Getting the size right is one of the most important steps before ordering a neon sign. Whether you run a café in Amsterdam, a salon in Barcelona, a wedding venue in Tuscany, or a creator studio in Berlin, accurate measurements will ensure your neon looks balanced, fits the space, and mounts safely. This guide walks you through simple, practical steps to measure any wall and prepare for a custom LED neon sign from The Art Neon.
Tools you’ll need
You don’t need fancy equipment. Gather these basic tools:
- Tape measure (2–8 m depending on site)
- Laser distance measurer (optional, useful for high ceilings)
- Pencil or masking tape to mark points
- Spirit level or laser level for straight lines
- Notebook or smartphone to record measurements and photos
How to measure your wall step-by-step
1. Measure overall wall dimensions
Measure the full width and height of the wall where you plan to mount the sign. Record the highest and lowest points if the floor or ceiling is uneven. Example: a café wall might be 3.6 m wide and 2.8 m high.
2. Decide the visual margins
Think about how much breathing space you want around the neon. As a rule of thumb, allow at least 10–20% of the wall width as margin so the sign doesn’t feel cramped. For a 3.6 m wide wall, a sign that is roughly 2.4–3.0 m wide will leave a comfortable margin on either side.
3. Measure the specific mounting area
If you’re placing the sign above a bar, behind a counter, or over a mirror, measure the exact horizontal space available and the vertical clearance. Example: above a restaurant counter that’s 1.2 m tall, you may have 1.0 m of blank wall above the counter before a shelf or light fixture.
4. Note obstacles and fixtures
Identify sockets, switches, mouldings, wall panels, heating units, picture rails, or windows that might interfere. Measure the distance from these obstacles to the mounting area. Also measure from the nearest power outlet to the desired sign location to plan cable length and transformer placement.
5. Check for non-flat surfaces
If the wall is textured, panelled, or tiled, measure the flat areas where mounting brackets will attach. For curved or corner installations, take multiple measurements at different heights to capture the curve. The Art Neon’s low-voltage LED systems are lightweight and flexible in design, but accurate dimensions are critical for a neat fit.
Special cases and examples
Cafés and restaurants
In a café, signs are often mounted behind the counter or above shelving. Measure from the counter edge to the ceiling and the available width between shelves. Example: an espresso bar 2.8 m wide with shelving starting 40 cm from either side might comfortably house a 1.8 m neon centered above the counter.
Salons, studios and gyms
Vertical wall space is valuable in salons and studios. A sign mounted at eye level or slightly above works best—measure the mirror height or equipment clearance. Gyms often need signs mounted higher for visibility; use a laser measure to capture exact mounting height and check that the sign won’t interfere with wall-mounted equipment.
Wedding venues and event spaces
For wedding backdrops, measure the width of the table or arch and leave 10–30 cm of margin on each side depending on the look. For a sweetheart table 1.6 m wide, a neon of 1.0–1.3 m will create an intimate focal point without overwhelming the table.
Mounting and technical considerations
Mounting points and standoff distance
Decide whether you want the neon flush to the wall or on a clear acrylic backing with a small standoff. If you prefer standoffs, measure the distance from the wall to ensure enough clearance for the included controller and power cable. The Art Neon signs come with an included dimmer/controller to adjust brightness, so allow space for that hardware if it will be mounted behind the sign.
Power and cable length
Identify the nearest outlet and measure the cable run. If the outlet is below the sign or on an adjacent wall, measure along the planned path (behind cupboards, along skirting, or within a conduit). The Art Neon uses safe low-voltage LED technology, which makes cable routing easier and safer than traditional glass neon, but you should still confirm cable reach or plan for a discreet extension.
Weight and fixing type
Although LED neon is lighter than glass neon, check what kind of wall fixings you’ll need for your surface (brick, plasterboard, tile). If you’re unsure, take a photo and include it with your measurement notes—The Art Neon’s team can advise on the appropriate fixings for your wall type.
Preparing your measurement package for ordering
When you’re ready to order, gather:
- Overall wall width and height
- Mounting area width and height
- Distances to nearest power outlet and any obstacles
- Photos of the wall from straight on and at an angle
- Preferred placement height from floor or furniture
Include notes about whether you want the sign to be centered, left- or right-aligned, or offset above a specific feature. The Art Neon offers custom designs and can adapt size, color, and mounting options to match your space. All signs are carefully packaged and shipped across Europe and worldwide to arrive safely at your venue.
Quick checklist before you submit your order
- Have you measured both the wall and the specific mounting area?
- Did you allow visual margin on each side (10–20% suggested)?
- Is the power outlet within reach or do you need an extension?
- Have you photographed the wall so designers can assess surface and obstacles?
- Do you want a transparent acrylic backing, standoffs, or a flush mount?
If you follow these steps you’ll avoid common sizing issues and get a neon sign that fits your space beautifully. The Art Neon uses energy-efficient LED technology with long lifetime components, and each sign includes a dimmer/controller for flexible brightness. We also ensure careful packaging so your custom neon arrives in perfect condition.
Ready to create your sign? Visit our design tools and upload options to get started.