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Channel Letters 101 – What You Need to Know to Select Yours

Channel letters are an impactful type of sign that has been around since the 1920s. Since then, they’ve functioned as an excellent way to advertise your business and generate more revenue.

Reverse channel letters have a halo effect hence the name: halo-lit or reverse-lit channel letters.
Reverse channel letters have a halo effect hence the name: halo-lit or reverse-lit channel letters.

Channel letters are easy to spot from a distance, making them perfect for businesses that need large, eye-catching signage. If you want to increase your visibility, channel letters might be your best option.

If you are shopping for channel letter signage, this article will guide you through choosing the right style for your building’s facade.

What are Channel Letters?

Sign letters like AES in Long Beach, California make a statement few sign types can match in terms of impact.
Sign letters like AES in Long Beach, California make a statement few sign types can match in terms of impact.

Channel letters are three-dimensional, individually fabricated letters or graphics typically used for signage on building exteriors but can also be used indoors.

They’re often made from aluminum for the sides and backs, with acrylic faces, and can include internal lighting (usually LEDs) to illuminate the letters at night.

This sign type is highly visible and can be customized in size, color, and lighting effects to match a brand’s unique look.

Typical channel letters have five main components: 

  1. Face, often made of acrylic (or sometimes metal), is the letter’s front surface that can be illuminated or left opaque. 
  2. Return (sides), these vertical aluminum strips form each letter’s depth or “channel.”  
  3. Back, an aluminum sheet enclosing the letter’s back, supporting internal components.  
  4. Lighting, LED modules (though neon is sometimes used) are usually installed within the channel to illuminate the face or create a halo effect.  
  5. Trim Cap, a border (typically plastic or metal) that attaches the acrylic face to the returns, creating a finished edge.

Where You Typically See Channel Letter Signs

Front-lit channel letter signs for GANAS Auto in Oxnard, California. We used the existing pylon sign structure which made the permitting process a lot easier.
Front-lit channel letter signs for GANAS Auto in Oxnard, California. We used the existing pylon sign structure which made the permitting process a lot easier.

Channel letters are often installed on the building’s facade or higher up when wall space is limited. For instance, in retail areas with minimal room, pole-mounted channel letters stand tall and remain highly visible.

In the example above, we created the two channel letter signs for GANAS Auto. Their storefront sign can attract people passing nearby, and the pole sign can attract motorists from far away.

Other places you commonly see channel letters are on monument signs 

Star of CA illuminated monument sign with reverse-lit channel letters in Ventura, California at dusk.
Star of CA illuminated monument sign with reverse-lit channel letters in Ventura, California at dusk.

…and indoor signs mounted on walls.

Honey Cup illuminated indoor halo-lit channel letter sign in Oxnard, California.
Honey Cup illuminated indoor halo-lit channel letter sign in Oxnard, California.

Why Channel Letters?

Building awareness for your brand is essential to your business’s success. In fact, 59% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy new products from brands they already know.

That’s why many grocery stores, retailers, restaurants, office buildings, and apartment complexes choose channel letters—they help boost visibility and recognition.

They’re also a favorite among chains and national brands looking to strengthen brand awareness.

The Five Basic Types of Channel Letters

Channel letters come in five core styles: front-lit, halo-lit, open-face, backlit, and combination.

Each style provides a unique look and illumination level—ranging from bold, brightly lit faces to subtle, halo-like glows.

Understanding these differences helps you pick the channel letters that best match your brand and environment.

Let’s look closely at the five basic types of channel letters:

1. Front-Lit

– The most common style, front-lit channel letters use LED or neon lights to illuminate the face (usually acrylic).

– Because the face materials are highly customizable, you can tailor colors, fonts, and shapes to match any brand.

Yolandas Mexican Cafe front-lit channel letter signage in Ventura, California.
Yolandas Mexican Cafe front-lit channel letter signage in Ventura, California.

2. Halo-Lit (Reverse-Lit)

– Ideal for a unique, distinguished look, halo-lit letters shine light from behind each character.

– With opaque faces, they cast a soft glow (or “halo”) on the mounting surface, creating an upscale, sophisticated appearance.

This reverse channel letter lobby sign for Celé Wellness in Westlake Village, California gives off that soft glow.
This reverse channel letter lobby sign for Celé Wellness in Westlake Village, California gives off that soft glow.

3. Open Face: 

– Often featuring aluminum backs and sides, these letters have no front or a clear front, exposing the neon or LED inside.

– This style provides a retro vibe that stands out due to the visible lighting elements.

Finneys projecting blade sign with open face neon-lit channel lettering in San Luis Obsipo, California.
Finneys projecting blade sign with open face neon-lit channel lettering in San Luis Obsipo, California.

4. Backlit

– Similar to halo-lit, backlit letters illuminate from behind, creating a halo effect around each letter.

– The result is a subtle glow that highlights the letters’ shapes, adding depth and a modern flair.

Pandora's backlit sign letters are very popular in shopping malls across the country.
Pandora’s backlit sign letters are very popular in shopping malls across the country.

