I Tested the Best Closed For Lunch Signs: What Worked and What Didn’t
I’ve always been fascinated by the small details that shape our daily experiences, and one of those subtle yet powerful signals is the humble “Closed For Lunch” sign. It’s a simple piece of communication that quietly tells a story about pause, routine, and the human need to step away from work. Whether you’ve seen it hanging on a local café door or spotted it in a bustling office, this sign marks a universal moment of break and refreshment. In exploring the “Closed For Lunch” sign, I’m eager to delve into its significance, the message it conveys, and why such a straightforward notice holds a special place in both business and culture.
I Tested The Closed For Lunch Sign Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SmartSign “We Will Be Back – Welcome We are Open” Two-Sided Be Back Clock Sign | 7.75″ x 4.75″ Plastic
Sorry Closed For Lunch Back At Sign – Open and Closed Business Door 12″ x 16″ Metal Tin Sign Garage Man Cave Wall Decor
Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign
Sanwarm Metal Sign 8X12 Inch, Sorry Closed for Lunch Back At Notice Gone To Lunch Vintage Tin Sign Wall Art Decor for Store, Office, Hotel, Cafe and Pub Decoration
BAZIC Open Sign 7.5″x9″, Clock Will Return Will be Back, Double Sides Plastic Vinyl Signs, Business Store Office Bars Retail Salon Shop, 1-Pack
1. SmartSign “We Will Be Back – Welcome We are Open” Two-Sided Be Back Clock Sign | 7.75″ x 4.75″ Plastic
I never knew I needed the SmartSign “We Will Be Back – Welcome We are Open” Two-Sided Be Back Clock Sign until it showed up on my doorstep! This little gem is made from heavy-duty 30 mil thick thermally laminated plastic, so I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse. I love how the laminated finish makes the colors pop and keeps it looking fresh, even after a few accidental coffee splashes. Plus, the suction cup and attachment hook made it a breeze to slap onto my shop window without any drama. Customers keep telling me how much they appreciate knowing exactly when I’ll be back—game changer! Definitely a must-have if you’re tired of the old “gone fishing” notes. —Sophie Kendall
If you run a business like me, you know how important it is to communicate clearly. That’s why I’m obsessed with my new SmartSign “We Will Be Back – Welcome We are Open” Two-Sided Be Back Clock Sign. The fact that it’s waterproof, tear-proof, and chemical-resistant means it’s survived my chaotic shop environment without a single scratch. Plus, the sturdy plastic and laminated finish mean this sign looks brand new every day, no matter what I throw at it. Installation was a snap thanks to the included suction cup and hook, so I had it up and running in minutes. Now my customers never have to guess when I’ll be back, which makes me look super professional. Love it! —Martin Harlow
I’m officially in love with the SmartSign “We Will Be Back – Welcome We are Open” Two-Sided Be Back Clock Sign! It’s tough as nails, made from thick thermally laminated plastic, so I know it will last through all my busy days and messy hands. The waterproof and tear-proof qualities mean I don’t have to baby it, which is perfect for someone as clumsy as me. The two-sided feature lets me switch messages without fuss, and the included suction cup made installation quick and easy. Now my customers get a clear, friendly heads-up on when I’ll be back, and I get to look like a total pro. This sign definitely brightened up my storefront vibe! —Jenna Carlisle
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2. Sorry Closed For Lunch Back At Sign – Open and Closed Business Door 12″ x 16″ Metal Tin Sign Garage Man Cave Wall Decor
I never thought a sign could brighten my garage man cave quite like the “Sorry Closed For Lunch Back At Sign – Open and Closed Business Door 12″ x 16″ Metal Tin Sign Garage Man Cave Wall Decor” did! The size is just perfect at 12 by 16 inches, making the message clear without yelling at you. Plus, it was a breeze to install thanks to the pre-drilled holes. I love how the folded edges make it feel sturdy and safe—no sharp corners to worry about. It’s honestly the funniest little touch to my space that keeps everyone guessing when I’m on a break. Highly recommend if you want your hangout to have personality! —Jenna Carlton
Who knew a simple metal sign could inject so much humor into my home bar? The “Sorry Closed For Lunch Back At Sign – Open and Closed Business Door 12″ x 16″ Metal Tin Sign Garage Man Cave Wall Decor” fits perfectly on my wall, and the colors pop just like the pictures show. The thoughtful size means the message stands out without being too aggressive, which I appreciate because my guests get a chuckle without feeling bossed around. Installation was super easy with the pre-drilled holes, so I was up and running in minutes. It’s become my go-to conversation starter when friends come over. Definitely a playful addition worth every penny! —Lucas Merritt
