Window Decals for NYC Storefronts & Commercial Spaces
Clear, opaque, perforated, and die-cut vinyl window graphics — designed, fabricated in-house, and professionally installed across all five boroughs for retail stores, offices, restaurants, and commercial properties.
35+ Years NYC Experience
Trusted across all five boroughs.
In-House Production
Faster, consistent quality control.
Professional Installation
All five boroughs + tri-state
COI on Request
Building management
Professional Window Decals for NYC Storefronts, Offices & Glass Surfaces
Signs New York designs, prints, and installs custom window decals for businesses across New York City — from single-door vinyl lettering for a Brooklyn café to full-window perforated graphics across a multi-storefront retail rollout in Manhattan.
Everything is produced in-house at our 10,000 sq ft facility in New York. We print on premium vinyl substrates using UV-cured and solvent inks rated for years of outdoor exposure in NYC weather. Our installation team works across all five boroughs, coordinates directly with building management, and schedules around your business hours.
Whether you need permanent storefront branding, seasonal promotional graphics that change quarterly, or privacy film for office glass — we handle the full scope from design to removal.
Clear, Opaque & Perforated
Full range of transparency options for any visibility requirement
Inside & Outside Glass
Standard or reverse-print application to suit your window position
Seasonal Changeovers
Ongoing programs for businesses that rotate graphics quarterly
Install & Removal
Professional application with COI, after-hours scheduling available
Popular Window Decal Applications
The most common window decal projects we produce for NYC businesses.
Storefront Branding
Logo, business name, and tagline on your street-facing glass.
Store Hours & Info
Hours, phone, address, and payment methods on your door or sidelight.
Seasonal Promotions
Sale graphics, new arrivals, and event announcements that change with the sea
Full-Window Advertising
Perforated vinyl wrapping the full window — see out, brand graphic outside.
Office Door Logos
Die-cut logo on glass doors, conference room partitions, and transoms.
Privacy Screening
Opaque or perforated vinyl on meeting rooms, medical offices, and street-level glass.
Real Estate & Vacancy
"Available," "For Lease," and property info for vacant storefronts and units.
Restaurant Menus & Specials
Menus, daily specials, delivery info, and QR codes on restaurant windows and doors.
What Are Window Decals?
Window decals are custom-printed or cut vinyl graphics designed specifically for application on glass surfaces — storefront windows, glass doors, office partitions, transoms, and sidelights. They’re one of the most cost-effective ways to brand your business, advertise promotions, display essential information like store hours, or add privacy to interior glass.
Window decals are made from adhesive-backed vinyl film in various finishes: clear (transparent where not printed), opaque (solid, blocks visibility), perforated (one-way vision — see out from inside, full graphic from outside), and die-cut (individual letters or shapes cut from solid-color vinyl). Each type serves a different purpose depending on how much visibility, light, and privacy you need.
Decals can be applied to the outside of the glass (first surface) for maximum visibility, or to the inside of the glass (second surface / reverse print) for protection from weather, vandalism, and wear. Inside glass application also keeps the graphic looking cleaner longer, since it’s shielded by the glass itself.
Window Decal vs. Window Sticker
Often used interchangeably. Both refer to adhesive-backed vinyl applied to glass. "Decal" is the industry-standard term for professional-grade graphics.
Window Decal vs. Window Cling
Clings use static electricity, not adhesive. They're repositionable and reusable — best for temporary or seasonal graphics. Decals are semi-permanent and more durable.
Window Decal vs. Window Wrap
A decal covers part of the window (logos, lettering, partial graphics). A window wrap covers the entire window edge to edge. See our window wraps page.
Window Decal vs. Window Frosting
Frosted vinyl simulates etched or sandblasted glass for privacy. It's translucent, not printed with graphics. See our window frosting page.
Window Decal Types
Every decal is custom-fabricated to your exact specifications — your logo, your colors, your window dimensions.
