5 Monolith Sign Design Ideas to Help You Get Noticed

External and internal monolith signs can be a sleek and effective way to deliver a message. It’s also worth noting that they’re often referred to as pylon or totem signage.

1 – Illuminate Your Monolith Sign

Many people forget that during the winter months it gets dark as early as 3 p.m., so adding illumination to your monolith sign is essential if you want it to be visible. At Lavastar, we offer a wide range of lighting options for signage, but remember that if you want your sign to light up, you’ll need to ensure power can be supplied to it.

You could also consider adding solar power to your monolith. However, the success of this depends on how much sunlight the sign receives throughout the day. The solar panel itself must also be considered at the design stage. If you’re submitting your design for planning approval, the local authority will likely want details about which areas of the totem will be illuminated and the light levels (LUX) it will produce.

2 – Add 3D Feature Elements to Make It Pop

Many totem or monolith sign designs are quite flat, which can look stylish—but if you really want to stand out, think outside the box. At Lavastar, we’ve created many unique monolith designs, and adding a key 3D element, such as a raised logo crest, can truly add the wow factor.

For maximum impact, you can even combine this with illumination—an illuminated 3D crest grabs attention both day and night.

3 – Choose Materials That Suit the Environment

Monolith signage can be made from a wide variety of materials, but choosing the wrong one can make your sign fail with its surroundings.

On industrial estates or business parks, aluminium is a popular choice because it’s durable, can be fabricated into large structures, and fits well in that environment. However, placing an aluminium or plastic monolith in a National Trust site might look out of place. In more sensitive areas where subtlety is key, consider using natural materials such as wood, which can be engraved and hand-painted to blend in beautifully.

4 – Make Sure the Totem Sign Design Is Legible

Many people design their totem signage based on how it looks on screen, without considering how effective it will be once installed. Font choice, colour contrast, and text size are crucial—especially if you’re targeting viewers passing by in cars or on bikes.

If the sign is intended for longer engagement (e.g., pedestrian areas), that’s when you can include more detailed messaging. If your monolith requires planning approval, the local authority will also review aspects such as colour choice and font size to ensure the design suits the proposed location.

5 – Don’t Forget the Landscaping

I’ve seen plenty of beautifully designed totems across the UK, but many lack consideration for the surrounding area. Some of the most impressive monolith signs aren’t the most expensive—they stand out because of thoughtful landscaping. Setting your sign within a freshly landscaped area full of colour and life can make a huge difference.

Final Note Before Getting Your Totem Sign Fabricated…

Always ensure that your monolith signage is structurally designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Monoliths are meant to draw attention—but failing to engineer them for wind and load safety could quickly bring the wrong kind of attention.

Speak to our sales team today to obtain a quote for fabricating and installing your signage 01252 850818