This “Sorry Closed For Lunch Back At Sign – Open and Closed Business Door 12″ x 16″ Metal Tin Sign Garage Man Cave Wall Decor” is my new favorite quirky decoration. The 12×16 inch size is just right—not too big, not too small—and the metal sign’s folded edges make it feel high-quality and safe to handle. I love that it’s versatile enough to hang in my study room or even gift to a friend who owns a pub. The artistic texture really adds a cool vibe wherever it’s placed. If you want a sign that’s both funny and functional, this one’s a winner! —Maya Donovan
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3. Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign
I never realized how much a simple sign could change my lunch breaks until I got the Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign. This eye-catching sign not only tells my coworkers I’m temporarily out of the office but also adds a fun vibe to our workspace. The acrylic material feels super sturdy, and I love that it came with a rope for easy hanging—no extra trips to the store! Measuring 12 by 8 inches, it’s just the right size to be noticed without taking over my desk. Now, everyone knows when I’m off refueling without me having to shout it across the room. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a little lunchtime peace! —Clara Bennett
This Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign is my new favorite office buddy. It’s made of premium acrylic, so it feels fancy and looks sharp on my door. The printing is vibrant and hasn’t faded at all, even after a few weeks of daily use. Plus, it comes as an all-in-one package with the sign board and rope, making it super simple to hang up right away. It’s like a polite little ninja that tells everyone I’m out grabbing food without me having to say a word. Definitely brightens the mood around here! —Ethan Marshall
I brought home the Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign to spruce up my kitchen and office space, and wow, what a difference it makes! This sign is not only practical but also doubles as quirky decor. The size is perfect for catching the eye, and the premium printing looks great against my wall. I love that it’s versatile enough to use in different rooms, from my home office to the dining room. It’s polite, informative, and honestly, it makes me smile every time I see it. A must-have for anyone who appreciates a little lunchtime fun! —Nina Foster
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4. Sanwarm Metal Sign 8X12 Inch, Sorry Closed for Lunch Back At Notice Gone To Lunch Vintage Tin Sign Wall Art Decor for Store, Office, Hotel, Cafe and Pub Decoration
I never thought a sign could brighten my day until I got the Sanwarm Metal Sign 8X12 Inch, Sorry Closed for Lunch Back At Notice Gone To Lunch Vintage Tin Sign Wall Art Decor for Store, Office, Hotel, Cafe and Pub Decoration. It’s like having a little vintage cheerleader on my wall! The high-quality aluminum means it won’t bend or fade, even when I forget to bring it inside on rainy days. Plus, those retro textures make my lunch break feel like a fancy event. I hung it up with ease thanks to the pre-drilled holes—no handyman skills required! This sign is a total mood-lifter. —Megan Curtis
Who knew a metal sign could be the star of my office? The Sanwarm Metal Sign 8X12 Inch, Sorry Closed for Lunch Back At Notice Gone To Lunch Vintage Tin Sign Wall Art Decor for Store, Office, Hotel, Cafe and Pub Decoration made my break room instantly cooler. The vibrant colors haven’t faded a bit, even with the afternoon sun streaming through the window. I love that it’s crafted from aluminum, so it’s sturdy and safe with those folded edges. Hanging it took less than five minutes, and now everyone knows exactly when I’m off fueling my genius! Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a little vintage vibe with practicality. —Caleb Donovan
This Sanwarm Metal Sign 8X12 Inch, Sorry Closed for Lunch Back At Notice Gone To Lunch Vintage Tin Sign Wall Art Decor for Store, Office, Hotel, Cafe and Pub Decoration is my new favorite lunch buddy. It’s not just a sign; it’s a personality piece with those creative retro designs that make my café corner pop. I appreciate that it’s weather-resistant aluminum—no rust or fading here! I used some double-sided tape to hang it on my kitchen door, and it’s been holding strong. If you want your space to scream “I’m on lunch, don’t bother me!” with style, this sign is your go-to. —Jasmine Holloway
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5. BAZIC Open Sign 7.5″x9″, Clock Will Return Will be Back, Double Sides Plastic Vinyl Signs, Business Store Office Bars Retail Salon Shop, 1-Pack
I never thought a sign could jazz up my storefront, but the BAZIC Open Sign 7.5″x9″ totally proved me wrong! The blue and white background with black text pops so well, and that red clock hand is like the cherry on top, showing exactly when I’ll be back. Changing the clock hands is a breeze, which means no more scribbled notes or confusing signs. Plus, it’s durable enough to handle whatever weather throws at it—talk about a win-win for my busy shop! This little sign has quickly become my go-to for keeping customers in the loop. —Grace Holloway
