Want to make your office scream "you"? Here's how to boost your brand identity:
Logo Placement: Put your logo in key spots like reception, conference rooms, and entrances.
Brand Colors: Use your colors on walls, furniture, and decor.
Front Desk Signs: Choose from dimensional letters, illuminated signs, or digital displays.
Directional Signs: Guide visitors while showcasing your brand elements.
Story Walls: Share your company's journey through visual timelines or interactive displays.
Your office is a 24/7 ad for your brand. Smart signage can:
Make your brand stick in people's minds
Help your team feel connected
Show clients you mean business
Put your company's values front and center
1. Where to Put Company Logos
Your company logo isn't just a pretty picture - it's your brand's face. Let's look at some key spots to show it off in your office.
Reception Area: First Impressions Count
The reception area is like your office's handshake. A well-placed logo here can really stick in people's minds.
They suggest your logo should take up 60-65% of the wall space you choose. For big walls, think about using PVC letters that are 10 to 14 feet wide. They're light and make a big impact.
Conference Rooms: Keep Your Brand in Mind
Conference rooms are where the magic happens. Putting your logo here keeps your brand front and center during big talks.
Try using Gatorfoam to make 3D logos that are 1-3 inches deep. With good lighting, these can really pop.
Open Workspaces: Flexible and Functional
Got an open office? Use modular walls to show off your logo. You can update these easily as your brand grows.
Flat-cut metal letters work great on textured walls. Paint them any color you like to match your style.
Entrance Areas: Guide and Wow
Your office entrance is another top spot for your logo.
Think about adding your logo to doors and windows. It helps visitors know they're in the right place and lets people outside know you're there.
2. Using Brand Colors in Office Design
Your brand colors can do more than just look pretty on your logo. They're a secret weapon for turning your workspace into a living, breathing ad for your company. Here's how to make your office scream "you" from every corner.
Paint with a Plan
Think of your office walls as a giant canvas. Use them smart. Got a bold blue as your brand color? Slap it on one wall in your reception area. Boom! Instant eye-catcher.
But don't go color crazy. Mix in some neutrals to keep things chill. The Home Depot folks say, "Blue boosts alertness and focus." So, use it in work areas, but don't overdo it.
Furniture That Talks
Ditch the boring black chairs. Your furniture can show off your brand too. Some companies let you customize pieces in any color you want. Imagine rolling into a meeting room with chairs in your signature shade. That's brand power, right there.
Little Things, Big Impact
Small touches can pack a punch. Sprinkle your brand colors on:
Pillows in the lobby
Desk stuff like pen holders
Wall art
Even plant pots
These little pops of color add flavor without going overboard. And if you get bored? Easy to swap out.
Light It Up
Don't sleep on lighting. Colored LED strips can add a cool glow in key areas. It's a modern twist that can totally change the vibe of a room.
Color Mind Games
Colors mess with our heads (in a good way).
Use this intel to your advantage. Put energizing colors in brainstorm zones and chill colors where people need to focus.
Remember, you're not trying to drown your office in brand colors. It's about creating a vibe that subtly screams "us."
So go ahead, paint the town (or at least your office) in your brand colors. Just do it smart.
3. Front Desk Sign Options
Your front desk is where first impressions happen. It's your brand's face. Let's look at some sign options that'll make your reception area stand out.
Dimensional Letter Signs: Add Depth
Want your sign to pop? Go for dimensional letters. These are cut individually from materials like acrylic, metal, or wood. They literally stand out from the wall, giving your logo or company name depth.
A tech startup might use brushed aluminum letters for a modern look. A law firm? Brass letters for a classic feel.
Illuminated Signs: Shine Bright
Signs can light up too. Illuminated signs work great, especially for offices with after-hours traffic. You've got two main types:
1. Internally lit signs
These use LEDs inside the sign. They're energy-efficient and can create a cool halo effect.
2. Externally lit signs
These use spotlights or other external lighting. Great for creating dramatic shadows and depth.
Lighting isn't just practical - it sets the mood. A warm glow feels welcoming, while bright light energizes the space.
Digital Signage: Stay Fresh
Want to keep things dynamic? Try digital signs. They're perfect for:
Welcoming visitors
Sharing company news
Displaying social media feeds
Showing off company values
Best part? You can update them remotely. No need to call in help every time you want to change things up.
Environmental Graphics: Think Big
Why stop at the desk? Turn your whole lobby into a branding showcase with environmental graphics.
A marketing agency could cover their walls with graphics of their best campaigns. A nature nonprofit? They could transform their lobby with a floor-to-ceiling forest mural.
Custom Signage: Make It Yours
Sometimes, the best sign is uniquely you. Custom signage lets you get creative. An eco-friendly company might use a sign made from reclaimed wood. A manufacturing firm could incorporate gears into their design.
Your front desk sign is more than just a name on the wall. It's a chance to show off who you are as a company. So get creative, have fun, and make a lasting first impression.
4. Clear Direction Signs with Brand Elements
Navigating a new office can be tricky. But with smart directional signs, you can guide visitors and show off your brand at the same time. Here's how to create wayfinding signs that work and look great.