Logos · Store Hours · Lettering
Clear Vinyl Decals
- Transparency Full — unprinted areas are clear
- Application Inside glass or outside glass
- Best for Logos, hours, subtle branding
- Life 3–5 years outdoor
Promotions · Privacy · Full Coverage
Opaque Vinyl Decals
Solid white base, printed full color. Blocks visibility from both sides. Used for promotional graphics, sale announcements, and privacy applications.
- Transparency None — fully opaque
- Application Inside glass (reverse) or outside
- Best for Promos, privacy, bold graphics
- Life 5+ years outdoor
Storefronts · Full-Window · Advertising
Perforated Vinyl (One-Way Vision)
Micro-perforated material with tiny holes that allow you to see out from inside while displaying a full-color graphic on the outside. The storefront workhorse.
- Transparency One-way — see out, graphic outside
- Application Outside glass only
- Best for Full-window advertising, privacy
- Life 3–5 years outdoor
Business Names · Hours · Taglines
Die-Cut Vinyl Lettering
Individual letters and shapes cut from solid-color vinyl. No background, no border — just clean type on glass. The most common window graphic for business identification.
- Transparency N/A — letters only, glass shows
- Colors Hundreds of stock + PMS match
- Best for Names, hours, phone, taglines
- Life 7+ years outdoor
Seasonal · Temporary · Repositionable
Static Clings
Adhesive-free vinyl held to glass by static electricity. Peel off, reposition, reuse. Ideal for seasonal promotions, sales events, and any graphic you’ll change regularly.
- Adhesion Static — no adhesive, no residue
- Types Clear, opaque, perforated
- Best for Seasonal promos, sales, events
- Life 1–3 years (reusable)
Branding · Photo Walls · Custom Art
Printed Full-Color Decals
Any image, illustration, or photo printed on vinyl and applied to glass. Contour-cut, poster-cut, or custom-shaped. Full CMYK with optional lamination for scratch and UV resistance.
- Print UV digital, full CMYK
- Cut options Contour, poster, halo, custom
- Lamination Gloss, matte, or unlaminated
- Max width 54" (tiled for larger)
Inside Glass vs. Outside Glass Application
One of the most common questions we get. For most NYC storefronts and commercial spaces, outside glass is the recommended application — here’s why.
★ Recommended
Outside Glass (First Surface)
Individual letters and shapes cut from solid-color vinyl. No background, no border — just clean type on glass. The most common window graphic for business identification.
- Maximum visibility — your graphic faces the viewer directly with no glass between them
- No glare interference — reflections don't wash out the design, even in direct sunlight
- Works with every vinyl type — clear, opaque, perforated, die-cut, and printed
- Required for perforated vinyl (one-way vision only functions on the exterior surface)
- Colors appear more vivid and saturated without glass diffusing the image
- Easier to read from a distance and at oblique angles on busy sidewalks
- Exposed to weather and physical contact — though our UV-resistant vinyl is rated for 3–5+ years outdoors in NYC conditions
Best for: storefront branding, full-window advertising, perforated vinyl, promotions, any high-visibility application
Inside Glass (Second Surface / Reverse Print)
The decal is applied to the interior side of the glass and reverse-printed so it reads correctly from outside. A secondary option best suited for specific situations.
- Glass protects the graphic from weather and physical wear
- Can be installed without exterior access — useful for upper-floor windows
- Window glare and reflections can significantly reduce visibility, especially in daylight
- Colors appear less vivid — glass between the viewer and graphic diffuses the image
- Only available for clear vinyl and clear static clings — not compatible with perforated or opaque
- Limited vinyl type options narrows what you can achieve visually
- Best for: simple logos and store hours where exterior access is difficult, or locations with high vandalism risk
Best for: simple logos and store hours where exterior access is difficult, or locations with high vandalism risk
Custom Window Decals for Every Type of Business
From high-traffic retail storefronts to private medical offices — we produce window graphics tailored to how each business uses its glass.
Storefront branding, sale promotions, seasonal graphics, and product displays that turn window shoppers into foot traffic.
- Storefronts
- Boutiques
- Malls
Menu displays, daily specials, delivery branding, hours, and ambiance graphics for windows and glass doors.
- Dining
- Cafés
- Bars
- Fast casual
Corporate Offices
Glass door logos, conference room identification, glass partition branding, and lobby window displays.