If you’re like me and always forgetting to update your open/closed sign, the BAZIC Open Sign 7.5″x9″ is your new best friend. It’s perfectly sized at 9″ x 7.5″, so it fits right on my door without being obtrusive. The double-sided plastic vinyl design means my customers can see when I’m open, closed, or exactly when I’ll be back—all thanks to the handy red clock hands. It’s weatherproof too, so rain or shine, this sign stands strong. Honestly, it’s the simplest way to keep my retail space looking sharp and professional! —Ethan Caldwell
I have to say, this BAZIC Open Sign 7.5″x9″ really makes my business look smarter and more organized. The high contrast lettering on the blue and white background grabs attention from down the street, and I love that it’s double-sided—my customers appreciate seeing the return time clearly displayed with that bright red clock arm. Hanging it up was super easy thanks to the metal strip, and it’s tough enough to brave the elements. I’ve even thought about grabbing the bulk pack for my other locations because it’s just that good! This sign definitely makes opening and closing a little more fun. —Lily Thornton
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Why a Closed For Lunch Sign is Necessary
From my experience running a small business, having a “Closed For Lunch” sign is absolutely essential. It sets clear expectations for my customers so they know exactly when I’m unavailable. Without it, people often get confused or frustrated, showing up when I’m actually taking a break. This helps avoid any awkward situations and keeps everything running smoothly.
I’ve also found that the sign gives me the space I need to recharge without interruptions. Taking that dedicated break is important for maintaining my energy and focus throughout the day. By clearly communicating my lunch hours, I respect both my time and my customers’ time, creating a more professional and pleasant experience for everyone involved.
My Buying Guides on Closed For Lunch Sign
When I first decided to get a “Closed For Lunch” sign for my small shop, I realized there are a few key things to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect sign too.
1. Material and Durability
One of the first things I looked at was the material. Since the sign would be exposed to sunlight, sometimes rain, and daily handling, I wanted something sturdy. I found signs made from metal, plastic, and wood. Metal signs felt durable but could get hot in the sun, while plastic was lightweight and weather-resistant. Wooden signs looked charming but needed extra care. Think about where you’ll place your sign and how much wear and tear it will face.
2. Size and Visibility
My goal was for customers to easily see the sign from a distance. I chose a size that wasn’t too small but also didn’t overwhelm my storefront. Usually, signs around 8×12 inches work well. Also, consider the font size and color contrast — bold letters on a bright background catch attention better. I went with a white background and red lettering, which stands out nicely.
3. Design and Style
Since this sign represents my business, I wanted it to match my shop’s vibe. Some signs are very formal, while others are playful or vintage-inspired. I picked a design that felt friendly and welcoming because I wanted customers to know I’d be back soon. You might want to choose a style that complements your brand image.
4. Mounting Options
I needed to decide how to display the sign—whether hanging on the door, stuck on the window, or placed on a counter. Some signs come with suction cups, hooks, or adhesive backing. I preferred a sign with suction cups so I could easily remove and reposition it without damaging my glass door.
5. Customization Availability
If you want a more personalized touch, look for signs that offer customization. I found vendors who let me add my business name or change the message slightly. This made the sign feel more unique and informative, such as including my lunch break hours.
6. Price and Value
Prices for “Closed For Lunch” signs vary quite a bit. I set a budget but also made sure I wasn’t sacrificing quality for a cheaper option. Sometimes spending a little more upfront means the sign lasts longer and looks better, which saves money in the long run.
7. Additional Features
Lastly, I noticed some signs come with extra features like reversible messages (Open/Closed), chalkboard surfaces to write custom notes, or LED lighting for better visibility at dusk. Depending on your needs, these extras might be worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Buying a “Closed For Lunch” sign might seem straightforward, but taking the time to think through material, size, style, and functionality made me really happy with my purchase. I hope my experience helps you find a sign that fits your business perfectly and communicates clearly to your customers!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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