5. Combination: 

– Blending front-lit and halo-lit styles, combination letters can illuminate both the letter face and cast a glow behind.

– This dual effect can be striking—for instance, a red-lit face with a white halo ensures maximum visual impact.

Azabu Sushi Bar & Grill in Marina del Rey uses a combination for their custom channel letter sign.
Azabu Sushi Bar & Grill in Marina del Rey uses a combination for their custom channel letter sign.

The subtle distinction between Backlit and Halo-lit channel letters

In many cases, the terms “backlit” and “halo-lit” are used interchangeably, since both involve light shining from behind the letter rather than through the face.

However, there is often a subtle distinction:

Halo-Lit (Reverse-Lit) Channel Letters typically have an opaque (often metal) face and open backs so the LEDs shine onto the wall, creating a glow or “halo” around each letter.  

Backlit Channel Letters can be similar in construction, but the focus is on illuminating behind the letters (sometimes with partially translucent materials), so the glow may appear differently or be more diffused than a classic “halo” effect.

In essence, both styles illuminate from behind, but “halo-lit” usually emphasizes a pronounced outline around each character, while “backlit” can offer variations in how the rear glow is displayed.

Construction and Materials

When it comes to constructing channel letter signs, the choice of materials plays a pivotal role in determining their appearance, durability, and overall effectiveness.

This Bank of the Sierra combination channel letter sign is used at all their locations throughout California.
This Bank of the Sierra combination channel letter sign is used at all their locations throughout California.

The most commonly used materials include aluminum, acrylic, and in some cases polycarbonate, each offering unique benefits to suit different sign projects.

  • Aluminum: Known for its durability and corrosion resistance, aluminum is a popular choice for channel letter signs. It’s not only affordable but also versatile, as it can be anodized or painted to match any desired color and finish. Aluminum letters are robust and can withstand various weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor signage.
  • Acrylic: Acrylic letters are another excellent option, especially for illuminated channel letters. This material is highly versatile and can be molded into complex shapes and designs. Acrylic letters can be painted or printed with custom logos and graphics, providing a sleek and modern look. They are suitable for both illuminated and non-illuminated signs, offering flexibility in design.
  • Polycarbonate: In some cases, polycarbonate may be used instead of acrylic for extra impact resistance, especially in high-traffic or vandal-prone areas. These plastic letters can be molded into various shapes, designs and can also be painted or printed with custom logos and graphics. They are lightweight and easy to install, making them another choice for sign projects.

In addition to the materials used for the letters, the construction of channel letter signs involves selecting the appropriate mounting surface and ensuring proper electrical connections.

Depending on the installation requirements, the mounting surface can be flushracewaybacker, or a combination

To achieve a professional and safe installation, it’s crucial to work with sign experts, like Dave’s Signs, who have extensive experience with channel letter signs.

We can help you choose the right materials, design a custom installation pattern, and ensure your sign is securely and safely mounted.

Mounting Options for Channel Letter Signs

When purchasing channel letter signage, we can help you decide the type of mount you need. Channel letters have four main mounting options: the flush mount, raceway mount, backer mount, and combination.

Flora in Los Angeles uses a flush mount for their custom illuminated channel letter sign.
Flora in Los Angeles uses a flush mount for their custom illuminated channel letter sign.
  • Flush (Direct) Mount: This mount is the most common. And it gets its name because the letters mount directly to the building’s face. Housing for the power source and electrical wiring is behind the bulkhead wall with this option. For back-lit letters, separation from the surface comes from standoff spacers.
  • Raceway Mount: Many property managers often request that channel letters be mounted atop a raceway. Raceways are containers that neatly and safely holds the electrical components (wires, power supply, etc.) for the individual letters. A raceway also alleviates the # of holes drilled, too. We typically paint raceways so they match the hue of the sign band or storefront. This technique also ensures that it blends well with brand guidelines and the surrounding architecture.
  • Backer Mount: This mount is more common for illuminated channel letters. This option sees the channel letters attached through a pre-made opening in the building’s frontage or mounted atop the backer board. The electrical hardware and power supply are contained within the backer cabinet or situated behind the facade or bulkhead wall.
  • Combination or Custom Mount: Sometimes a sign project requires blending different mounting methods to accommodate specific design preferences or structural constraints. For example, channel letters might sit on a small raceway that’s then fixed to a backer panel. This hybrid approach provides extra flexibility, allowing you to maintain a secure installation while achieving the desired aesthetic.

Next Steps for Getting Your Backlit Channel Letters

There you go. Now you know the basics of channel letter signage. The next step we recommend is consulting with a custom sign professional like Dave’s Signs to help you bring your vision to life. 

Channel letter sign installation for Olive Garden in Santa Maria, California by Dave's Signs.
Channel letter sign installation for Olive Garden in Santa Maria, California by Dave’s Signs.

