By Lena Imamura, founder and artist at GLO Studio
People usually come to us asking for "a neon sign," and then learn there are a few different ways to make something glow. We design all of them, from glass neon art to LED lightboxes for Uniqlo, and the right choice depends on where it's going.
Glass neon
Real glass tubing, bent by hand over fire and filled with gas. It has the warm, classic glow people picture when they think of neon. It's delicate, so we recommend letting us or someone experienced install it. Best for art, homes and permanent signs.
LED neon
LED lights inside a flexible acrylic casing. It's durable and runs on a low-voltage power supply. Best for events, kids' rooms, pop-ups and anything that might move.
Lightboxes
A lit box with your graphic on the front, great for logos, menus and window displays. They're a favorite for retail windows.
Color-changing RGB
LED pieces can be made in RGB so the color changes or animates. It's fun for clubs, events and gaming rooms.
| Glass neon | LED neon | Lightbox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Warm, classic glow | Bright, even line | Lit graphic panel |
| Durability | Delicate | Tough | Tough |
| Best for | Art, homes, bars | Events, kids' rooms | Logos, windows, menus |
Common questions
Which one costs less?
It depends on size and detail. Send us your idea and we'll price the options side by side.
Can you combine them?
Yes. Booths and windows often mix glass neon, LED neon and lightboxes in one display.
Which is best for a storefront window?
Glass neon and lightboxes both read well from the street. We'll suggest one based on your window and budget.
Not sure which is right? Tell us about your project.