What Are The Best Colours To Use For A Sign

What Are The Best Sign Colours To Use

When it comes to how easy a printed sign is to read, the contrast between background and foreground colour is one of the key factors.

Formulas can be used where light reflectance is used to calculate the contrast between colours. By subtracting the darker colour from the lighter colour and dividing by the light reflectance value of the lower colour, and then multiplying by 100, you get what is called the brightness differential.

Alternatively, you can rely on good old common sense or have a look at the colour combinations below.

Signs With A White Background

Black on White: 91/100 (brightness differential)

Blue on White: 84/100 (brightness differential)

Red on White: 82/100 (brightness differential)

EMOTIVE MEANING: Innocence, purity, clarity, simplicity (brightness differential)

USAGE: Museum signs, office buildings, retail signs, school signs (brightness differential)

Displays
89/100


Displays
84/100


Displays
82/100


Signs With A Black Background

White on Black: 91/100 (brightness differential)

Yellow on Black: 89/100 (brightness differential)

EMOTIVE MEANING: Power, formality, mystery

USAGE: Airports, office buildings, information and directory signs

Displays
89/100


Displays
89/100


Signs With A Yellow Background

Black on Yellow: 89/100 (brightness differential)

Red on Yellow: 82/100 (brightness differential)

Blue on Yellow: 79/100 (brightness differential)

EMOTIVE MEANING: Joy, happiness, intellect, energy

USAGE: Events, warning signs, sale signs, information signs

Displays
89/100


Displays
82/100


Displays
79/100


Signs With A Blue Background

White on Blue: 82/100 (brightness differential)

Yellow on Blue: 79/100 (brightness differential)

EMOTIVE MEANING: Depth, stability, wisdom, trust

USAGE: Road signs, public transport, banks, public spaces

Displays
82/100


Displays
79/100


Signs With A Red Background

White on Red: 82/100 (brightness differential)

Yellow on Red: 79/100 (brightness differential)

EMOTIVE MEANING: War, danger, anger, strength, love, determination

USAGE: Warning signs, retail sale graphics, road signs

Displays
84/100


Displays
82/100


Discount Displays Graphic Design Service

At Discount Displays we offer a number of set price design packages, produced in-house by our team of designers. From a simple sign or banner to complex exhibition stands and everything in between.

FIXED PRICE PACKAGE DEALS