We have experts on staff who can create commercial signage for your business that will help you stand out from all the rest. Since 1992, we have been the top choice for designing, fabricating, and installing distinctive signs and graphics for small mom-and-pop stores to nationwide accounts. No job is too big or too small.

Why Choose Dave’s Signs for Your Halo Channel Letter Signs? 

Dave’s Signs serves clients here in VenturaSanta BarbaraLos Angeles Counties and Nationwide. We know all the local zoning ordinances that regulate the size, illumination, location, materials, and design of channel letter signs for permits and approvals. We also have extensive experience meeting landlord’s and property management requirements for signage. 

Installing the Red & Louie's Pizzaria LED illuminated front-lit channel letter sign in Hermosa Beach, California.
Installing the Red & Louie’s Pizzaria LED illuminated front-lit channel letter sign in Hermosa Beach, California.

Still have questions about channel letter signs? or other high-quality signs and services we offer? Call us at (805) 641-1387 or Request a Quote online. We’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

 

Office Lobby Signs are the Secret to a Lasting First Impression

Are you looking for a new and creative way to market your business? If you are, corporate office lobby signs drive home your brand message and get noticed by customers. You can check out some of these excellent custom business signs we’ve made over the years in our office signs gallery.

At Dave’s Signs, we create eye-catching and custom lobby signs for Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and businesses Nationwide.

Our experts will work with you to build office signs that best represent your brand.

But first, what makes an office sign different than, say, a retail sign or a restaurant sign? Let’s take a look.

Office Lobby Sign
Untuckit Shirts New York City Custom Neon Office Lobby Sign. After creating this sign we flew out to NYC to install the sign.

What is an Office Lobby Sign?

A typical office consists of a lobby, reception area, and waiting rooms. Additionally, these are all high-traffic opportunities for custom corporate lobby displays. For instance, reception signs like the interior sign below are placed prominently in these areas for maximum impact.

Office Lobby Signs ODU
ODU in Camarillo, CA has a halo-lit channel letter sign with an acrylic dimensional letter tagline – first impressions are clean and professional.

Your lobby sign should reflect the values and professionalism of your company. No matter what size or style you choose, your office lobby sign should be easy to read and send a clear message about your business.

Businesses that use Lobby Signs

Almost any type of business can benefit from custom office lobby signs.

For instance, lawyers, accountants, and other professional service providers use indoor signage to communicate trust and credibility to clients. Customers entering and doing interior office signs reading won’t forget the lovely wooden sign and brand for Derby/Curtis, LLP anytime soon.

Dave’s Signs installed the font on the wooden facade for Derby/Curtis LLP. There are scores of mounting options and materials that our professional installers can use for your sign project.

Office Signs Derby Curtis LLP
Derby Curtis LLP’s simple dimensional letter acrylic logo signage on a wood wall background conveys the right message.

Healthcare facilities use this type of signage to direct patients and visitors to where they need to go. Additionally, businesses of all types use them to promote their brand and forge a professional image.

Types of Custom Lobby Signs

There are many different types of office lobby signs to choose from, but sometimes it’s good to stray away from traditional custom lobby signs you see everywhere to convey your unique message. The sign you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve, the message you want to communicate, and your budget.

Watermark Insurance Services classic halo-lit indoor office sign.

Here are some of the most popular types of custom lobby signs:

  • Dimensional Letters – Thick Acrylic Lobby Letters & Logos
  • Illuminated Signs – Backlit Signs, Channel Letters, Neon, LED & Externally Lit Signs
  • Flat Panel Signs – Both Acrylic Signs and Metal Plaques – Brushed Finish, Smooth or Clear
  • Custom Printed Wall Graphics & Cut Vinyl Letter Signs
  • Cut Metal Letters & Logos – Stainless Steel or Aluminum
  • Metal Laminates – Acrylic Laminates or a Combination
  • Way-Finding Signs – Directional or Directory Signs
  • Lobby Door Signs – Window Graphics & Plaques
  • Foyer Area Graphics – Frosted Window Graphics
  • Sandblasted Wood Lobby Signs
  • Handpainted Lobby Signs
Bank of the Sierra indoor office sign.
Bank of the Sierra indoor office sign.

Materials for Lobby Signs

Different materials produce design styles that give your office space the stellar first impression you’re looking for. They include high-quality materials, such as acrylic, metal, aluminum, stainless steel and wood. On the other hand, we can use vinyl for custom print graphic signs for walls, doors, and glass.

Stand out with visitors when they walk in with that professional look.

Office Lobby Signs

Some of our Favorite Office Lobby Signs in Ventura

Typically, lobby signs contain information such as the company name, logo, tagline, and maybe contact details. But these signs are not about that. Lobby Signs display a company’s character, how they showcase themselves and how serious they are about their business.

Digital Dental Arts Laboratory back-lit channel letters lobby sign in Ventura, CA.

The Trade Desk

We chose Dimensional Letters for the interior lobby signs at The Trade Desk in Ventura. You can see these lobby signs in the two photos below. This lobby signage option is attractive and economical for business owners who want to showcase a top-notch sign on a modest budget.