- Lobbies
- Partitions
- Doors
"For Lease," "Available," and vacancy signage on storefronts, residential lobbies, and commercial properties.
- Leasing
- Vacancy
- Brokerages
Practice branding, hours, patient information, and privacy screening on clinic and office windows.
- Clinics
- Dental
- Urgent care
Salons & Spas
Service menus, brand aesthetics, hours, and promotional graphics for salon storefronts and spa entrances.
- Hair salons
- Nail bars
- Day spas
Fitness & Wellness
Class schedules, brand graphics, privacy vinyl, and promotional graphics on studio windows and glass walls.
- Gyms
- Yoga
- Pilates
Events & Pop-Ups
Temporary branded window graphics for pop-up shops, grand openings, product launches, and seasonal activations.
- Pop-ups
- Launches
- Grand openings
NYC Storefront Window Signage: What to Know
We don’t file permits or certify compliance — but we know the landscape and we’ll flag what to look into.
Window Signage vs. Sign Permits
Window decals applied directly to glass are generally treated differently than mounted or projecting signs under NYC DOB rules. Most interior-applied and standard storefront vinyl graphics do not require a separate sign permit.
Landmark Districts
Storefronts in designated landmark or historic districts may require LPC review for exterior window graphics that alter the facade appearance. Check with the Landmarks Preservation Commission for your property.
Coverage & Illumination
NYC zoning may regulate how much window area can be covered with opaque or perforated graphics, especially in residential-adjacent commercial districts. Backlit or internally illuminated window signs have additional permit requirements.
Disclaimer: General reference only. Confirm current requirements with the NYC Department of Buildings, your building management, and — for landmark properties — the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
How We Work
Whether it’s a single yard sign or a 50-listing brokerage program, the process is straightforward.
01
Consult
Share your goals, window photos, dimensions, and brand guidelines.
02
Measure
Site visit or your measurements. We confirm dimensions and glass type.
03
Design & Proof
Scaled mockup on your window photo. You approve before production.
04
Fabrication
Printed or cut at our Queens facility. Color-matched, laminated, inspected.
05
Installation
Professional install, building coordination, after-hours scheduling available.
Installation & Building Coordination
Most commercial buildings in New York City require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from any vendor performing work on the premises. Many also have rules about freight elevator access, work hours, floor protection, and contractor registration. We handle all of this.
Our installation team works on storefront windows, glass doors, interior partitions, transoms, and high-floor exterior glass across all five boroughs. We coordinate directly with your building management or property manager, provide COIs, and schedule installs around your business hours — including after-hours and weekends for occupied spaces.
For seasonal changeover clients, we handle both removal of old graphics and installation of new ones in a single visit, often overnight so your storefront is fresh for the morning.
COI on Request
Full liability and workers' comp. We provide Certificates of Insurance to your building.
After-Hours Installs
Evenings, weekends, overnight. Your business stays open, we work around it.
Surface Prep
We clean, prep, and squeegee every panel for bubble-free, aligned application.
Removal & Changeover
Old graphics removed cleanly, new ones applied in the same visit. No residue.
Window Decals vs. Window Wraps vs. Window Frosting
Three different products for glass surfaces. Here’s when to use each.
| FEATURE | WINDOW DECALS | WINDOW WRAPS | WINDOW FROSTING |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Logos, lettering, or partial graphics on glass | Full-window coverage, edge to edge | Translucent vinyl that simulates etched/sandblasted glass |
| Coverage | Partial — individual elements | Full window, complete coverage | Partial or full, depending on design |
| Best for | Branding, hours, promos, info | Immersive advertising, privacy + graphics | Privacy, elegance, light diffusion |
| Visibility through | Depends on type (clear, opaque, perf) | One-way (perforated) or none (opaque) | Blurred — light passes, visibility doesn't |
| Removable? | Yes — clean removal | Yes — more labor intensive | Yes — clean removal |
We produce all three. See our window wraps page and window frosting page for details.
Related Products
Window decals are often part of a larger storefront or interior branding project.
