Project : Flutes Restaurant Signage

August 18, 2024

FLUTES is an award-winning restaurant known for its exquisite dining experience. Previously located at the National Museum of Singapore, they have now a brand new set of fine-looking signage put up to welcome their new home in Guoco Midtown House.

Photo: Flutes Restaurant

In this article, we will look into the factors that contribute to a well-chosen signage for an exquisite dining restaurant. A front-lit signage for a classy and high-rated restaurant must exude elegance and sophistication, serving as the first impression for potential guests.

Design Elements:

Elegant Typography
The font choice should be refined and easy to read. The restaurant branding or F&B Group should have their corporate identity, used to communicate its personality through their fonts, colors, themes and elements; to incorporate on ambiance, concept, decor, printed materials, digital presence, and more. It is crucial to stick to these factors to create the signage that is the face of the entrance and which surrounds the restaurant’s decor.
Minimalist Aesthetic
Less is more for fine dining signage. Avoid cluttered designs, and focus on clean lines and simplicity. The sign should reflect the restaurant’s attention to detail.
Subtle Color Palette
Muted or metallic tones, such as deep gold, charcoal, or ivory, can add an element of understated luxury. The color palette should complement the restaurant’s exterior design. If the entire restaurant goes by the color white, the signage will not stand out if it is pure white too.

High-End Metals
Materials like brushed stainless steel, polished aluminium, or electroplated bronze can add a luxurious feel. These metals reflect light beautifully, creating a timeless appearance.
Acrylic with Matte Finishes
High-quality acrylic materials can be used for the lettering or backing, offering a clean and modern aesthetic. Matte finishes can prevent glare, making the signage easy to read and subtle. The common misconception is that Acrylic is not expensive, however in fact, it is often used in signage for many purposes and benefits.

Lighting:

Soft LED Illumination
Front-lit signage uses LED lights positioned in front of the sign to gently illuminate the lettering. The lighting should be soft and warm, evoking a welcoming atmosphere rather than being harsh or overpowering. Some restaurants make use of white lighting, and for FLUTES, a soft warm lighting is preferred for their entire ambience.
Dimmable Option
Consider dimmable lighting that can be adjusted according to the time of day or viewing distance, while ensuring the sign remains attractive. In Singapore, we have to also keep by the BCA signage guidelines to not have overly bright or glaring signage that will cause any negative impact. Should complaints or feedback be received regarding an illuminated sign, the Licensee will be required to dim the lighting to an acceptable level and reduce the operation hours of the illuminated sign by switching it off for certain timings.

Photo: Flutes Restaurant

Size and Placement:

Proportional to the Building/Facade
The signage should be proportional to the building’s façade. Oversized signs can feel out of place, while too small signs may go unnoticed. As a signage expert, we do provide aesthetic advice and design recommendations.
Positioned at Eye Level
It should be positioned at an optimal height where it’s easily visible to pedestrians and passing vehicles, without obstructing the view of the restaurant’s architecture. Most signage are positioned above the entrance of the door, so as to avoid being blocked or hit, and also good for photo taking.

Details and Finishes:

Framing
The signage can be framed with a subtle border that adds structure without drawing too much attention away from the main content. This set of signage requires customised brackets to hang from the ceiling, and also to support each floating letter.
Custom Accents
Incorporating subtle, artistic accents like geometric patterns or even discreet logo marks can make the sign feel bespoke and exclusive.

A well-crafted front-lit signage serves not just as a marker for location, but as a symbol of the experience diners can expect. It should feel as premium as the service and cuisine offered inside, enhancing the overall identity of the fine dining establishment.