A neon sign in a child's room can be a name above the bed, a soft rainbow on the wall or a gentle glow that makes bedtime feel less dark. LED neon suits kids' rooms well because it is low voltage, lightweight and stays cool to the touch. A few choices make the difference between a sign that is lovely and one that is in the way, so here is how to get it right.
Why LED neon works in a child's room
Our signs are made from flexible LED neon, not glass tubes filled with gas. That matters in a bedroom or nursery:
- No glass to break. The light sits inside a flexible silicone tube mounted on acrylic.
- Low voltage. The sign runs from a plug-in adapter, so the sign itself works at a low voltage.
- Cool to the touch. LED neon does not get hot like traditional neon.
- Cheap to run. LEDs use very little electricity, so leaving the sign on for an hour at bedtime costs pennies. Our guide to LED neon running costs has the detail.
A neon sign is still a piece of electrical decor, not a toy. Treat it like a lamp: mount it securely and keep the cable out of reach of small hands.
Popular ideas for kids' rooms
The most popular choice is a child's name in neon. It grows with them, works from nursery to teenage years and makes a lovely gift. Other ideas parents love:
- A rainbow, star, moon or cloud above a cot or bed
- Short phrases like "Sweet dreams", "Dream big" or "Goodnight"
- Animals, dinosaurs or hearts in a soft colour
- A gaming or football sign for an older child's den
- A mini neon sign for a desk or shelf
You can browse ready-made designs in our kids' collection, or type any name or word into the online customiser and see a live preview with an instant price.
Choosing a colour that suits bedtime
Colour changes the feel of a room, especially at night. Warm, soft colours tend to feel calmer when the main lights go off. Bright, cool colours feel more lively and work better in a playroom or games room.
| Colour | Feel | Works best for |
|---|---|---|
| Warm white | Soft and cosy | Nurseries and bedtime glow |
| Pink | Gentle and playful | Names, hearts and rainbows |
| Orange or yellow | Warm and cheerful | Suns, stars and night-time reading corners |
| Ice blue or purple | Cool and dreamy | Older kids' rooms and themed walls |
| Green or red | Bold and energetic | Playrooms, gaming dens and sports themes |
If the sign will be on while your child falls asleep, add a dimmer. It lets you turn the brightness right down so the sign works as a soft night light rather than a feature light. Our guide on choosing colours and dimming goes into more detail.
Where to put it
Placement is the most important safety and style decision. A few simple rules:
- Mount it high. Above the bed, cot or desk and out of easy reach works best. Avoid anywhere a child can stand on furniture and grab it.
- Fix it properly. Use screws into the wall or a secure hanging kit. Adhesive pads are fine for light signs in older children's rooms, but screws are the safer choice above a cot.
- Manage the cable. Run the lead down the wall with cable clips or a cable cover and keep the adapter behind furniture. Loose cables near a cot are a hazard.
- Keep it dry. Our signs are made for indoor use. Keep them away from humidifiers, sinks and bathroom splash zones.
- Think about the view from the bed. A sign directly in a child's line of sight can feel bright. Above the headboard, the glow fills the wall without shining in their eyes.
For step-by-step fitting advice, see our guide to installing a neon sign safely.
What size to choose
For a name above a bed, most parents choose a sign between 50 and 80 cm wide. It is big enough to read from the doorway without taking over the wall. For a shelf or desk, a mini sign or a single short word works well. If you are unsure, tape a paper outline to the wall at full size and live with it for a day. Our sizing guide has more tips.
Controlling the light
A sign that is easy to switch off is a sign that does not get left on all night. Popular options are:
- A dimmer, so you can set a low glow for bedtime
- A smart plug, so you can switch the sign on and off from your phone or set a schedule
- A plug timer, so the sign turns itself off after your child falls asleep
Our guide to dimmers, remotes and smart plugs explains how each one works.
A sign that grows with them
Choose a design your child will still like in a few years. A name in a clean font and a neutral colour will move from nursery to big-kid bedroom with no changes. Very themed designs are great fun but tend to be outgrown faster. Every Neon Filter sign is handmade to order in our Hampshire workshop and comes with a 12-month warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Are LED neon signs safe for a child's bedroom?
LED neon is low voltage, stays cool to the touch and has no glass. Like any electrical item, mount it securely out of reach and keep the cable tidy.
Can I use a neon sign as a night light?
Yes. Add a dimmer and turn the brightness down. Warm colours such as warm white, pink or orange feel softest at night.
Can I get my child's name made in neon?
Yes. Type the name into our customiser, choose from 28 fonts and 12 colours, and see the price instantly. Signs start from £31.95.
Want more detail? See our product guide.