Dimensional Letter Lobby Signs are also nicely complemented by spotlights, which ensure visibility no matter the time of day or night.

The Trade Desk in Ventura, CA makes an attractive space with this acrylic dimensional letter lobby sign and integrated wall pattern.
Here is another acrylic sign that stays within the same theme with other signs in nearby areas throughout the office.
Sometimes we can get creative with the materials we use, like this grass-like background under metal laminate letters.

Concours Motors

If you’re looking for unique and eye-catching lobby signs, consider a neon sign or an illuminated office lobby sign with a logo. Lighted Logo Signs like the one we made for Concours Motors in Ventura have an elevated look that is hard to beat. This sign uses energy-efficient LED lighting.

Concours Motors backlit acrylic lobby signage in Ventura, CA.

Office Lobby Signs in Santa Barbara

When choosing an office lobby sign for your business in Santa Barbara, the sky is the limit. There are many different types and styles of office lobby signs, so it’s essential to find one that reflects the image you want to project.

Resonant stud mounted frosted acrylic plaque in Santa Barbara, CA. – Part of a sign system of office suite signs including exterior signage.

Towbes Foundation

The Window Graphics we created for the Towbes Foundation in Santa Barbara above are a great example of how office lobby signs can promote a professional and sophisticated look.

Lobby signs like these are also an excellent way to take advantage of natural light and make your space more inviting.

Towbes Foundation vinyl lobby door signs in Santa Barbara, CA.

The Towbes Group

The Towbes Group acrylic lobby sign in Santa Barbara, CA.

The sapphire-colored logo and font of the Dimensional Letters used in the Towbes Group Office Sign are set off brilliantly against the white of the brick facade behind it. The sign is perfect for this Santa Barbara property management company and says a lot about the brand.

Office Lobby Signs in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city that’s all about style, so it’s no surprise that lobby signs here are often big and bold.

Ispire Ducore Lobby Signs

Colors have a relationship. For example, the one we’ve tempered the ones here for Ispire Ducore’s lobby signage expressly shows this. The white and munsell yellow letters mounted in their waiting room warmly welcome visitors but don’t blend into the brick-accented background.

Ispire Ducore thick acrylic dimensional letters in Los Angeles, CA.
Ispire Ducore frosted office lobby door with vinyl letters in Los Angeles, CA.

The custom window graphics on the frosted glass doors at Ispire Ducore exudes a feeling of polish and professionalism.

Wanting a seasonal feel? Bold & tasteful feel? Authoritative? Many a business has relied on Dave’s Signs to convey the unique impression they were going for in their office signs. Our team can make it happen for you.

Kal Krishnan Consulting Services Lobby Sign

Kal Krishnan Consulting Services metal lobby sign.

The consulting business is all about making a statement that clients will want to hear. Meanwhile, we think this indoor office sign we created for Kal Krishnan Consulting Services (KKCS) does just that.

KKCS’s office sign is simple yet effective. It also makes a bold statement. The cut abbreviation makes it impossible to miss. Likewise, the polished brass material helps the overall effect come together. The result? An office lobby sign that’s unique and stylish.

FocalPoint Lobby Sign

FocalPoint externally lit dimensional letters in Los Angeles, CA.

For a more subtle, focused look for FocalPoint’s lobby sign, we used Dimensional Lettering. Sometimes the impact of a lobby sign depends on the proper lighting. Here, spotlights from above shine down on the design. It helps give the letters and logo a floating effect. The result is surprisingly effective. It  gives the office elegance and visual appeal.

PolyPeptide Clear Acrylic Lobby Sign

PolyPeptide lobby sign in Torrance, CA. This is part of a series we did that span both indoor and outdoor signs.

Digital Signage for Your Office Lobby

Office lobby signs are more than just a way to identify your business–they communicate who you are and what kind of company you have. Likewise, digital lobby signage gives your visitors and customers bold and clear messages. You can also put more information on a panel and communicate even more by providing changing LED panels and video walls.

Dave’s Signs – Lobby Sign Experts

No matter what type of business you have or where you’re located, we can help you design and build the perfect office lobby signs. Our signs are custom-made according to the specific needs of our clients. We take into account requirements, such as:

    • The type of business
    • The location
    • The clientele
    • The overall look and feel needed

We’ve worked with business communities of all types in cities across the country. Therefore, we’re confident that we can match your business advertising needs with custom indoor signs.

Matax halo-lit channel letter logo sign. Illuminated signage really stands out and wows your customers.

Have Questions? Want a Quote?

Contact us for Custom Office Lobby Signs Design, Fabrication, Installation, and Repair.

Not all sign companies are the same. Dave’s Signs has served businesses of all types in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Nationwide for over 20 years.

We offer a wide range of sign options for a business owner to choose from.  Our team of experts can help you create the perfect signs for your needs.

From mom-and-pop offices to large corporate offices nationwide, we’ve done it all.

We can help you with coming up with an attractive logo design. Of course, we can also work within your existing brand guidelines.

