Where Can I Put Wall Signs?

So, you're asking where can I put wall signs — and it’s a fair question. Get it wrong, and you risk confusion, missed messages, or worse, non-compliance. But get it right, and those signs guide people, reinforce your brand, and support workplace safety.

This wall sign placement guide keeps things practical, helping you place signs in the right spots without second-guessing. From safety signage placement to HSE signage requirements, it's all in here. Perfect if you're running a garage, office, or anything in between and want signs that actually work, not just stick to the wall.

1. Entrances and Reception Areas

The front entrance sets the tone. A well-placed wall sign reassures visitors they’re in the right place and reflects your brand from the get-go. Use welcome messages, logos, and simple directional signs, especially if your reception isn’t right by the door.

Stick to basics: eye-level placement, clean design, and good lighting if visibility is poor. These aren’t just commercial wall signs, they are your first impression. For that reason, most office signage tips suggest starting here. It’s a small detail that signals professionalism before anyone even steps inside.

2. Hallways and Corridors

Corridors are where people often get stuck or turned around, so signs here need to do more than look nice; they need to lead. Directional arrows to toilets, exits, or key rooms work best at corners or junctions.

Fire exit signs, on the other hand, are a legal must under HSE signage requirements. They should be clear, visible, and photoluminescent in darker areas.

Use this part of your wall sign placement guide to keep people moving smoothly and to avoid repeated questions about where everything is.

3. Workstations and Offices

Inside office spaces or work zones, signs can do a bit more than point people around; they help organise who does what, where. Desk nameplates, department labels, and marked zones create a neater space that just feels easier to work in. If your team is growing, or you’ve got shared spaces, these small labels stop a lot of unnecessary faff.

But it's not just about clarity. Instructional signs, like how to report a fault or who’s responsible for a machine, can support workplace safety. And depending on the equipment or activity, some signs are expected under workplace sign regulations.

Use this part of your wall sign placement guide to keep things practical. Stick to essentials, place signs where they’re naturally in people’s eyeline, and make them easy to update. That way, your signage doesn’t just sit there; it helps.

4. Break Rooms and Common Areas

These spaces are often where mess builds up and rules get ignored, unless the signs do their bit. Whether it's reminders to wash hands, label food, or keep the kettle area clean, a few well-placed wall signs usually make the difference between a usable break room and one that feels like a student kitchen.

For shared kitchens or staff rooms, hygiene notices are more than just polite; they support legal obligations too. That includes waste-sorting instructions or basic food prep hygiene, especially if you’re in a client-facing industry.

This is a prime spot where office signage tips and signage best practices UK overlap. Keep it simple, readable at a glance, and resistant to steam or cleaning sprays. And yes — make sure it’s positioned where the issue actually happens, not two feet above eye-level on the wrong wall.

5. Restrooms and Utility Spaces

It’s easy to overlook signage in these spots, but honestly, this is where you’ll often find some of the most important signs on your premises. Gender-specific, inclusive, or accessible toilet signs help people feel more comfortable and reduce awkward guessing. And if your space is open to the public, correct signage here isn’t optional — it’s expected under UK workplace sign regulations.

Utility areas, cleaning cupboards, and service zones should carry hazard notices, cleaning rotas, or safety instructions. These don’t just tick the compliance box, they help protect anyone who needs to access the space.

Your wall sign placement guide should suggest keeping signs durable, wipeable, and securely mounted. In smaller spaces, they still need to be clear, not shoved behind a door or stuck next to a mop bucket.

6. Safety and Compliance Zones

Now this is the area where signage isn’t just helpful, it’s non-negotiable. Workshops, warehouses, and loading bays all fall under strict HSE signage requirements. That means you’ll need clear, visible warnings where there are moving parts, hazardous substances, or PPE expectations.

So, what signs go where? Use hazard symbols at entry points. Display mandatory PPE instructions, like safety goggles, high-vis, or ear protection — at eye level, just before the hazard zone. Fire safety procedures should sit near exits, alarms, and equipment shut-off points.

These areas often change with machinery upgrades or layout shifts, so your safety signage placement should be reviewed regularly. Stick to weatherproof materials for outdoor spaces and use reflective finishes where lighting is poor.

This part of your wall sign placement guide is about legal compliance, sure — but it’s also about keeping people safe without second-guessing what they’re meant to do next.

Sign Types & Their Roles

Here’s a quick refresher to help separate what’s required from what’s just useful:

• Regulatory signs (must-haves):
  
  

• Fire exit markers

• PPE notices

• Hazard warnings

• First aid location signs
  
  

• Optional enhancement signs (nice to have):
  
  

• Welcome or brand graphics

• Nameplates and room labels

• Kitchen and restroom etiquette signs

• Custom motivational quotes or values

Using a mix helps keep your signage compliant and human. And yes, it’s all part of signage best practices UK.

Sign Placement by Area

To keep things practical, here’s a simple breakdown showing which signs go where — and why:

This serves as a quick reference for commercial wall signs, useful for planning a full layout or checking for gaps against workplace sign regulations.

Before you start ordering signs, walk the site with a pen and a clipboard. Spot the pinch points, blind corners, and spots where people usually ask, “Where’s that again?” That’s where signs do the most good.

For help staying compliant, check the HSE signage requirements or browse our wall signs range for ready-made options.

And don’t forget — this wall sign placement guide isn’t one-and-done. A quick review every few months can keep you on top of both safety and presentation.