Illuminated Signs and LED Letters: Why More Businesses Choose Lit Signage

Visibility when it counts

Norway is dark for much of the year. From October to March, days are short and evenings long. For businesses that depend on people finding them, this means an unlit sign is invisible for half the operating hours.

Illuminated signs solve this problem. A lit sign works for you even after the sun has set. It draws attention, builds your brand and makes it easier for customers to find their way.

Three main types of illuminated signs

1. LED letters with backlighting (halo effect)

LED letters where the light shines backward against the wall create an elegant glowing effect around each letter. This solution is often called "halo lighting" and gives a sophisticated, understated look.

Characteristics:

• The letters themselves are unlit, but surrounded by a light halo
• Works best on dark facades where the contrast stands out
• Gives a premium, exclusive impression
• Popular among hotels, law firms and brands wanting a refined look

2. LED letters with front lighting

Here the LED shines through the front of the letters. The letters typically have an acrylic face in the desired colour, with LED modules inside providing even, strong illumination.

Characteristics:

• Highly visible, even from a distance
• Letters glow in the company's brand colours
• Works well on all types of facades
• The most common choice for shops and commercial premises

3. Lightbox signs

A lightbox is a sign where the entire surface is illuminated from within. It can be a rectangular box with a logo print, or a custom shape that follows the logo's contours.

Characteristics:

• Large, visible illuminated area
• Most affordable illuminated option for large formats
• Easy to update with new vinyl or print
• Well suited for petrol stations, shopping centres and hardware stores

LED vs. fluorescent tubes: why LED won

Fifteen years ago, most illuminated signs used fluorescent tubes. Today, LED is the clear standard. Here's why:

Energy consumption. LED uses 60-80% less electricity than fluorescent tubes. For a sign that runs 12-16 hours a day, that means noticeable savings on the power bill.

Lifespan. An LED module lasts 50,000 to 100,000 operating hours. Fluorescent tubes need replacing after 10,000-15,000 hours. Over the sign's lifetime, you avoid several costly service call-outs.

Uniformity. LED provides even illumination without "dead zones" or flickering. Fluorescent tubes can develop visible dark patches as they age.

Environment. LED contains no mercury or other environmental toxins, unlike fluorescent tubes that require special waste handling.

Colour rendering. LED is available in a wide spectrum of colour temperatures and can match your brand colours precisely.

Neon signs: nostalgia or smart choice?

Neon signs have experienced a renaissance in recent years, especially in restaurants, bars and creative industries. Modern "neon" is typically LED neon — LED strips in flexible silicone tubes that mimic the classic neon look.

Real neon uses glass tubes filled with neon or argon gas. It gives a unique, warm light, but is expensive to produce, fragile and requires specialist maintenance.

LED neon is cheaper, durable and gives nearly the same visual effect. For most businesses, LED neon is the right choice. Real neon may be relevant for special interior projects where authenticity matters.

What does an illuminated sign cost?

The price depends on several factors:

• Size: Larger signs cost more, both in materials and installation.
• Type: LED letters cost more per letter than lightboxes, but give a more exclusive look.
• Number of letters: More letters means a higher price. Some choose to only illuminate the logo symbol and leave the text unlit.
• Installation: Height, accessibility and facade material affect mounting costs. Some jobs require a cherry picker or scaffolding.
• Power: If there is no power outlet near the sign location, an electrician must run cabling.

As a rough guide, you can expect:

• Lightbox (2-3 metres wide): From NOK 15,000-30,000
• LED letters (company name, 5-8 letters): From NOK 15,000 and up
• Larger sign projects with pylons: From NOK 50,000 and up

These prices include design, production and installation. Contact us for a specific quote based on your needs.

Maintenance of illuminated signs

One of the biggest advantages of LED illuminated signs is that they require minimal maintenance. However, we recommend:

• Annual visual check to ensure all LED modules are working and the sign is clean.
• Cleaning with mild soapy water and a soft cloth 1-2 times per year. Avoid pressure washers directly on the sign.
• Checking mounting points to ensure the installation is still solid, especially after storms.

With normal use, an LED illuminated sign needs no service costs for the first 8-10 years.

Building permits for illuminated signs

Most municipalities require a building permit for illuminated signs. The process varies, but typically you need:

• A drawing of the sign with dimensions
• A photo montage showing the sign on the building
• A site plan showing the placement
• Possibly consent from the building owner

Processing time is usually 3-8 weeks. At Showoff, we help with the entire application process, so you don't have to navigate the regulations yourself.

Is an illuminated sign right for your business?

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you should consider an illuminated sign:

• Does your business have opening hours beyond daylight?
• Is your premises on a busy street where you compete for attention?
• Is brand building important for your business?
• Do you want to be visible to motorists driving past?

See examples of illuminated signs we have delivered, or get in touch for a no-obligation chat about the possibilities.