You can see some of our past work by browsing through our online portfolio. If you have any questions or would like to get started on your own custom office lobby sign, please don’t hesitate to call us at ‭(805) 641-1387. Also, you can request a free quote online. We’re always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have.

Dave’s Signs: Your Thousand Oaks Sign Company

Dave’s Signs is your Thousand Oaks sign company. Why do we say that? That’s because several of our most eye-catching signs are located in Thousand Oaks and other areas in Conejo Valley, CA.

And besides being nice to look at, our custom signs solve critical business challenges. For instance, they increase foot traffic and attract the attention of potential customers, bettering your bottom line.

For this city page, we thought we’d put together a collection of some of the best customs signs we’ve created and mounted in these specific areas. We’ll also tell you a little bit about each type of signage and the specific services we did for them, along with information about the companies they represent.

Examples of Dave’s Signs in the Thousand Oaks Area

These 8 examples below showcase some of the best signs we’ve designed and installed in the Thousand Oaks area.

West Tasting room sign from Your Thousand Oaks Sign Company

1. Clear Oaks Plaza – Thousand Oaks

We’re going to kick off our city page with a Channel Letter Sign and Window Graphics we made for Clear Oaks Plaza in Thousand Oaks. The Channel Letter Sign was a particularly fun sign to design because it included all sorts of custom elements.

We took the logo Clear Oaks uses for their wines and created their Channel Letter Sign that uses that color scheme. The bottom banner is also made with channel letters that spelled out “Tasting Room.” The Window Graphics on their front door have a similar function. But they also display important info like Clear Oaks’ hours of operation.

2. Lifetech Resources – Moorpark

California-based company Lifetech Resources contacted us to help provide them with signage that is in line with their branding while also reflecting their cutting-edge technology.

To meet that request, we designed custom signs with window graphics for their business frontage and office windows. The sleek lines of the Lifetech logo are represented in the design. The last of the three photos is a Wayfinding Monument Sign we made for them that is impressive and eye-catching. These custom outdoor advertising signs in Thousand Oaks really turned out spectacularly!

Lal Mirch Indian Restaurant from Your Thousand Oaks Sign Company

3. Lal Mirch Indian Restaurant – Agoura Hills

Every so often, an apparently simple sign design for local mom and pop businesses can get a little complicated—nothing we can’t handle, though. Take the custom Channel Letter Sign we did for Lal Mirch Indian Restaurant, for example.

There were a few complexities when we submitted their sign for approval, including adding a mansard to the sign design before the City of Thousand Oaks would approve it. We were able to create the mansard that the city required before installing the sign. Once completed, you can see the sign is really striking. The red channel letters combined with the stainless steel and yellow finishes on the sign make a striking contrast (as does delicious Indian food!).

Regency Theatres Agoura Hills from your Thousand Oaks Sign Company

4. Regency Theatres – Agoura Hills

Dave’s Signs also makes signs for large corporations. Regency Theatres has many locations in the Los Angeles area, and they have to choose the right local businesses to partner with since appearances are critical. We created this professional, eye-catching illuminated sign with Channel Letters for Regency Theatre at Stadium 8. Movie signs like this can pay dividends by amping up moviegoer attendance to the next level.

Property Management Sign for Old Agoura Apartments from Your Thousand Oaks Sign Company

5. Old Agoura Apartments – Agoura Hills

Agoura Apartments didn’t want just any sign to represent their community. We are proud of the Property Management Sign we created for Old Agoura Hills Luxury Apartments, with its business directory information displayed throughout. Notice the wood grain on the sign. This apartment sign is very effective and provides a professional appearance and a lasting impression on the reader.

6. Shops at Kanan Village – Agoura Hills

Below is a stylish and smooth Multitenant Monument Sign we created for the Shops at Kanan Village. They are a surprisingly cost-effective way to advertise shops and office parks and attract more tenants. The helping display on both sides directs consumers to things like “gourmet popcorn” and “Chinese cuisine” at this Agoura Hills shopping center.

Kanan Village Monument Sign in Agoura Hills

7. Corepower Yoga Outdoor & Indoor Signs – Westlake Village

Above are three signs we designed for the exterior and interior for Corepower Yoga in Westlake Village. All three are great examples of how we can take your logo and turn it into a dynamic sign for you. For example, the color palette used in the logo and design font for the Channel Letter Sign below matches their brand colors.

Corepower Yoga from Your Thousand Oaks Sign Company

Having an Illuminated Storefront Sign will draw attention and give just about any business an advantage. We used an illuminated style in the image of Corepower’s frontage below. The font and logo are illuminated in the exterior lightbox panel on the establishment’s frontage. We created dark letters for the lightbox that is backlit, making them really pop at night.

The interior sign we made below really fits in with the groovy, Zen message of Corepower Yoga.

Golden Rock Real Estate Sign from Your Thousand Oaks Sign Company

8. Golden Rock Realty Channel Letter Sign – Calabasas

The Channel Letter Sign we created for Golden Rock Realty in Calabasas is another example of how we can take your logo and turn it into a dynamic sign for you. For instance, the color palette used in the logo matches our installation’s finish exactly. In addition, the font below the main channel letters has an elegant touch that gives the sign polish.

