A cafe sign gets photographed more than almost any other sign we make. It sits behind the counter in every latte photo, it is the backdrop for the first bite of a croissant, and it is the reason people stop at the window on the way past. LED neon does that job in warm white, amber, pink or your brand color, and it runs cool enough to sit a foot from the espresso machine.
We have made signs for coffee shops, bakeries, dessert bars, ice cream shops, boba and juice bars since 2014. Below is what cafes order, what it costs, and how to get one.
What cafes and bakeries order from us
The logo behind the counter. Your logo in neon on the menu wall or above the pass, usually 24 to 36 inches wide. It is in the background of every photo taken at the counter, so it is the one that earns its keep. See how logos become neon.
Illustrated logos. A coffee cup with steam, a soft-serve swirl, a croissant, a slice of cake. Simple line illustrations translate well to tube, and if your logo has solid color fills or fine detail, we UV-print the artwork onto the backing and run the neon on top so it still reads as your logo.
Selfie-wall phrases. "But first, coffee", "Life is short, eat the cake", "Good things take time", "Sweet dreams are made of this". Put it on the plain wall with the best light and your customers will post it for you.
Window signs. "Open", "Fresh bread daily", "Coffee", or your name facing the street. Bright enough to read from across the road at night and dimmable for the daytime.
Themed pieces. A 50s diner script, a vintage clock face, a retro "Milkshakes" sign. If you have a photo of the look you want, we draw it for tube and match the colors.
What a cafe sign costs
Most cafe and bakery signs are 24 to 36 inches wide and land between $350 and $650. A short phrase sits at the low end of each band, an illustrated logo at the high end.
| Width | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Under 24 inches | $285 to $650 |
| 24 to 35 inches | $355 to $545 |
| 36 to 47 inches | $520 to $960 |
Prices are from the quotes we sent in the last three months and include express shipping, a remote dimmer, the power supply and mounting hardware. A UV-printed backing for a full-color logo is quoted per sign. Color count does not change the price. If you have a lower written quote for the same sign, send it to us and we will beat it. See the full price guide.
Why LED neon in a cafe
- Warm light. Warm white and amber LED neon match wood, brass and pastry-case lighting. Pink and mint suit a dessert bar. We match your brand color to the closest of 23 LED colors and show it in the proof.
- Runs cool. The sign runs on 12 volts and stays cool to the touch, so it can sit near the espresso machine, above the pastry case or where customers lean in for a photo.
- No glass. Nothing to shatter over food or in a busy space. It ships in a foam-lined box and survives the move if you open a second location.
- Dimmable. The included remote dimmer takes it from full glow at night to a soft accent during the day. Most cafes run around half brightness for photos.
- Clean install. Clear acrylic backing cut to the shape of the design, with pre-drilled holes and hardware. Standoffs if you want it floating off a tile or brick wall, a hanging kit for the window, and a hard-wired power supply if your electrician wants no cord.
- Easy to clean. Unplug it and wipe with a soft dry cloth. Flour dust and steam are no problem.
Where to put it
- Menu wall or back bar: 24 to 36 inches, the logo, centered above the machines or beside the menu board.
- Feature wall: 30 to 48 inches for a phrase, on the plainest wall in the room with a table or bench in front of it. That is the photo spot.
- Window: 24 to 36 inches, hung from the ceiling hanging kit or a stand on the sill, dimmed by day.
- Pastry case or counter front: a small word sign, 12 to 20 inches, on a freestanding stand.
The rule of thumb is a sign about a quarter of the width of the wall it hangs on, with the smallest letters at least 2 inches tall so they read when lit. Tell us the wall width and we will suggest a size. Read the size guide.
How it works
- Send your logo or idea. A logo file, a sketch, or a photo of a sign you like. No file needed to start.
- Get a priced proof within one business day. We draw the sign for tube, size it for your wall and send the price.
- Approve and pay. Revisions are free until it is right.
- It arrives in 10 to 12 days. Express shipping included. Hang it with the included hardware.
Opening soon? Rush production is $150 and moves the sign to the front of the line. Tell us the opening date in the quote form.
Tips for cafe signs
- Keep script readable. Thin cursive in a logo file disappears in tube. We thicken strokes and open letter spacing in the proof.
- One color, maybe two. A single warm color reads best against wood and tile. Two colors work for a logo plus tagline.
- Plan the photo. Plain wall behind the sign, light in front of it, a seat or a shelf below it. Avoid putting it directly above a window, where daylight washes it out.
- Full-color logo? Ask for the UV-printed backing. The artwork keeps its fills and gradients, and the neon outlines it.
- Order two. A logo for the counter and a phrase for the wall. Ask about a multi-sign discount when you request the quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a neon sign for a cafe cost?
Most cafe and bakery signs cost between $350 and $650. A 24-inch phrase is around $400; a 36-inch illustrated logo is around $700. Every quote is free and includes a design proof.
Can you make my cafe logo with the cup or the croissant in it?
Yes. Line illustrations are drawn in tube. Solid fills, gradients and fine detail are UV-printed on the acrylic backing with the neon on top, so the logo keeps its artwork and still lights up.
Is it safe near the espresso machine and the ovens?
LED neon runs on 12 volts, stays cool and has no glass. It is fine near heat, steam and food. Keep the power supply out of direct water.
What color should a cafe sign be?
Warm white and amber suit wood, brass and warm interiors. Pink, mint and white suit dessert and ice cream shops. We match your brand color to the closest of 23 LED colors, and the color count does not change the price.
Can the sign go in the window?
Yes. Hang it from the ceiling hanging kit or set it on a stand, and use the dimmer during the day. A sign mounted on the outside of the building needs the outdoor build.
How long does it take?
About 10 to 12 days from payment to your door, with express shipping included. Rush production is available for $150 if you have an opening date.