You may have noticed that LED neon lights are everywhere at the moment. From celebrities to influencers to your next-door neighbour, these vivid signs are brightening up our walls. Pinterest reported searches for neon increasing by 800% in 2021, so this trend shows no signs of slowing down. Chris Hinds is the owner of Neon Direct, one of the UK’s fastest-growing sellers of LED neon lights. I had a chat with him to find out more about his company and the appeal of neon.
Why did you start Neon Direct?
I wanted to create the number one quality LED Neon Brand. A company offering both customers and businesses an opportunity to establish themselves with a vibrant, high-quality sign. I want to give my customers the opportunity to own a meaningful piece of art made from light at an affordable price.
What appeals to you about neon?
I love the vibrancy of neon and that it’s possible to turn any design into something eye-catching and mesmerizing. I love that you can create a mood through the use of colour, from warm, relaxing shades to harsh, bold tones, feeling can really be ignited through this fantastic light-source.
What do you think is the best thing about neon LED lights?
Nearly anything is possible to create. LED Neon lights are more efficient than traditional neon lights and much more durable. They can also be dimmed to create the desired mood in your room or space.
Do you have a favourite sign?
My personal favourite is the ‘Aloha’ sign. I love the different colours that can be incorporated into this sign, and it also reminds me of a tropical paradise! It would be perfect for someone’s garden bar.
What is your best-selling sign?
Our ‘Let’s Stay Home’ sign is hugely popular. Like all of our signs, it is available in 12 amazing colours with a choice of white or coloured jacket. This means the sign is either coloured or white when off.
What is the biggest sign you have made?
Our biggest sign was for a pole dancing academy – a whopping 2.5 meters wide! It looks fantastic displayed in the dance studio.
If you were choosing a sign with writing, what would it say?
I like the quote “Being humble matters”. I think I would go with this and put it up above my desk.
What do you enjoy about running your business?
My biggest priority is making my customers happy. It brings me so much joy to take a customer’s design from concept to execution and then see it hanging up in their home or business. There is nothing more rewarding than that! There is nothing more rewarding than that!
How have the pandemic precautions affected your business?
We have seen the pandemic actually increase our sales for signs. People have been spending more time at home, and they are choosing neon to brighten up their living spaces.
What trends do you see being big with neon in 2022?
We continue to see Pubs, Bars & Beauty Salons invest in their professional look by adding neon lights to their business; however, neon lights in the home are a continuing trend. More and more of our signs are being sold to brighten up our clients’ kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms so that they can relax under some ambient lighting.