Dave’s Signs is a Local and National Sign Company

Dave’s Signs has been making beautiful signs for local and national sign accounts for over 20 years. That’s why companies in California and the rest of the nation call on Dave’s Signs for all their commercial signage needs.

We are a Full-Service Sign Company

Dave’s Signs designs, fabricates and installs beautiful commercial signs locally in Thousand Oaks. As part of our sign manufacturing services, we’ll prominently display your business name for all to see.

We have decades of experience working with Thousand Oaks-based businesses and have familiarity with their city requirements—we can meet any local ordinance. As part of our professional service, we acquire permits and build to any unique sign requirements our clients and the city require.

From massive neon signs atop tall hotel buildings to custom graphics in convenience stores, we can help you with your existing design or brand guidelines. In addition, we can even design something for you based on your design requirements.

No Sign Job is Too Big or Small

Lastly, we hope you can tell why Dave’s Signs is your Thousand Oaks Sign Company. We can make all the visual media solutions for your company, no matter what size you need. We can make a wide variety of sign types and sizes that lists all your comprehensive business information and checks all of the boxes you expect from a professional sign company.

Dave’s Signs: Your Conejo Valley Sign Company

Don’t waster time looking for the “best sign service near me.” Dave’s Signs has you covered. From neon signs to custom window graphics, from channel letters to lightboxes—our sign shop can create any type of commercial signage you need. That’s why when you want your commercial or residential sign to truly reflect the unique personality of your brand, give Dave’s Signs a call at (805) 641-1387. Alternatively, you can use our online form to get a free and fair price quote or have us answer any questions you have.

Check Out Some of Our Custom Business Signs in Ojai, California

There’s nothing that describes a sign shop better than the signs they have made that you know and love. We thought we’d put together a few posts that show you some of our favorite signs we’ve designed and mounted in specific cities around Ventura County and tell you a bit about the companies they represent. This city page highlights some of the best signage we’ve created for Ojai, California.

If you see other signs around town that remind you of these, chances are we made them, too. If you’re curious, contact us and tell us which sign you think we made. We’ll let you know if you guessed correctly.

This is a photo of the Red Horse Plaza custom illuminated monument sign designed, fabricated and installed by Dave’s Signs. Red Horse Plaza is located in Ojai, CA.

#1: Red Brick Plaza

This sturdy monument sign we made for Red Horse Plaza really captures the history of Ojai. The brick background brings to mind a time when most buildings were made from red bricks, an example of that era.

Welcome to Ojai Monument Sign

#2: Welcome to Ojai Sign

There is something mystical about stone structures, and this monument sign we made for the City of Ojai is no exception. Additionally, the design emphasizes the “Welcome to Ojai” text and focuses on the natural beauty found throughout the city.

Dave’s Signs designs, builds and installs custom restaurant signs, monuments signs, serving Ventura County, CA.

#3: AJ Chinese Express

One of the popular restaurants in Ojai, AJ Chinese Express, is a family-owned and operated business. The font and delicate flowers on their exterior signage, like their food, is an elegant presentation. Channel Letter Signs like the one on the storefront is halo-lit too. The sign looks like it belongs with the rest of the building and its surroundings, as any well-designed signage should.

#4: Topa Mountain Winery

Ventura County wineries are iconic and are often featured in places like the Ojai Valley News. Dave’s Signs made this gorgeous Dimensional Letter sign for Topa Mountain Winery that stands out from all of them because it has an old-fashioned vintage charm to it with its rustic exterior and simple design.

The owners were looking for something unusual yet natural for their winery, which is why they chose this classic design. It is located in the heart of Ojai Valley and has been a popular destination for wine lovers since it opened.

Bali Blue Furniture Lounge sign in Ojai CA

#5: Bali Blue Furniture Lounge

Remember the Bali Blue Furniture Lounge? Sadly it, and this neon sign doesn’t exist anymore (sigh). However, during its heyday, it was an iconic slice of Americana and idyllic Southern California experience. Who could forget sitting on the porch of the beautiful Bali Blue Furniture Lounge on Ventura Avenue in comfy furniture, while enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the world go by.

The blue neon sign that Dave’s Signs made for this establishment gives you that same iconic feeling with its bright colors and simple style.

#6: Westridge Market

This beautiful old-fashioned grocery store in Ojai has been a staple of the community since it first opened. Dave’s Signs created several nostalgic signs with Custom Graphics for their interior that captures the essence of the market and its long history. The aesthetic looks hand-painted, which fits well with the rustic essence of Westridge.

#7: Sander’s & Son’s Gelato

If you’re looking for a delicious treat while in Ojai, stop by Sanders & Son’s on Ojai Avenue and enjoy a cup of Italian artisan gelatos and sorbets made with fresh local ingredients.

