Blade Signs for Storefronts – Illuminated or Non-Illuminated

What is a blade sign?

A blade sign sits at right angles to your storefront and reads from both directions. You'll also hear it called a projecting sign or a hanging sign. Whatever the name, the job is the same: to be seen by people walking down the sidewalk.

That matters more than it sounds. From the sidewalk, your storefront sign is seen at a steep angle and almost disappears. A blade sign faces the flow of foot traffic, so it's often the first thing people notice about your business, long before they reach the window.

Four ways to build a blade sign

Our rule of thumb: on a bright main street you need a light box to compete with storefront windows and street lighting. On a quiet side street, cut-out lettering often looks stronger because it doesn't glare. Where local rules don't allow illumination, a painted panel on a traditional bracket is still the classic.

Do you need a permit for a blade sign?

Almost always. Most cities require a sign permit for a blade sign, and an illuminated one usually needs an electrical permit as well. Historic districts often have their own design review. Your local code also sets the minimum clearance above the sidewalk and how far the sign may project. Check with your city's permit office before you order.

1. Clearance: local code sets the minimum height above the sidewalk (often around 8 ft). Plan the mounting height around it.
2. Projection: 50–90 cm (about 20–36 in) is typical. Signs over the public right-of-way may need an encroachment permit.
3. Illumination: expect questions on brightness and whether the sign is internally lit.
4. Historic districts: expect rules on size, materials and lighting; some only accept externally lit signs.
5. Landlord: as a tenant, you need your landlord's approval, because the bracket is drilled into the building.
6. Documents: permit offices usually want a dimensioned drawing, the mounting height and a photo of the storefront. We supply a dimensioned 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.

Shape matters too. A round sign reads the same from both sides; a vertical format leaves more room for a name set over two lines. 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. On EIFS or other insulated facades you need special anchors that carry the load through to the structure – that's a job for a professional sign installer. Illuminated signs are hardwired by a licensed electrician.

Your sign arrives with the bracket, hardware and installation instructions. If you don't have an installer, we can help you find one near you.

It pairs well with a light box sign above the entrance, channel letters on the facade or a complete storefront sign.