes, matching shopfront signage, or business-wide branding? Signage specialists like Signs Express and Signs.co.uk (along with local independent sign makers) deliver custom-cut acrylic, metal, and illuminated signs to exacting standards. These companies handle site surveys, design mock-ups and long-lasting weatherproof finishes — ideal for high-traffic exteriors that must look great for years.
If personality and craftsmanship are what you’re after, Etsy and local artisans offer hand-crafted wooden or brass signs. These tend to be one-of-a-kind, perfect for boutique shops, pubs, or studios aiming for a unique identity. Expect to pay more for the handmade feel, but you’ll get character and a story behind your sign — something customers notice and remember.
For simple internal signs — think counter signs or small desk plaques that say “OPEN” or “CLOSED” — office suppliers like Ryman or Viking have neat, low-cost options. These smaller signs are usually 4 to 6 inches and serve well for pop-up shops, market stalls, or kiosks where portability is key.
Choosing the perfect sign is a mix of practical thinking and a dash of design sense. Ask yourself: how far away should the sign be readable, will it face daylight or night-time streetlights, and how long do you need it to last? Answer these and you’ll narrow the choices quickly.
Visibility is about size and contrast. For a sign to be read from across the street, you’ll need letters at least 3 to 4 inches tall for every 25 feet of viewing distance. So if you want your sign legible at 75 feet, aim for letters around 9 to 12 inches tall. Choose bold, sans-serif fonts and high-contrast colours — dark letters on a light background or white letters on a dark background are safe choices.
Is your sign behind a glass window or on an exterior door exposed to rain? Acrylic and metal stand up well outside; vinyl works great on glass but may peel if exposed to harsh weather without a protective overlay. LED signs are resilient but need a power source and measure in inches for planning plug access and mount spacing.
Decide if you want a hanging sign, adhesive, or screw-mounted plaque. Hanging signs usually require a bracket and need clearance — make sure you have at least a few inches of space above the door, and measure in inches to ensure a tidy fit. If you’re renting, adhesive or suction mounts may be better than drilling holes.
Your open/closed sign is a branding opportunity. It’s a small canvas, but used wisely, it reinforces what you sell and who you are. Think about logo placement, typography and the tone you want to convey: friendly, premium, quirky, or professional?
Use the same colour palette and font family as your other signs and online presence. A consistent look builds recognition — it’s like wearing the same uniform across all touchpoints. If your logo is detailed, use a simplified version for small signs so it remains legible at a glance.
An “OPEN” is clear on its own, but a short line like “Come in — we’re ready!” can add warmth. Avoid cluttering the sign; one message and a clear brand mark work best. Remember, less is often more when someone is making a split-second decision on whether to approach your door.
Installation is often straightforward, but a few tips make it smoother and more secure. Whether you mount on glass or wood, pick the right fixings and think about long-term maintenance to keep the sign looking new.
For masonry or brick, use wall plugs and screws sized for the sign weight — a 12 x 6 inch metal sign may need two screws and anchors. For glass, suction or adhesive-backed studs work better. If your sign uses a plug-in LED, check the cable routing so it doesn’t look messy in the window.
Dust, grease or fingerprints can reduce the impact of even a great sign. Wipe acrylic and glass with a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner every week or two. Metal signs may benefit from a protective wax layer, while vinyl decals often need a gentle soap wash to avoid lifting edges.
Prices for open/closed signs vary widely. You can buy a basic plastic reversible sign for under £10 or invest in a bespoke illuminated sign costing several hundred pounds. Decide what matters: visibility, durability, or branding. Then allocate your budget accordingly.
Budget signs (vinyl decals and small plastic plaques) usually cost under £20. Mid-range options (small acrylic plates, simple LED boxes) sit in the £30 to £100 bracket. High-end bespoke signage — custom-cut metal, large illuminated boxes and full branding projects — can run several hundred pounds depending on size and complexity.
If you’re starting out, choose a durable mid-range sign that looks good and upgrade later. Buy from print specialists for one-off custom jobs rather than a premium sign maker if cost is the main constraint — they offer good finishes without the bespoke price tag.
Good signage is inclusive signage. Clear, high-contrast writing helps everyone, especially people with visual impairments. While there’s no single national law prescribing font size for an “open” sign, consider larger lettering and accessible placement to accommodate the widest audience.
Use simple fonts, avoid decorative scripts for essential messages, and place the sign at a height easily seen by those in wheelchairs — typically between 48 and 60 inches from the floor to the centre of the sign. High contrast and non-reflective surfaces reduce glare for better readability in bright daylight.
Think of your open/closed sign as more than a utility: it’s a tiny billboard that works 24/7. Match the material and style to your brand, measure in inches and feet before you order, and choose a retailer that fits your timeline and budget. Whether you pick an off-the-shelf LED box, a simple vinyl decal, or a handcrafted wooden plaque, the right sign makes your business feel open, welcoming, and ready for customers.
Now you’ve got the knowledge — go look at options from Amazon UK and eBay for fast choices, hit up Screwfix, B&Q or Homebase for sturdy trade options, and contact print specialists like Vistaprint or Solopress when you want a polished branded result. For unique character, local sign makers and Etsy artisans bring personality and craftsmanship to your storefront.
Make the choice that fits your shop’s story, and watch how a small sign can open bigger doors.
Conclusion: A great open/closed sign balances visibility, durability, and brand personality. Spend a little time selecting the right material and size in inches, pick a retailer that meets your needs, and maintain the sign so it keeps working hard for you every day.
