FAQ

LED Neon Signs: What They Are, How They Work & How to Choose

LED neon is a flexible LED light strip encased in silicone tubing, designed to mimic the look of traditional glass neon while using less energy and producing minimal heat.

What is the difference between LED neon and traditional neon?

Traditional neon uses glass tubes filled with gas. LED neon uses silicone tubing with LEDs.

LED neon

  • Lightweight and durable

  • Runs cool to the touch

  • Lower electricity use

  • Flexible for more design options

Traditional neon

  • Fragile glass

  • Typically higher power use

  • Can run hotter

  • More limited shaping and higher breakage risk

  • Disclaimer: we absolutely love traditional glass neon and the craftsmanship that goes into it. Sadly, our budget just doesn't stretch that far.

Is LED neon safe for homes and bedrooms?

Yes. LED neon is generally safe for home use because it is low voltage, produces very little heat, and does not use glass tubing. As with any electrical product, it should be installed securely and used with the supplied power equipment.

How long does LED neon last?

Most LED neon signs last anywhere between 30,000–40,000 hours depending on usage and environment. For many households, this works out at roughly up to five years of regular use.

Is LED neon expensive to run?

LED neon is typically low-cost to run compared with traditional neon because LEDs use less power. The exact running cost depends on sign size and how many hours per day it’s switched on.

Can LED neon be used outdoors?

Some LED neon signs can be used outdoors, but only when built with outdoor-rated components.

Outdoor suitability depends on:

  • weather sealing

  • waterproof power supply

  • mounting method and exposure (rain, wind, salt air)

If you want outdoor use, it must be specified at the design stage.

How do you install an LED neon sign?

Most LED neon signs are designed to be “plug-and-play”.

Typical installation involves:

  1. Positioning the sign

  2. Fixing it to a wall using the supplied mounting method

  3. Plugging in the power supply

  4. Testing and adjusting alignment

Installation time is often under 30 minutes.

What affects brightness and visibility?

Brightness depends on:

  • tubing thickness (e.g., slimline vs premium)

  • colour choice (some colours appear brighter)

  • room lighting (daylight reduces contrast)

  • viewing distance

If a sign needs to read clearly from across a large room, a thicker tube or higher-contrast colour is usually better.

How much do custom LED neon signs cost in the UK?

Custom signs vary by size and complexity.

Typical ranges:

  • small designs: £225–£350

  • medium designs: £350–£800

  • large or complex designs: £800–£1,500+

(Exact pricing depends on design detail, size, and mounting.)

How long does a custom LED neon sign take to make?

Typical timelines:

  • standard production and delivery: 4–6 weeks

  • fast-track options may be available depending on workload and design

What BAG&BONES makes

BAG&BONES creates LED neon pieces and sculptural lighting designed for residential and commercial interiors. If you’re commissioning a custom sign, you can choose size, colour, mounting style, and optional dimming.

If you’d like a custom quote, send your text or design idea and the approximate size you have in mind.