Custom Blade Signs – Double-Sided Projecting Signs for Storefronts

What is a blade sign?

A blade sign is mounted at a right angle to your storefront and has two faces, one for each direction of the sidewalk. You will also hear it called a projecting sign or a hanging sign. Whatever the name, its job is to be seen by people on foot.

That matters more than it sounds. From the sidewalk, the sign above your windows is seen at a steep angle and almost disappears. A blade sign faces the flow of foot traffic, so it is often the first thing people notice about your business.

Four ways to build a blade sign

Our rule of thumb: on a bright main street a light box holds its own against store windows and street lighting. On a quiet side street, cut-out lettering often looks stronger because it does not glare. Where illumination is not allowed, a panel on a traditional bracket is still the classic.

Size, projection and clearance

Most blade signs project about 20–36 in (50–90 cm) from the wall. Your local code sets the minimum clearance above the sidewalk, often around 8 ft, and how far a sign may project, so check both figures with your city before the size is fixed. A round sign reads the same from both sides; a vertical format leaves more room for a name set over two lines.

Sign permits and landlord sign criteria

Sign rules are local, and a sign over a sidewalk usually gets a close look. Before you order, check with your city's permitting or zoning office and with your landlord or property manager. These are the points that typically come up:

1. Clearance and projection: the height above the sidewalk and how far the sign reaches out from the wall.
2. Illumination: whether the sign is internally lit, and how bright it is.
3. Historic districts: some have their own rules on size, materials and lighting.
4. Landlord: as a tenant you need your landlord's approval, because the bracket is fastened to the building. Many shopping centers also have sign criteria for blade signs.
5. Documents: a dimensioned drawing, the mounting height and a photo of the storefront. We supply the drawing and a visual on your own photo.

Double-sided design: getting both faces right

A blade sign has two faces, and both have to read correctly. Simply mirroring the artwork rarely works: a logo with an arrow, a script or a figure facing one way would read backwards on the other side. We set up each face separately, so your logo reads the right way from both directions. The bracket and wiring enter on the wall side, and we plan for that so the mounting never cuts into your logo.

Installation and power

The sign is mounted with a wall bracket anchored into brick or concrete. EIFS and other insulated walls need special anchors that carry the load through to the structure, which is a job for a professional sign installer. Bracket, hardware and installation instructions come with the sign, and if you don't have an installer, we can help you find one near you.

An illuminated blade sign is hardwired by a licensed electrician; it does not plug into an outlet, is switched like any other light circuit and is not dimmable. A non-illuminated blade sign needs no power.

How to order a custom blade sign

Blade signs are quoted individually. Send your logo, the size you have in mind and a photo of the storefront through our design request form. You receive a free design preview on your own photo and a firm quote before you order.

Production takes approx. 2–3 weeks after your order, then express delivery in 2–4 days, delivery included. If you have an opening date to meet, rush production and rush shipping can be selected at checkout at a surcharge.

Blade signs and other storefront signs

We build blade signs for businesses nationwide, including New York, Miami and Chicago. A blade sign pairs well with a light box sign above the entrance, channel letters on the wall or a complete storefront sign.