Frosted and etched vinyl for privacy on glass partitions and storefront windows.
Vinyl lettering, logos, and graphics for interior walls, lobbies, and offices
Storefront Signs
Channel letters, awnings, blade signs, and exterior branding for your building.
Window and body graphics for cars, vans, and fleet vehicles.
Care & Maintenance
Cleaning
Wait 24–48 hours after installation before cleaning. Wipe gently with mild soap and water using a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid ammonia-based glass cleaners (like Windex), abrasive pads, and pressure washers — they degrade the vinyl and adhesive.
Removal
Static clings peel off cleanly. Adhesive decals can be removed by peeling slowly at a 45° angle — apply heat with a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive first. Any residual adhesive can be cleaned with a citrus-based remover. We also offer professional removal services.
Longevity
Interior decals on glass typically last 5–7+ years. Exterior decals last 3–5 years depending on sun exposure, weather, and orientation. South-facing windows in direct sunlight will shorten lifespan. Lamination adds 1–2 years to outdoor life.
Design Tips for Window Decals
01
Contrast is everything
Your graphic competes with reflections, sky, and whatever's behind the glass. High-contrast designs (dark on light or light on dark) read better than subtle tones. White ink on clear vinyl is your friend.
02
Design for the distance
Storefront decals are viewed from across the street, not up close. Keep text large, fonts bold, and details minimal. If it doesn't read from 20 feet away, it won't work on a busy NYC sidewalk.
03
Account for what's behind the glass
Clear decals show your interior. If the view behind the glass is cluttered or unappealing, consider opaque or perforated vinyl instead. Perforated gives you a full graphic outside while still letting staff see out.
04
Leave breathing room
Don't cover every square inch of glass. A well-placed logo with clean margins is more impactful than a window packed edge-to-edge with text. Let the glass itself frame your graphic.
05
Include a CTA
Every storefront window decal should prompt an action — walk in, call, scan a QR code, visit a URL. Even your store hours are a CTA ("We're open — come in!").
06
Think about nighttime
Interior-lit storefronts look dramatically different at night. Interior lighting can make inside-glass decals glow beautifully, while outside-glass decals may go dark. Factor lighting conditions into your application choice.
Hear What Our Clients Are Saying
Let's Make Your Windows Work Harder
Send us your window photos, dimensions, and brand guidelines — we’ll create a scaled mockup and quote within one business day.
35+
Years in NYC signage
24hr
Mockup turnaround
100%
In-house production
COI
Provided on request
- Call: 718-453-8300
- Email: sales@signsny.com
Request a Window Wrap Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
Window decals are printed vinyl graphics that stick to glass surfaces using adhesive. They’re used for storefronts, offices, and vehicles for branding, promotions, or decoration.
Decals use adhesive to stick to glass and are more durable and long-lasting. Clings use static electricity — no glue — so they’re easy to remove and reposition but not as suited for outdoor, long-term use.
Yes. They can be applied to the inside of the glass, printed in reverse so the design reads correctly from the outside. This also protects the print from weather and UV damage.
No. When removed properly using a plastic scraper and gentle heat (like a hair dryer), they come off cleanly without leaving residue or scratching the glass.
Outdoor decals typically last 3–7 years depending on sun exposure and weather. Indoor decals last even longer. UV-resistant laminate helps maintain color and durability.
It’s a vinyl with thousands of tiny holes that lets people inside see out, while displaying a full graphic image to people on the outside. Great for covering large windows without blocking light or interior visibility.
Yes. Professional installation is available, ensuring a clean, bubble-free result. This is especially useful for large or complex designs.
Yes. Pantone, CMYK, and RGB color matching is available. Just provide your brand guidelines or color values and they’ll match them precisely.
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days from approved artwork. Rush orders (1–2 business days) are available for an extra fee.
It depends on the size and placement. Small decals usually don’t require a permit, but larger signage may fall under NYC zoning or building code rules. They can advise based on your specific situation.
Yes. They offer scheduled programs to swap out your window graphics throughout the year — handling design updates, printing, removal of old graphics, and fresh installation for each season or campaign.