Office signage does more than label doors or point people in the right direction—it has a very real impact on how your workplace feels and how your team performs. In fact, employees who feel their workspace is well-designed report feeling 6% more productive and 15% more creative on the job.
Types of Office Signs to Install
The right mix of office signage can make a huge difference in how your business looks and functions. Thoughtfully-planned and designed signage helps people find their way around, and can reinforce your brand. Here are some of the most essential office signs and where they work best:
Reception & Lobby Signs
Your reception area is where first impressions are made. 68% of people make assumptions about a business based on its signage, which is why making a strong impression is essential. A high-quality lobby sign featuring your logo can enhance visitor experiences and make your space stand out. Choose from options such as dimensional lettering, acrylic, brushed metal, and backlit signs for maximum impact.
Wayfinding & Directory Signs
If your office is larger than a few rooms, you’ll want clear wayfinding signage to help visitors and staff navigate. This includes things like directional arrows, floor directories, elevator signs, and meeting room labels.
In multi-tenant buildings, shared floors, or multi-level offices, directory signs are especially helpful. If you are a tenant, take advantage of all the advertising space the landlord provides, such as on directory signs, outdoor pylons, and more.
Office Door & Nameplate Signs
These signs help organize the office and will have a big impact on people’s day-to-day experience in the office. They are commonly installed outside private offices, meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and utility areas. Standard options include fixed nameplates, sliding signs for “in use” rooms, or changeable inserts for ‘hot desking’ and rotating team assignments.
Wall Graphics & Mission Statements
Vinyl wall graphics work great in office settings. They are excellent for displaying company values, motivational quotes, and your business mission. A lot of businesses also use them to show off corporate artwork affordably.
Consider installing them in shared areas like kitchens, hallways, and break rooms. Not only can they add personality to the space, but they do so affordably. Wall graphics can also break up large open areas or help zone different departments in open-concept layouts.
Compliance & Safety Signage
Every office needs a baseline level of functional signage to meet local building codes and safety regulations. This includes fire exit signs, accessibility signs, emergency instructions, and equipment notices.
Accessible BC lays down fairly intricate requirements for accessibility-friendly signage, though you do have some leeway to customize them. Just ensure you work with an experienced signage team to ensure you don’t fall foul of the law.
Designing Custom Office Signs That Deliver RealImpact
Once you know what types of signs your office needs, the next step is to make sure they actually feel like yours. Customization shouldn’t just be about choosing colours and fonts; it should ensure that the signs reflect your brand, suit the space they’re going into, and meet the day-to-day needs of visitors.
Here are a few things to consider when you are customizing your signs. Remember, signage will become part of your interior décor, which is why it is highly advisable that you reach out to a seasoned signage professional.
Match Your Brand Identity
The first rule of custom signage? Keep it consistent with the rest of your branding. That means using your company’s logo, brand colours, and fonts wherever possible. Essentially, signage should look like it has been prepared as a cohesive package, rather than just thrown together.
Also, pay attention to colours across signs, as even minor variations in shades will look jarringly obvious.
Choose the Right Materials
Office signs come in a range of materials, and your choice says a lot about your brand.
- Acrylic signs give a sleek, modern look—great for tech firms or design studios.
- Brushed metal or aluminum offers a polished, corporate feel.
- Wood and frosted glass bring warmth and sophistication.
- Vinyl graphics are flexible, affordable, and easy to replace.
You’ll also want to consider durability and cleaning requirements. In a high-touch area, for example, having easy-to-change vinyl signs may be a better option, whereas a metal sign is best reserved for the office entrance.
Consider Size and Placement
A beautiful sign won’t help anyone if it’s too small, hard to read, or placed in the wrong spot. Make sure your signage is appropriately sized for its location. Too small and it’ll lose impact (or be inconvenient), too large and it’ll overwhelm the space.
Moreover, think about line of sight, natural light, and furniture arrangement. For consistency, ensure your signs are mounted at consistent heights across the office. Again, like mismatched colours, uneven signage placement will provide a jarring experience for people.
Add Functional Features
Don’t sacrifice functionality for form. Depending on your setup, you might want to include swappable inserts for nameplates and meeting rooms. These can save you hundreds of dollars every time, as you’ll just need to replace the insert as opposed to the entire sign.
Work with a Professional Shop for Signage in the Office
Even the best design won’t get you far if the sign isn’t installed properly. You should work with a signage provider that has experience with office interiors and can guide you through every step from design and material selection to production and installation.
At Pure Image Signs and Graphics, we are one of the most trusted companies for offices in Vancouver, Maple Ridge, and beyond. Our team provides responsive and friendly service every time, along with signage solutions that make a lasting impact.
Work with our experienced signage professionals today. Book a free consultation today to discuss your needs with a signage expert!
