Home Bar Signs and Pub Shed Neon: The Great British Guide to Garden Bar Ideas
Somewhere in the last few years, the home bar stopped being a novelty and became a national project. Garden sheds turned into pubs with better beer than the actual pub. Alcoves became cocktail corners. And every single one of them, at some point, faces the same beautiful decision: what goes up in lights?
A home bar isn’t really a bar without a sign that lights up - it’s just a shelf with some bottles on it. The sign is what makes it feel like a real establishment. We’ve made signs for loads of home bars and pub sheds, so we thought we’d share our tips on how to get yours just right.
First: the name
When it comes to home bar neon signs, the personalised name sign is the clear winner, and the best part is coming up with the name itself. You’ve got a few classic options to choose from, and they usually go in this order of popularity: the possessive names like “Dave’s Bar” or “The Hendersons’ Arms”, then there are the proper pub names like “The Dog & Duck” or “The Slippery Slope”, followed by the in-jokes that only your friends will get, and finally, the puns - we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve made variations of “Gin & Bear It”. Take your time picking the name, because it’s what you’ll be saying every time you invite someone over, and trust me, “fancy a pint at The Fox & Fiddle” sounds way better than “come check out the shed”. You want something that’ll make you proud to show off your home bar, and a great name can make all the difference. So don’t rush it, have some fun with it, and come up with something that’s really you.
To make your home bar sign feel like a real pub sign, try adding a personal touch with your name and “EST.” followed by a significant year. This could be the year you moved into your home, the year you got married, or even the year you finished building your shed. Adding this detail gives your sign a sense of history and authenticity, making it feel more like a traditional pub sign. You can choose any year that holds meaning to you, and it will make your home bar sign truly unique and special.
When you’ve found the perfect name, our text designer instantly gives you a price in the font and colour of your choice. If you’re going for a classic look, a proper pub-style script in warm white or amber is the way to go - it’s the closest you can get to capturing the authentic feel of a traditional pub sign.
The supporting cast
When it comes to your home bar, you want it to look great and feel welcoming. A simple “BAR” sign in bold letters is a classic choice that works well even in small spaces. But you can also get creative with signs that reflect your love of cocktails, like “Cocktails & Dreams” or “Shaken not stirred”. If you’re more of a beer fan, you could go for a sign that features a pint of beer, a hop, or a bottle cap. And if you want to add a bit of fun to your bar, you could choose a sign with a playful phrase like “Good Vibes Only” or a fun image like a flamingo. You can find lots of ready-made signs like these in our bar collection, or you can mix and match to create your own unique look. Most people find that one custom sign with their name on it, plus one or two ready-made signs, is the perfect combination for their home bar. This way, you can add some personality to your space without overwhelming it. So why not take a look at our collection and see what inspires you? You could find the perfect sign to make your home bar really special.
Pub sheds and garden bars: the outdoor question
When it comes to signs, there’s a key difference that often gets overlooked. If a sign is placed inside a dry, insulated pub shed, it’s considered an indoor sign and the usual rules apply. But if the sign is on the outside of the shed, above the door like you’d typically see at a pub, or in a shed that’s not insulated and gets damp and cold, then it needs to be built to be waterproof - no exceptions. The reason for this is that condensation in an unheated garden building can slowly damage indoor signs and quickly void their warranties. We’ve got a detailed guide on outdoor neon signs that covers IP ratings and safe powering, but the basic idea is that if the weather can touch your garden bar sign, you should order a waterproof one. You should also make sure to run the power from a proper outdoor socket or through the wall from inside. It’s worth noting that our waterproof signs come with a 1-year warranty, compared to 3 years for indoor signs, and this is just because we’re being honest about the challenges of outdoor signage.
Making a small bar feel like a big night
What makes a pub feel like a real pub and not just a shed with a fridge is the way it’s lit. It’s all about contrast - you want the main lights to be low and warm, and then you want the neon signs to be the brightest thing in the room. That’s what creates a nice atmosphere. A dimmer switch is a must-have, because you want to be able to adjust the lighting as the night goes on. For example, the sign that’s shining bright at 7pm should be a lot more subtle by 11pm. When it comes to placing the signs, put the main one behind the bar, just like they do in real pubs. That way, it’s the backdrop for every pint that’s poured and every photo that’s taken. If you have a second sign, put it above the door - it’s a great spot because it’s the last thing people see when they’re leaving, and it’s what they’ll remember when they’re inviting themselves back. Plus, if you light it from the inside, it’ll really make an impact.
Size guidance for typical spaces: 60 to 80cm suits an alcove or drinks corner; 80 to 120cm suits a full shed back-bar wall. Tape the outline up first and stand where your guests will stand.
Budget honestly
You can create your own unique space in stages, it’s not all about doing everything at once. To get started, you can add a ready-made accent piece, like a neon sign, which can be pretty affordable - there are even budget options available in our budget collection that can help you get that glow without breaking the bank. Then, you can move on to the centrepiece of your space, a custom name sign, which can cost anywhere from £100 to £250, depending on how long you want it to be and what font you choose. Finally, you can add the finishing touch with an outdoor-over-the-door piece, which is like the ultimate goal for anyone who wants to create a really special space. Lots of people spread this process out over a year or so, and it’s kind of like how real pubs evolve over time, you know?
No matter how you get there, the end result is always the same - you’re standing behind the bar you own, the sign is lit up, and you’re pouring the first drink in a place that’s truly yours. And let’s be honest, it’s a feeling that never gets old, as many of our customers can attest to.
