If your business gets foot traffic, a hanging signis one of the best ways to get noticed. These signs are designed to catch the eye of people walking by—and when done right, they make a strong first impression.

In this guide, we’ll break down what hanging signs are, how they differ from blade signs, and what options you haveif you’re considering getting one custom-made.

What Is a Hanging Sign?

A hanging sign is a type of sign that sticks out from a wall or hangs down from a bracket, post, or ceiling. You’ll usually see them mounted perpendicular to a building, so they’re easy to spot from the sidewalk.

They work great in walkable areas like downtowns, shopping districts, and mixed-use centers.

They’re also super versatile—good for storefronts, lobbies, events, and even directional signage.

Blade Sign vs. Hanging Sign: What’s the Difference?

People often use the terms interchangeably, and there’s definitely overlap. But here’s the breakdown:

– Blade signsare typically rigid and mounted directly to a building. They don’t swing or move.

– Hanging signs can include blade signs but also cover signs that hang from chains or brackets and may have some motion.

In short, all blade signs are hanging signs, but not all hanging signs are blade signs.

For example, a traditional carved wood sign that swings gently from a decorative bracket would be considered a hanging sign, while a fixed, double-sided panel mounted perpendicular to the wall fits the blade sign category.

The 3 Types of Hanging Signs that Attract Foot Traffic

1 – Blade Signs

Blade signs are mounted directly to a building.These signs are double-sided and easy to spot from both directions on the sidewalk.

We built a custom wood blade sign for Mondo’s Beach Breakin Ventura that speaks to the surf-and-taco crowd—fun, bold, and right on brand.

Another great one:the neon blade signfor Shanghai Beer Garden —clean, bright, and impossible to miss at night. It glows 24/7 and pulls people in from across the street.

2 – Hanging Shop Signs

These signs usuallyhang from a decorative bracketand swing a bitin the breeze. They’re perfect for retail shops, boutiques, and cafes.

The small sign we made for Fleur de Ryein Venturais simple and stylish. It fits the vibe and draws people in.

Storefronts in downtown are great places for hanging signs where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic.

For HunterDouglasin Westlake Village, we went with a clean, rectangular hanging logo sign—modern, polished, and complements the buildings aesthetic.

3 – Combo Signs

Pair a hanging sign with wall-mounted lettersor a large storefront sign for more visibility. It’s a smart way to cover foot and vehicle traffic at the same time. This creates a layered visual experience that catches the eye from different angles and distances.

Example:

Gandolfo’s Deliin Oxnard uses both a blade sign and large channel letters. One grabs attention from the sidewalk, the other from the parking lot. Together, they work.

Outdoor Hanging Signs

If your sign’s going outside, materials matter.Go with options that handle sun, wind, and rain—like treated wood, MDO and HDO panel, powder-coated metal, or UV-protected acrylic.

We’ll also help with placement, mounting hardware, and making sure it’s up to code.

Custom Hanging Signs: Built for Your Brand

Your sign should do more than just say your name—it should reflect your style.

We’ll help you choose:

– The right shape, size, and materials— for example, a bold rectangular metal sign for a brewery or a soft-edged wooden sign for a spa.

– Fonts, logos, and brand colors — matched to your existing identity or refreshed with a new look.

– Optional lighting for better visibility— like LED edge lighting or gooseneck fixtures for evening visibility.

Whether you want something traditional, modern,or totally unique,we’ve got you covered.

Hanging Sign Ideas

Need inspiration? Here are a few popular styles:

– Rustic wood signsfor restaurants and wineries.  

– Modern acrylicfor salons or offices.  

– Sleek metal signs for corporate offices, or upscale retail spaces

– Hand-painted designsfor artisan shops.  

– Illuminated signsfor bars, restaurants, or shopping malls.

For more ideas, check out our Hanging Sign & Blade Sign Gallery.

Installing a Hanging Sign

Once your design is finalized, the next step is getting it up safelyand in compliance.

Installing a hanging sign might seem straightforward—but there’s more to it than picking a bracket and drilling into the wall. You’ve got to think about the surface you’re mounting to, how much the sign weighs, whether it’s exposed to wind, and what your city requires for permits and placement.

That’s why most businesses leave this part to the pros.

At Dave’s Signs,we handle everything behind the scenes—site surveys, permits, hardware, and installation—so your sign isn’t just secure, it’s also up to code and built to last.

We know what local ordinances allow (and what they don’t), and we’ll make sure everything’s done right the first time.

Quick FAQs

Can hanging signs be double-sided?

Yes, hanging signs are usually double-sided, so they can be seen from both directions on a sidewalk or walkway.

What are the best materials for outdoor hanging signs?

The best materials for outdoor hanging signs include sealed wood, MDO (medium-density overlay), HDO (high-density overlay), powder-coated metal, and UV-resistant acrylic. These materials hold up well in sun, wind, and rain.

Are hanging signs good for indoor use?

Yes, hanging signs work great indoors, too. They’re often used for wayfinding, branding, or decor in offices, lobbies, and trade show booths.

How much do custom hanging signs cost?

The cost of a custom hanging sign depends on the size, material, and design. You can Request a Quotebased on your specific needs.

Do I need a permit for a hanging sign?

Yes, in many cities, installing a hanging sign requires a permit. Local sign codes often regulate size, height, materials, and placement. Call us at ‭(805) 641-1387‬, and we will help you with the permitting process.

What’s the difference between MDO and HDO for signs?

MDO (medium-density overlay) is great for painted signs with a smooth finish, while HDO (high-density overlay) is more durable and resistant to moisture—ideal for long-term outdoor use.

Can you light a hanging sign?

Yes, hanging signs can be illuminated with gooseneck lighting, backlighting, or even integrated LED elements for better visibility at night.

Serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Counties & Nationwide

Dave’s Signsproudly serves businesses throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, andLos Angeles Counties—and Nationwide.

Whether you’re a local shopor a growing brand with multiple locations, we can help you design, fabricate, and install signage that fits your space and elevates your presence.

Your Hanging Sign, Your Style — Let’s Build It!

At Dave’s Signs, we designand build custom hanging signsthat attract attention and bring people through your door.

Whether you’re opening a new location or refreshing your storefront, we’ll help you create a sign that sets you apartand makes a great first impression.

Have questions? Call us at ‭(805) 641-1387‬ or Request a Quotetoday—we’re always happy to helpand answer any questions you may have.