Designing a custom neon sign might sound like something for designers or branding pros—but it’s actually easier than you think. Whether you’re creating signage for your business, decorating your home, or planning an unforgettable event, this beginner-friendly guide will show you how to design a neon sign from scratch.
From choosing the right font and colours to picking the perfect size and placement, we’ll walk you through the whole process. Plus, you’ll see real-world examples and get access to our powerful online tools so you can start designing today with NeonHub NZ.
1. Start with a Purpose
Before you choose a font or colour, think about why you want a neon sign:
- Are you branding a store, bar or café?
- Adding a feature wall to your home or office?
- Planning a wedding or birthday backdrop?
- Creating a fun, Instagram-worthy vibe?
Knowing the purpose helps you design something that’s not just beautiful—but meaningful and practical, too.
2. Choose Your Message
What do you want your neon sign to say?
Popular ideas include:
- Business names or slogans
- First names or couple initials
- Motivational quotes like “Good Vibes Only”
- Hashtags or custom phrases
If you’re stuck for ideas, browse our collection of pre-made LED neon signs for inspiration. You might just find the perfect design ready to go—or get ideas for your own custom creation.
3. Pick a Font That Matches Your Style
Fonts can completely change the look and feel of your sign.
- Cursive and script fonts feel elegant and romantic (great for weddings and bedrooms).
- Bold / outlined fonts are modern and clean (perfect for businesses or minimalist spaces).
- Playful fonts add fun and personality (ideal for events or creative spaces).
Our custom neon sign generator lets you experiment with different font styles and see how your message looks instantly. If you have a font you would like to match that isn’t in our font list, send it through and we can match it easily!
4. Select the Right Neon Colour
LED neon signs come in a wide range of vibrant colours, making it easy to match any mood, theme, or brand. Here are some quick tips for choosing the perfect glow:
- Match your brand colours for professional business signage.
- Use warm tones like pink, red, or orange for cosy, welcoming spaces.
- Go with cool tones like blue, green, or white for a sleek, modern look.
- Use high-contrast colours if your wall or background is dark or heavily textured.
Still not sure which colour is right? Our custom neon sign generator lets you preview different colour combinations in real time. Plus, for the ultimate flexibility, you can choose RGB colour options—a dynamic feature that lets you change the colour of your sign based on your mood, event, or setting. Whether you’re hosting a party or want a new vibe each day, RGB gives you full control.
5. Pick the Perfect Size
Here’s a general rule: your sign should be large enough to be seen, but not so large that it dominates the entire wall—unless that’s what you’re going for!
- Small (30–50cm): Great for desks, shelves, or accent décor.
- Medium (60–90cm): Ideal for weddings, parties, and home feature walls.
- Large (1m+): Perfect for storefronts, event backdrops, or large spaces.
Measure your space first to avoid guessing. When in doubt, go a bit bigger—neon signs are meant to stand out! Take a look at our instagram page to see lots of our custom signs in situ.
6. Think About Placement and Mounting
Where you place your neon sign impacts everything from size to visibility. Popular options include:
- Wall-mounted signs behind reception desks or beds
- Hanging signs in shopfronts or cafés
- Freestanding signs for events and exhibitions
Most of our signs come ready to hang, with easy mounting options included.
7. Want to Use a Custom Logo?
If you’re designing for a business or want something truly one-of-a-kind, you can turn your logo into a neon sign. Simply upload your logo or artwork, and we’ll send you a free mock-up and quote.
Perfect for:
- Business branding
- Trade shows and expos
- Personalised gifts
- Creative projects
Real Examples from Our Customers
Here are a few ways people are using custom neon signs across New Zealand:
✅ A wedding couple created a glowing script of their shared last name for their reception backdrop.
✅ A café used their custom logo in bright white neon above the counter.
✅ A content creator added a “Let’s Glow” neon to their home studio for a unique, on-brand background.
✅ A salon installed a pink cursive “Hello Beautiful” sign in their waiting room.
Every space becomes instantly more memorable with a personalised neon glow.
Ready to Design Your Own Neon Sign?
Designing your own LED neon sign is easier than ever with Neon Hub NZ. Whether you want to create something from scratch or turn your logo into a glowing centrepiece, we’ve got the tools to help you bring it to life.
✨ Use our custom neon sign generator to build your own design
✨ Browse our collection of pre-made LED neon signs for instant inspiration
✨ Turn your logo into a neon sign with help from our expert team
Let’s make something brilliant, bold, and uniquely yours.