If you're looking for a standout way to light up your storefront or space, a lightbox sign might be exactly what you're after. From cafés and boutiques to barbershops and creative studios, these signs are an easy way to get seen — day or night. In this post, we're answering the most common questions about lightbox signage, based on what people are actually searching for.
First up: What is a lightbox sign?
A lightbox sign — also called a backlit sign, light-up sign, or LED sign — is a type of signage that uses internal lighting (usually LED) to illuminate the design or logo on the face of the sign. The light shines through a translucent panel, creating a soft glow that's visible in daylight and after dark.
At George & Willy, we’ve designed a few different styles of lightbox signs — including the Round Light Box Sign, Simple Light Box Sign, and Curve Light Box Sign — to suit whatever vibe or tone you're after. Whether you’re looking for something classic, understated, or a bit more playful, there’s a shape and style for your shop front.
What are lightbox signs used for?
Lightbox signs are most commonly used for:
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Storefront signage
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Indoor wayfinding
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Cafe or restaurant logos
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Creative studios and galleries
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Barbershops or salons
Their glow makes them perfect for attracting attention without being over the top — especially in lower-light environments or during early morning and evening hours.
What’s the best material for a backlit sign?
Most high-quality lightbox signs are made from materials that allow light to diffuse evenly, like acrylic or polycarbonate. At George & Willy, we’ve chosen powder-coated aluminum for the body of the sign, paired with a translucent, custom-printable acrylic panel to let that soft glow shine through. It’s rust-proof, weather-resistant, and easy to install.
How do you install a lightbox sign?
Like everything we make, our lightbox signs are designed to be simple to mount. Each one comes with a wall bracket and all the hardware you’ll need. You just need a drill, a level, and access to a power source. Plug it in, and you’re good to go.
For more specific dimensions and mounting guides, check out the product pages:
Is a lightbox the same as an LED sign?
Not quite. All our lightbox signs use LED lights, but not all LED signs are lightboxes. LED signs can mean those pixel-based screens with changing graphics or scrolling text, like digital billboards or stadium signage. A lightbox sign is a more traditional, static sign that’s backlit with LEDs.
So if you’re looking for a clean, minimal illuminated shop sign rather than a flashing screen, a lightbox is likely what you mean.
What kind of signs can be backlit?
Aside from traditional square or round lightbox signs, you’ll find:
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Projecting signs (like our light box signage)
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Flat wall-mounted illuminated panels
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Custom shapes with internal lighting
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Double-sided hanging signs
Each has its own use case depending on the visibility you need. Projecting signs are ideal for foot traffic, while flat wall-mounted signs are best for up-close visibility.
Can I use my own design on a lightbox sign?
Yes! All of our lightbox signs come with the option to customize the acrylic panel with your own design, logo, or lettering. The graphic is printed on a translucent material that sits inside the face of the custom sign, so it lights up cleanly and evenly when switched on. For more information about how to apply vinyl to your sign, check out our blog post here.
How bright are they?
One of our favourite features of our LED light box signs is the dimmer, so the world is your oyster when it comes to how bright you want your cafe light box sign!
What are the different names for lightbox signs?
If you’re trying to search for one, you might also come across:
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Backlit signs
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LED shop signs
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Light-up signs
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Illuminated signs
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Wall-mounted light signs
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Outdoor LED signs
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Glow signs
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Cafe lightbox sign
These terms often get used interchangeably, but they all describe the same basic concept — a sign that lights up from within.
Which lightbox sign is right for my space?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Simple Light Box Sign – A minimal rectangle with clean lines, ideal for modern cafés or design studios.
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Round Light Box Sign – A soft, classic silhouette perfect for charming storefronts or nostalgic branding.
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Curve Light Box Sign – A unique, curved shape for spaces that want something a little different, slightly retro and eye-catching.
Whether you’re after an illuminated shop sign that’s sleek and simple, or something that adds a soft glow to your branding, a lightbox sign is a timeless, low-fuss solution. And we’re here to help if you have any questions.