Dave’s Signs fun window graphics will meet you as you go in the front door too. The golden font features the name and year they were founded, and the overall effect is eye-catching and inviting. The sign complements the fun and delicious experience on a hot summer day in Ojai perfectly!

Ojai Mira Monte Apartments Sign

#8: Ojai Mira Monte Apartments

Ojai Mira Monte Apartment homes offer studio, one, and two-bedroom options that offer views of the Ojai Valley. There is a strong sense of community there where families lounge by the pool or barbecue in their picnic area. 

The natural design that Dave’s Signs made for them gives the complex a welcoming vibe that will make it easy for you to feel at home.

Additionally, the Monument Sign features their name. That way, people passers-by can get more information about what makes Ojai Mira Monte Apartments the perfect place to live. 

#9: Peralta Real Estate Team

Dave’s Signs created this custom sign for the Peralta Real Estate Team that captures their playful and modern approach to real estate. The simple, refined style of the Dimensional Letter Sign fits well with the upscale properties they work with here in Ojai too.

You can see why Penalta chose Dave’s Signs to make their sign. Its simple yet sophisticated style makes it easy to distinguish from other real estate signs in the area. And that is what you want when your goal is to help people find their dream home.

Majestic Oak Vineyard in Ojai Valley

#10. Ojai Majestic Oak and Wine Tasting

Tucked away in the heart of Ojai Valley, this family-owned and operated vineyard is a must-see destination for wine lovers. The vintage color palette, rustic style, and simple lettering give it an old-world charm that makes it fit perfectly in Ojai Valley.

This Blade Sign by Dave’s Signs gets its inspiration from their location, and its rugged material will surely stand the test of time. It features their familiar and beautiful illustration of an oak tree with vines growing all around it.

Let Dave’s Signs Create Your Beautiful Ojai Signs 

Dave’s Signs is proud to be a part of the Ojai community. We create beautiful signs that capture the unique spirit of this wonderful city. If you’re looking for high-quality, affordable signage, contact us today by calling ‭(805) 641-1387‬ or Request a Quote online and we’ll be happy to help you get started on your project.

How to Brand Your Growing Business with Corporate Building Signs

As anyone who has tried to grow their business knows, it’s vital to focus on your branding efforts. After all, even Pepsi and Coca-Cola still work on branding, and they’ve been America’s favorite sodas since the 1940s. There are many different aspects of branding for you to work on, including your corporate signs. Without proper signage, your customers won’t be able to connect each of your products to your specific company. Instead, read on to find out more about corporate building signs that give your prospective customers a lasting impression.

Steps to Branding with Corporate Building Signs

Before you begin designing your signs, make sure you know what colors and logo you’re going to use. Daves’s Signs does excellent design work. We can take anything from a loose sketch to existing logos, fonts, colors—to brand guidelines or architectural renderings that were done by an agency, to collaborate and present you with sign solutions.

For instance, we can take your existing logo to come up with eye-catching sign ideas, resulting in something wonderful in terms of look and feel that fits your needs. Dave’s Signs is also fully knowledgeable about what the city allows for signage. We’ll work to get you a beautiful sign that checks all the boxes when it comes to local ordinances.

Bank of the Sierra Channel Letter Sign
Bank of the Sierra Channel Letter Sign.

Starting from scratch? No problem—our design team can collaborate with you to design the perfect branding solution for your business needs. In short, we’ll design, fabricate and install a sign that meets all city requirements and elevates your brand.

Lastly, you’ll need to decide between several different sign types. Some are easier to choose than others based purely on your location or industry.

Custom Signs That Make Excellent Corporate Building Signs

The custom sign types available from Dave’s Signs include:

Below is some information about these custom signs, including how they draw attention to your brand.

Dimensional Letters 

Storefront Signs

Dimensional Letter Signs refer to any lettering or logo that has three dimensions (as opposed to flat panels). You may also hear them called metal letters, plastic cut letters or 3D graphics too. While dimensional letters are not intrinsically illuminated, they can be lit in some ways. When similar letters are internally illuminated or backlit, they are called channel letters.

Illuminated Signs

If your business is open after dark, Illuminated Signs are a must-have. Illuminated signs will help people engage with your business, while also providing high visibility day and night. Additionally, bear in mind that some shopping centers and property management companies make it mandatory that your storefront signs be illuminated. For more information on illuminated signs check out our post, “What are the Different Types of Lighted Signs? Here are our Top 5.”

Neon Signs

If you want to make a lasting impression, Neon Signs have been getting desired results for brands for over a century. Neon tubing has been a popular solution for both creating and accenting signs for over 100 years, and their steady, piercing lights have a high visual impact, bringing attention to the artwork from blocks away. The businesses that choose neon signs light up the night with distinct primary colors, making them a definite focal point at night, thereby branding your business.

Monument Signs

For many hotels, shopping malls, apartment complexes, business parks, restaurants, and even city entryways, exterior monument signs are truly impressive and make a large impact. Monument signage provides a wonderful landmark for your company by letting all passers-by know exactly who and where you are.

