Neon signs have exploded in popularity. Walk into any stylish bar, boutique hotel, or trendy home interior, and you’ll see that unmistakable glow staring back at you.

But here’s the thing: not all neon signs are created equal.

Most people don’t know the difference between real glass neon, standard LED, and liquid-filled outdoor neon. They don’t know what size to buy, where to hang it, or — crucially — where to get a sign that actually looks good.

This guide covers everything you need to know before buying a neon sign in 2026. And if you’re looking for the best custom neon signs in the UK, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Real Glass Neon vs. LED Neon vs. Liquid LED: What’s the Difference?

This is the first question anyone buying a neon sign should ask. Here’s the breakdown:

Feature	Real Glass Neon	LED Neon	Liquid LED
Material	Hand-bent glass tubes	Flexible silicone	Liquid-filled silicone
Best For	Indoor use	Indoor only	Indoor + Outdoor
Surface Temp	Warm to touch	Cool to touch	Cool to touch
Colour Depth	Deep, authentic glass colours	Full colour spectrum	Extra vibrant glow
Durability	Heirloom-quality	Standard	Maximum weather protection
Energy Use	Standard	Energy-efficient	Energy-efficient

Real Glass Neon is the authentic deal — hand-bent by skilled artisans, filled with noble gases, and powered by that unmistakable old-school hum. It’s warm, craft-driven, and utterly original. Perfect for lounges, bedrooms, bars, and anywhere that demands attention.

LED Neon delivers that iconic glow in a flexible, cool-to-touch format. It’s safer, lighter, more energy-efficient, and doesn’t buzz or flicker. Ideal for homes, retail interiors, and event backdrops.

Liquid LED is the newest innovation — purpose-built for outdoor use with maximum vibrancy and protection. No housing required. Extra bright, fully sealed, and engineered to perform rain or shine.

TL;DR: Want vintage vibes and authenticity? Go glass. Want versatility, safety, and energy efficiency? Go LED. Need something for outdoors? Go liquid LED.

What Size Neon Sign Do You Need?

Size matters more than you think. A sign that’s too small will look lost on a big wall. One that’s too large will overwhelm the space.

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

Small (30–60cm wide) – Great for desktops, bedrooms, or shelves
Medium (60–100cm) – Ideal for kitchens, bars, or statement walls
Large (100cm+) – Full-on centrepiece — perfect above sofas, beds, or in commercial spaces

Pro tip: Use painter’s tape to block out the dimensions on your wall before you buy.

Where Should You Hang a Neon Sign?

Neon works almost anywhere, but some spots work better than others:

Bedrooms – Over beds, dressers, or tucked into corners
Kitchens – Above the breakfast bar, coffee station, or wall shelves
Living Rooms – Over the sofa or fireplace for instant impact
Bars/Home Bars – Behind the drinks area, or front-facing to catch the eye

Power + Mounting Options

Most modern neon signs are designed for easy installation:

Plug-in – Standard UK plug. No electrician needed.
Battery-powered – Great for smaller LED signs or if plugs aren’t nearby.
Hardwired – For a seamless, cable-free look. Best done by a professional.

Mounting is usually straightforward too — most signs come ready to hang with pre-drilled acrylic backplates or keyhole slots.

Custom Neon Signs: Make It Yours

Off-the-shelf signs are fine, but custom neon is where the magic happens.

With a custom sign, you can choose the text, font, colour, size, and even add your logo or graphic. Whether it’s for your home, wedding, or business, a custom sign ensures you get exactly what you want.

Popular custom use cases include:

Home bars
Kids’ bedrooms
Wedding backdrops
Business signage
Retail and restaurant interiors

Where to Buy the Best Neon Signs in the UK

You can buy a “neon” sign online for £50, but you’ll often get something that looks like a glow stick stuck to a plastic board.

For the real deal — craftsmanship, design, and proper aftercare — Smithers has become one of the best places to buy neon signs in the UK.

Based in a Shoreditch studio, Smithers specialises in both traditional gas neon and modern LED, offering clients the full spectrum of possibilities. Their clients range from high-street icons like Tiffany & Co. and Sotheby’s to interior designers and homeowners who just want their kitchen to look like Studio 54.

Here’s why buyers keep coming back:

Fast UK delivery – No month-long wait for overseas shipments
Real design advice – Not just a dropdown menu; they help you nail your concept
London-based presence – You’re dealing with a UK business, not a random dropshipper
Proven track record – Thousands of custom signs built over the past decade

Prices for custom LED neon signs at Smithers start around the £200 mark — but what you’re paying for is genuine craftsmanship, not mass-produced imports.

Final Tips Before You Buy

Before you hit “add to cart,” keep these in mind:

Don’t go too small – Neon looks best when it owns the wall
Check your power source – Make sure you’ve got access to a plug or pre-wire your wall
Pick a message you won’t cringe at in 6 months – Timeless beats trendy

FAQs

Should I choose LED neon or real glass neon?
Real glass neon gives off a warmer, vintage glow with hand-blown tubes — perfect for that authentic retro vibe. LED neon is safer, lighter, and more energy-efficient. If you want serious impact, go glass. If you need flexibility or kid-safe lighting, go LED.

How do I know what size neon sign to buy?
Measure your wall and viewing distance. Small signs (30–60cm) work on desktops and shelves. Medium (60–100cm) works for most walls. Large (100cm+) is for statement pieces.

Can I customise a neon sign?
Absolutely. With a custom provider like Smithers, you can choose the text, font, colour, size, and even add your logo or graphic.

Do neon signs need an electrician to install?
Most plug straight into a standard UK socket — no electrician needed. Hardwired options are also available for a seamless look.

Looking for a custom neon sign that actually turns heads? Smithers — hand-bent in Shoreditch, built to stop traffic.