Types of Commercial Signs

Businesses use different types of commercial signs to improve visibility, attract customers, and establish brand identity. From exterior building signage like Monument Signs, Pylon Signs, and Channel Letter Signs to interior solutions such as Lobby Signs and Wayfinding Signage, each sign type serves a specific purpose based on location, visibility, and customer experience.

Commercial Sign Types and Signage Systems

Commercial sign types help businesses improve visibility and create consistent branding across a property. Most businesses use a combination of exterior and interior signage to form a complete signage system that supports identification, navigation, and overall customer experience.

For a complete overview of services, explore our commercial signage solutions.

commercial sign types including monument signs, wall signs, and pylon signs

Exterior Commercial Sign Types

Exterior commercial signs are designed to attract attention from roadways, parking areas, and pedestrian traffic. These signs are built for visibility, durability, and long-term outdoor performance.

Wall Signs

Wall signs are mounted directly to the exterior façade of commercial buildings and provide strong brand visibility from surrounding streets and parking areas.

Crunch Fitness exterior wall sign installed by Thomas Sign – corporate-approved franchise signage

Channel Letter Signs

Channel letter signs are illuminated dimensional letters commonly installed on storefronts and commercial buildings to provide strong visibility during both day and night.

illuminated channel letter sign for Rooms To Go storefront

Monument Signs

Monument signs are ground-mounted identification signs used at entrances to retail centers, office parks, healthcare campuses, and commercial developments.

Chick-fil-A monument sign with illuminated panel and changeable message board on roadside

Pylon Signs (Pole Signs)

Pylon signs are tall freestanding signs designed to provide visibility from roadways and highways for shopping centers, fuel stations, and commercial properties.

Ashley HomeStore pylon sign and building signage at retail furniture store location

High-Rise Building Signs

High-rise building signs provide large-scale identification for tall commercial structures, allowing businesses to maintain visibility across urban environments.

High-rise building signage with illuminated corporate branding on commercial office tower at night

Electronic Message Centers

Electronic message center signs use LED display technology to communicate promotions, announcements, and real-time messaging.

Bank monument sign with electronic message center for C1 Bank displaying LED messaging

Blade Signs

Blade signs project outward from a building façade to improve visibility for pedestrians and nearby street traffic.

Custom blade sign projecting from building to identify Panera Bread storefront for pedestrian traffic

Wayfinding Signage

Wayfinding signage systems provide directional guidance throughout large properties such as hospitals, campuses, and corporate environments.

Wayfinding directory signs showing site map and tenant listings for commercial property navigation

Awnings & Canopies

Commercial awnings and canopy systems enhance entrances while providing shade, weather protection, and additional branding opportunities.

Branded awning at an Applebee’s restaurant showcasing custom vinyl graphics.

Interior Commercial Sign Types

Interior commercial signs guide visitors, reinforce branding, and improve the overall experience inside commercial spaces.

Lobby Signs

Lobby signs display company branding in reception areas and entrances, creating a strong first impression for visitors.

Wall Graphics

Wall graphics transform interior spaces into branded environments using large-format printed visuals.

Interior wall mural environmental graphic in fitness studio featuring forest running scene

Window Graphics

Window graphics enhance glass surfaces with branding, promotional messaging, and privacy solutions.

Retail window graphic featuring dog image for Petco store interior branding

Choosing the Right Commercial Sign

Choosing the right type of commercial sign depends on your location, visibility requirements, and branding goals. Businesses along major roadways often use Pylon Signs for long-distance visibility, while storefronts typically rely on Channel Letter Signs or Wall Signs for building identification. Entrance Monument Signs help identify properties, while interior signage such as Lobby Signs and Wayfinding Signage guide visitors throughout the space.

Most properties use a combination of sign types to create a complete signage system that supports both branding and functionality. In many projects, signage is also integrated into architectural elements such as building façades, entrances, and canopy systems to create a cohesive and permanent solution.

Illuminated channel letter sign for O’Reilly Auto Parts fabricated and installed by Thomas Sign & Awning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Channel letter signs, monument signs, pylon signs, and wall signs are among the most commonly used commercial signage types for businesses.

Monument signs are ground-level entrance signs, while pylon signs are elevated structures designed for long-distance visibility from roadways.

Channel letter signs and wall signs are the most common storefront signage options because they provide strong building visibility and branding.

Custom architectural sundial landmark fabricated and installed by Thomas Sign & Awning in St. Petersburg, Florida