The Secret Comeback of Neon — Why Designers Still Love the Glow
Richie SimmondsNeon was supposed to die years ago. First came the halogen craze, then the LED takeover. But somewhere between the TikTok bedroom tours and the Shoreditch cocktail bars, custom neon signs have made a quiet, confident comeback — and it’s glowing brighter than ever.
Interior designers will tell you: neon is not just a sign, it’s a signal. It marks out a space, sets a mood, and gives any blank wall something to say. And in a world where every restaurant, studio, and living room wants to be Instagram-ready, that matters.
From Vegas to Bedrooms — Neon Refuses to Quit
Neon’s history is pure drama. It lit up 1950s Vegas, Paris cabarets, and late-night diners. For decades, it was the language of nightlife — buzzing, glowing, pulling people in from the dark.
Then came LEDs, and everyone predicted neon’s extinction. But technology did neon a favour: modern LED-neon hybrids are cheaper, cooler to run, and easier to install. Suddenly, the glow was back — just without the dangerous transformers or the eye-watering power bills.
Where People Are Using Neon Today
Walk down any London high street and you’ll spot it — not just outside bars, but in hair salons, tattoo parlours, and even dentist waiting rooms. Neon has become an interior statement, not just a sign.
Homeowners are catching on, too. Bedroom “love signs,” kitchen quotes, and kids’ names in glowing cursive are some of the most popular commissions right now.
If you want a one-stop resource for ideas, inspiration, and custom designs, there’s now a dedicated Neon Hub curating the best options for every space. It covers everything from colour palettes to installation tips — perfect if you’re just starting out or planning a full feature wall.
3 Quick Tips for Getting Neon Right
- Pick Your Mood Before Your Message – The colour you choose will change the vibe more than the words themselves.
- Size Matters – A tiny sign on a big wall gets lost; go bold or don’t bother.
- Keep It Personal – The best neon isn’t generic — it tells your story, whether it’s your brand name, a lyric, or a private joke.
Why It Still Works
At its best, neon sign light is the most democratic kind of art: accessible, customisable, and impossible to ignore. It’s a mood-maker, a conversation starter, and a piece of living history since the industrial revolution — proof that some classics never go out of style.
So whether it’s glowing in pink cursive above a cocktail bar or humming quietly in a home office, neon isn’t just surviving. It’s thriving.