Without good signs, it might be hard to find your way around a big apartment complex. Clear and...
Types of Apartment Building Signs That Every Property Needs

When someone approaches your apartment community, what’s the very first thing they notice? The signage.
At Sunrise Signs, we believe great apartment building signs do much more than point people in the right direction. They welcome, inform, and represent your brand’s personality. Whether you’re managing a new development, a historic rehab, or a luxury multifamily property in Philadelphia or surrounding areas, the right signage helps your building stand out, stay compliant, and feel like home.
Here are the eight essential categories of apartment signage every property should include plus expert design tips to make yours unforgettable.
8 Types of Apartment Building Signs that Every Property Needs
Every building should have these eight types of apartment signs.
1. Exterior Identification Apartment Building Signs
The goal is to showcase your brand identity and increase curb appeal.
Examples:
- Monument or pylon signs at the main entrance
- Illuminated wall or canopy signs
- Freestanding building identification signs
Your property's overall vibe is established by your external apartment signage, which serves as your first impression. Make use of materials that are consistent with the style of your business, bold font, and clear lighting.
For instance, sleek acrylic or LED-lit designs look fantastic in contemporary, urban buildings, while brushed aluminum and stone complement high-end flats.
Pro tip: Before fabricating, find out the size and illumination requirements for signs in your Philadelphia municipality.
2. Wayfinding & Directional Apartment Signage
Make it easier for residents and visitors to move about your property.
Examples:
- Directional arrows (Leasing Office / Pool / Building B)
- Parking and garage signage
- Elevator lobby directories
Confusion is decreased and safety is increased with effective wayfinding signage. It's important to maintain uniformity in multi-building communities by using the same fonts, iconography, and color scheme throughout.
At Sunrise Signs, we create apartment directional signs that are both aesthetically pleasing and facilitate easy movement from the driveway to the front door.
3. Safety & ADA-Compliant Apartment Building Signs
Keep up with the law and safeguard your residents.
Examples:
- Fire exit and evacuation route maps
- “No Smoking,” “Emergency Exit,” and “Fire Lane” signage
- ADA unit numbers with tactile lettering and Braille
ADA signage is a show of respect and accessibility for all locals and guests, not merely a legal necessity. To stay inclusive and compliant, Sunrise Signs can assist in making sure all of the signs in your facility adhere to ADA guidelines for contrast, height, and tactile readability.
4. Apartment Unit Identification Signs
Make it easy to find every apartment.
Examples:
- Door plaques with room numbers
- Nameplates for staff offices
- ADA-approved tactile unit markers
Signs with the same unit number make your property look neat and organized. Long-lasting materials like brushed metal or acrylic make sure that the job lasts and looks professional.
Read More About: Why ADA-Compliant Signage Matters in Multifamily Housing
5. Amenity & Informational Apartment Signage
Label shared spaces and communicate clearly.
Examples:
- “Fitness Center,” “Mailroom,” “Pool Rules,” or “Pet Wash Station”
- Parking or package room policie
- Recycling and trash instructions
Amenity signage helps residents use your facilities confidently and safely. Plus, when branded correctly, it keeps your property feeling upscale and organized.
6. Branding & Decorative Apartment Building Signs
Give your brand individuality and make it come to life.
Examples:
- Dimensional lobby logo signs
- Wall murals or motivational quotes
- Themed signage in lounges or hallways
Your signs aren't just useful; they also make people feel something. Custom ornamental signs can help tell the story of your apartment and make your residents pleased to live there.
Sunrise Signs makes signs that fit nicely with the look of your property as a whole by using coherent branding elements.
7. Digital & Interactive Apartment Signage
Update how you talk to people and make an impression on them.
Examples:
- Digital directories or touchscreen maps in lobbies
- Announcement screens for events or weather updates
- Interactive visitor check-in kiosks
Digital apartment signs are flexible and have a modern look, making them great for communities that are tech-savvy. You don't have to print new signs every time information changes; you may update your displays right away.
8. Temporary & Construction Apartment Building Signs
Make sure communication is clear during renovations or leasing.
Examples:
- “Now Leasing” or “Coming Soon” banners
- Directional signs for detours or construction zones
- Safety and hard-hat notices
Professional temporary signs guarantee your property looks nice, even when you're doing improvements or adding on. Leasing banners that capture the eye can also be used to get new renters.
Apartment Signage Categories at a Glance
|
|
Sign Type |
Primary Purpose |
|
1 |
Exterior Identification |
Branding & curb appeal |
|
2 |
Wayfinding & Directional |
Navigation & orientation |
|
3 |
Safety & ADA |
Compliance & accessibility |
|
4 |
Unit Identification |
Clarity & professionalism |
|
5 |
Amenity & Informational |
Resident communication |
|
6 |
Branding & Decorative |
Aesthetics & engagement |
|
7 |
Digital & Interactive |
Smart communication |
|
8 |
Temporary / Construction |
Marketing & updates |
Final Thoughts
Thoughtful signs are more than just decoration; they help your brand connect with your residents. Professional, consistent apartment building signs ensure your property looks tidy, easy to get to, and welcoming.
Sunrise Signs can help you design signs that get people's attention and communicate your narrative, whether you're renovating an existing neighborhood or starting a fresh new one.
Why Choose Sunrise Signs for Apartment Building Signage
At Sunrise Signs, we make unique apartment signs that combine style, durability, and brand identification. With years of experience serving property managers, developers, and architects across Philadelphia, we make your property stand out from the street to the suite.
You’ll get:
- Tailored Designs that match your brand and architecture
- Full-Service Production from concept to installation
- ADA-Compliant Solutions built to meet all regulations
- Premium Materials for long-lasting impact
Sunrise Signs makes signs that make your property look better, whether it's a new building or a refurbishment.
