Types of Commercial Signs

Explore the most common types of commercial signs used to improve visibility, attract customers, and support brand identity.

From monument signs and pylon signs to channel letters, lobby signs, and wayfinding systems, each sign type serves a specific purpose.

Most businesses use a combination of sign types as part of a complete commercial signage system.

Commercial Sign Types and Signage Systems

Commercial sign types are used together to create a complete signage system across a property.

Exterior signage helps businesses attract attention and identify locations, while interior signage supports navigation, branding, and customer experience inside the space.

Most commercial properties combine multiple signage elements to create consistent visibility and a cohesive brand presence.

Commercial Signage

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.

Wall Signs

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.

Channel Letter Signs

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.

Monument Signs

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.

Pylon Signs

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 Signs

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.

Electronic Message Center Signs

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.

Blade Signs

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 signage systems

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

Commercial Awnings & Canopies

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

Commercial Awnings & Canopies

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.

popstroke restaurant interior sign with blue LED neon lettering

Lobby Signs

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

Lobby Signs

Wall Graphics

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

Wall Graphics

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.

Window Graphics

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 located 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 systems guide visitors throughout the space.

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

Commercial Signage

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