When it comes to signage, you want it to pop. You get that with contrast, which is more than just aesthetics. Contrast plays a crucial role in ensuring your message is seen, understood, and remembered. Whether you’re creating an exterior sign for your business or an interior display, choosing the right contrast can elevate your brand’s impact and improve readability. In this article, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of signage contrast to help you design signs that are both effective and visually appealing.
Key Takeaways
- High contrast between text and background enhances visibility, making your signage easy to read from a distance and in different lighting conditions.
- Colors should align with your brand identity and message, while also being visually harmonious to avoid distractions.
- Accessibility is essential—high contrast ensures readability for people with visual impairments, and color combinations should be easy to distinguish.
- Use contrast strategically to guide the viewer’s eye toward key information, such as your business name or call-to-action.
- Avoid overusing too many colors, relying solely on color for emphasis, or using low contrast for important information to maintain clarity and focus in your signage.
The Do’s of Signage Contrast
Let’s first discuss the best contrast practices for signage to maximize the reach and visibility of your business signage:
1. Do Use High Contrast for Maximum Visibility
High contrast between text and background ensures that your signage is easy to read from a distance, whether it’s on a street corner or within your office. Opt for dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background to create a strong visual impact. This helps ensure your message stands out, even in low-light conditions or against busy surroundings.
2. Do Consider Color Psychology
Colors evoke emotions and can reinforce your brand’s message. For example, blue conveys trust and professionalism, while red can evoke urgency or excitement. When choosing contrasting colors for your signage, think about how the colors align with your brand identity and the message you want to convey. Make sure the combination is visually harmonious and doesn’t clash, which could distract from the core message.
3. Do Keep Accessibility in Mind
Regardless of your industry, you need to think about people with visual impairments. High contrast not only improves readability but also enhances accessibility for people with low vision. Using black text on a white background or white text on a black background is often the most accessible option. Avoid combinations that may be hard to distinguish, such as yellow on white or red on green.
4. Do Use Contrast to Guide the Eye
Signage is not just about making text readable; it’s also about guiding the viewer’s attention. Use contrasting colors to highlight key information, like your business name or call-to-action, and allow less critical information to be in subtler shades. This way, your audience’s eyes are naturally drawn to the most important elements first, ensuring they absorb your message in the right order.
5. Do Test Your Signage in Different Environments
Before finalizing your signage, test it in various lighting conditions. The way colors appear can change dramatically under different lighting, so what looks good in daylight might not be as effective at night or under artificial lighting. Make sure the contrast is still strong and the message remains legible in different environments.
A professional sign company like Tupp Signs can help you design signage that stands out in all kinds of light.
The Don’ts of Signage Contrast
Here are the mistakes that will drag your signage down and make your business harder to discover:
1. Don’t Use Too Many Colors
While contrast is important, using too many colors can overwhelm the viewer and make your signage busy and hard to read. Stick to two or three main colors for clarity and cohesiveness. Too much contrast between multiple colors can create visual clutter, making it harder for the viewer to focus on the main message.
2. Don’t Rely on Color Alone
While contrasting colors help highlight important information, don’t rely solely on color for emphasis. People with color blindness or vision impairments may not distinguish certain color combinations effectively. Use size, boldness, or font weight in addition to color contrast to ensure your message is clear to everyone.
3. Don’t Use Low Contrast for Important Information
Low contrast, such as light gray text on a white background or dark green on black, can be hard to read, especially from a distance. While it may look elegant, it often sacrifices readability and impact. Reserve low contrast for secondary information, like disclaimers or less critical details.
4. Don’t Forget About the Background
A busy or textured background can interfere with the readability of your text, even if the contrast is high. Avoid placing text over complex patterns or images that distract from the message. If you must use a textured background, ensure there’s enough contrast between the background and text, and consider adding a solid color box behind the text to enhance clarity.
5. Don’t Overuse Neon or Bright Colors
Neon colors or excessively bright hues can be jarring to the eyes and hard to read, especially in sunlight or low light. While they can grab attention, they can also make your sign look cheap or overwhelming. Instead, opt for bold but more neutral colors that offer both visibility and professionalism.
Get Customized Signage from an Experienced Sign Company
This is your sign to invest in beautifully designed custom business signage. You get a host of benefits from having signage that constrasts the right way, including enhanced readability, strengthened brand presence, and clear communication. With thoughtful design, your signage will capture attention and leave a lasting impression. At Tupp Signs, we provide custom signage solutions that align with your brand’s identity and ensure optimal visibility. Serving DE, PA, NJ, NY, and VA since 1928, we are committed to delivering high-quality signage that makes an impact. Contact us today at 866-324-7446 or request a quote to get started on transforming your business signage.