Property Management Signs

Property Management Signs covers all sign types for apartments, planned communities, shopping malls, hotels, office buildings & properties, and retail outlets. They work hard to elevate your brand and establish your reputation, along with helping your business communicate effectively with the local community with a cohesive look and functionality throughout.

Channel Letter Signs

Custom Corporate Signs: Finney's

Channel Letter Signs is one of the best ways to present your business to the public and one of the most popular. By forming each channel letter separately using its own light source, you get a 3D effect for your corporate signs that are awe-inspiring to your prospective customers. Some of the most high-end and complex illuminated signs use channel letters. For more info on channel letters, check out our post “Channel Letters 101 – What You Need to Know to Select Yours,” or see lots of examples in our channel letters sign gallery.

Office Signs

Custom Corporate Signs: Derby Curtis on wood

Interior Office Signs often require elegance and elevated visual appeal. Dave’s Signs can provide custom Lobby Signs, illuminated or not, Letter Set Signs, Interior Signs, Way-finding Signs, ADA Signs, Office Suite Signs, Door Signs, Interior Store Signs with beautiful fabricated letters and logos. Pair them with custom exterior signs to really enforce your brand name in your customer’s mind.

Custom Graphics

Custom Graphic Wall Sign

Few things set your business apart more than Custom Graphics. These include anything from Custom Printed Graphics & Signage, Hand Painted Signs, Custom Wall, Floor, Window Graphics, Custom Boat & Vehicle Graphics. The images and lettering used can transform something drab into dynamic and modern branding. Our sign professionals can take your ideas and turn them into custom graphics with visual appeal. Or, we can start from scratch and design you something totally unique.

Window Graphics

Windows, which make up a large portion of your storefront, restaurant, or office, can provide excellent real estate for marketing your business effectively. Our sign experts will create Custom Window Graphics based on your brand requirements. Whether we design it or you bring us the designs, we can make full-color stickers, vinyl letters and install them to look great.

Blade Signs

 Custom Corporate Signs: Rookees

Blade Signs create visual interest and function well in many environments. They really make for nice corporate building signs too. These signs hang vertically or horizontally on a bracket or frame near the entryway to your store, restaurant or building. Likewise, Blade Signs work well in strip malls, downtown businesses, areas with frequent pedestrian traffic and business with sidewalks in front. Want to see some great examples? Check out our blade sign gallery or head downtown to your favorite stores and restaurants.

AES Channel Letter Sign

Do I Really Need a High-Quality Corporate Sign?

Have you ever been to a store that’s still using a worn-out sign that’s seen better days? If so, you already know how unprofessional this can look. These battered signs might be considered charming at a vegetable stand on the side of the road. However, if you plan to be in business for the long run, then it’s best to invest in high-quality signs.

So, to answer the question, yes, you do need a high-quality corporate sign. Consider beautiful, professional corporate building signs a sound investment since placing one outside your building or outside of your restaurant is going to get you more attention, better-paying customers and a better all-around feeling about your business.

Let Dave’s Signs Help with Your Corporate Building Signs

Branding your business is the ultimate business strategy. No matter what type of signs you need, call Dave’s Signs for assistance at (805) 641-1387 or Request a Quote online. We’ve got the perfect signage solutions for you and we are specialists in creating unique signs for our customers for more than 20 years. We’ll work with you, the city you are located in and make sure you get the signs that are right for you.

Dave’s Signs Blog

This is a blog about signs. We highlight the different types of signs: signs we’ve created for our customers, history of sign design and today’s cutting edge sign technologies. Ask a question about signs, and you’ll likely find the answer here.

Case Studies

Spencer Makenzies Neon Sign

Here we go into detail on some of the custom signs we’ve done. Including Spencer Makenzie’s Neon Sign, Topper’s Pizza Neon Signs in the Oxnard Harbor, and The Historic Ventura Pole Sign. Check back with us. We’ll have more case studies of signs posted in the near future.

Custom Signs Near You

Saloon BBQ Custom Sign

We’ve designed, fabricated, installed and serviced signs all over southern California. Here are some highlighted areas near you including Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Barbara. Check back soon for more updates.

Call us today for an Estimate at (805) 641-1387 or

Request a Quote Online

Call us at (805) 641-1387


Neon Sign Design Computer

We Make Beautiful Neon Signs in Our On-Site Facility

Dave’s Signs has perfected the art of neon signs. We can handle all sizes of neon signage, from the small intricate signs to the eye-catching, large neon signs. Ask us for a personalized quote or contact us for any questions you may have about neon signage.

See Our Neon Sign Gallery


Dave’s Signs Makes Custom Office Signs

Whether you need a lobby sign, directional signage or ADA signs, Dave’s Signs can help you with all your office sign needs. We can use your logo and create a beautiful, distinctive sign for your office. We can also create custom building directory signs, suite signs, and directional signs to give the building a unique unified theme. Call us today to help you with all your office sign needs.

See Our Custom Signs

Custom Sign Design Grove Avenue