Small Sign, Big Impact: Designing Effective Indoor Signage
When people think about signage, they often picture bold exterior fascias or illuminated shopfronts. But some of the most powerful brand experiences happen inside a space.
From wayfinding signage that guides customers effortlessly, to subtle branded details that reinforce identity, indoor signage plays a critical role in how people experience your business.
At Solas Signs, we design, manufacture and install bespoke indoor signage across Edinburgh and throughout the UK. Here’s how small signs can make a big impact — and the best practices to get them right.
Why Indoor Signage Matters
Effective indoor signage does three key things:
Improves navigation (wayfinding)
Enhances brand identity
Elevates the overall customer experience
Whether it’s a hospitality venue, retail store, office, workspace or public building, internal signage shapes how people move through and feel within a space.
Poor signage creates confusion.
Great signage creates confidence.
Best Practices for Indoor Wayfinding Signage
Wayfinding signage should feel effortless. If people have to stop and think, it’s not working.
1. Prioritise Clarity Over Decoration
Wayfinding signs are functional first. Typography must be:
Clear and legible
High contrast
Appropriately sized for viewing distance
Overly decorative fonts or low-contrast colour combinations can reduce readability and frustrate visitors.
2. Keep Messaging Simple
Avoid cluttered wording. Instead of:
“This Way to the Customer Toilets”
Use:
“Toilets →”
Concise messaging improves comprehension and keeps spaces visually clean.
3. Maintain Consistency Throughout the Space
Consistency builds confidence. Your internal signage system should maintain:
The same typography
A defined colour palette
Uniform materials or finishes
Consistent iconography
A cohesive signage system reinforces brand identity while helping users instinctively understand directions.
4. Consider Sightlines and Placement
Indoor wayfinding signage must be positioned where people naturally look:
At decision points (corridors, stairwells, entrances)
At eye level
Clearly visible from primary traffic routes
Design and placement work together. Even the best sign will fail if it’s installed in the wrong location.
Branding Through Indoor Signage
Wayfinding is only part of the story. Indoor signage is also a powerful branding tool.
1. Reception & Feature Signs
A bespoke reception sign sets the tone instantly. Options include:
3D cut lettering
Backlit logos
Layered dimensional signage
Real glass neon features
Direct-to-substrate finishes
These elements create a memorable first impression and anchor the brand within the physical space.
2. Material Choices Matter
Materials communicate quality and personality:
Brushed brass or stainless steel for premium environments
Painted timber for warmth
Acrylic or layered composites for modern interiors
Hand-painted wall signage for character and authenticity
The right material elevates even the simplest message.
3. Lighting Creates Atmosphere
Illuminated indoor signage adds depth and ambience. Subtle halo illumination or real glass neon can transform a flat wall into a feature moment.
Lighting isn’t just visibility — it’s emotion.
The Balance Between Function and Aesthetics
The most effective indoor signage sits at the intersection of:
Clarity + Craft + Brand Identity
Too functional and it feels sterile.
Too decorative and it becomes confusing.
At Solas Signs, we approach indoor signage as part of the wider interior design scheme — collaborating with architects, designers and business owners to ensure signage complements rather than competes with the space.
Common Indoor Signage Applications
Indoor signage solutions we regularly design and install include:
Wayfinding and directional signage
Door plaques and room identifiers
Manifestation vinyls
Wall graphics and large-format vinyl installations
Illuminated logo signage
Hand-painted murals
Bespoke neon features
Laser-cut wayfinding systems
Each element contributes to a cohesive internal brand environment.
Designing for Longevity
Indoor signage should be built to last. That means:
Durable materials
Quality fixings and installation
Future-proofed design systems that allow updates
Investing in well-considered signage reduces long-term costs and ensures consistency as your business evolves.
Small Sign, Big Impact
Indoor signage may be smaller than your external fascia, but its impact is often greater. It shapes navigation, strengthens branding, and enhances how customers perceive your business.
If you’re planning a new fit-out, refurbishment, or workspace transformation, effective indoor signage should be part of the conversation from the outset.
At Solas Signs, we design, manufacture and install bespoke indoor signage across Edinburgh and the UK — from refined wayfinding systems to bold illuminated brand statements.
Looking to improve your indoor signage?
Get in touch with Solas Signs to discuss your project.
Let’s create signage that works beautifully inside your space.