Mix Function and Style
Your signs should do two jobs: point the way and represent your brand. Use your logo, colors, and fonts in your signs. This creates a look that's useful and on-brand.
Keep It Simple
For directional signs, simpler is better. Use big, bold fonts that are easy to read from far away. Stick to short messages and common symbols. For example, use stick figure icons for restrooms instead of spelling it out.
Put Signs Where They're Needed
Place your signs where people are likely to need help. Good spots include:
Near elevators and stairs
At hallway crossings
In lobby areas
Outside meeting rooms
By putting signs in the right places, you help people and show off your brand at the same time.
Use Color Smartly Color can help people find their way. Give different areas of your office different colors from your brand palette. You could use blue for client areas and green for team spaces. This helps with navigation and makes your office look good.
Add Some Tech
Don't forget about digital signs. Touchscreens or QR codes can give extra info or even virtual tours. This modern touch can impress visitors and make it easy to update information.
Make Signs for Everyone
Make sure your signs work for everyone, including people with disabilities. This means adding things like Braille and colors that are easy to see.
By making your signs accessible, you're following rules and showing that your brand cares about everyone.
Check and Improve
After you put up your new signs, ask people what they think. Are the signs helping? Do they match your brand? Use what you learn to make your signs even better over time.
5. Company Story Walls
Your office walls can do more than just hold up the ceiling. They can tell your brand's story.
Company story walls turn your workspace into a living, breathing showcase of your organization's journey, values, and wins.
Timelines That Pop
Want a classic approach? Go for a visual timeline. Sub-Zero, the fancy appliance folks, nailed it. They used acrylic panels and 3D numbers to highlight their big moments. It's not just eye-candy for visitors - it makes employees feel part of something bigger.
Think Outside the Timeline
But hey, timelines aren't the only game in town. Summit Credit Union got creative. They made a wall all about building their new HQ, from first shovel to final ribbon. It's a cool way to connect people to their new digs.
Suttle-Straus, a printing company, went old school vs. new school. They showed work life back in the day next to today's setup. It's a neat trick that says, "We've been around, but we're not stuck in the past."
Make It Clickable
Static displays are fine, but why not add some tech? Throw in some touchscreens or QR codes. People can dive deeper, and you can update stuff without breaking out the paint rollers.
Location, Location, Location
Where you put your story wall matters. Think high-traffic spots - hallways, by the elevators, near the front desk. You want everyone to see it, from the new intern to the big-shot client.
Design That Packs a Punch
Start with your message, then build your design around it. Stick to your brand colors and fonts - keep it in the family, you know? And here's a pro tip from CR&A Custom: use self-adhesive vinyl. It's easy to slap on and switch out when you need to update.
Sign Types and Features
Picking the right signs for your office can make or break your brand image. Let's look at the different types and what makes them tick.
What's It Made Of?
The material of your sign isn't just about looks - it affects how long it lasts and how well it works. Here are the top picks:
1. Vinyl
Vinyl's the jack-of-all-trades in the sign world. It's cheap, it's flexible, and it works inside and out.
2. Acrylic
Want to look fancy? Acrylic's your go-to. It's crystal clear and screams high-end. Perfect for that swanky reception logo or meeting room name tag.
3. Aluminum
Tough as nails, this one. It laughs in the face of bad weather. If you need an outdoor sign that'll stick around, aluminum's your best bet.
Will People See It? Will It Last?
Different signs shine in different places. Here's the lowdown:
1. Indoor vs. Outdoor
Indoor signs? You've got options. Wood, glass, even living walls - go wild.
Outdoor signs need to be tough. That's why aluminum's the industry darling. It doesn't rust and it sticks around.
2. Light It Up
Need your sign to pop day and night? Try these:
Back-lit signs: LEDs make these babies glow. Great for lobbies or outside.
Acrylic and polycarbonate: Light 'em up at night for extra oomph.
3. ADA Rules
Don't forget about accessibility. ADA-compliant signs aren't just legal - they show you care. They need:
No glare
High contrast
Simple fonts
Raised letters and Braille
The Right Sign for the Right Spot
Different areas need different signs. Here's what works where:
1. Lobby
First impressions count. Go for 3D letters or a custom logo. Metal or acrylic will make jaws drop.
2. Finding Your Way
Keep it simple for directions. Clear fonts, stark colors. PVC or aluminum work great here.
3. Office Branding
Open office? Try movable walls or stick-on vinyl. Easy to change when your brand gets a facelift.
Conclusion
Think about it: your signage is often the first thing people see when they enter your office. It sets the tone for everything that follows. And it matters more than you might think. A FedEx study found that nearly 60% of consumers decided not to enter a business if they didn't see a sign outside or in the lobby. That's a lot of potential customers walking away before they even step inside.
But here's the kicker: it's not just about having signs - it's about having the right signs. Quality counts. Working with sign experts can make all the difference. They know the ins and outs of materials, design, and placement that can make your signs truly effective. So don't cut corners on your signage. It's not just about looks - it's about creating a brand identity that clicks with your customers and employees. With the right signs, your office space becomes a powerful branding tool that works around the clock.
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