Blanking Boxes: When and Why You Need Them
Blanking boxes are plain, colour-matched panels that cover unused sign locations. They maintain a clean, professional appearance when rooms change purpose, signs are relocated, or old fixings need covering.
Care homes are dynamic environments. Rooms change purpose, corridors are reconfigured, and signage needs evolve over time. When a sign is removed, it often leaves behind mounting holes, adhesive marks, or discoloured patches on the wall. Blanking boxes solve this problem with a simple, elegant approach: a plain, colour-matched acrylic panel that covers the old sign location and restores a clean, professional finish.
When to Use Blanking Boxes#
Common situations where blanking boxes are the right solution:
- A room has changed purpose and the old sign has been relocated or replaced
- A corridor has been reconfigured and sign positions have moved
- Old signage from a different supplier has been removed, leaving wall damage
- Temporary rooms (such as pop-up clinics or meeting spaces) need a neutral sign position
- Consistent spacing is needed in a corridor where not every door requires a sign
- Refurbishment is planned but not yet scheduled -- blanking boxes maintain appearance in the interim
Maintaining Professional Standards#
Adhesive residue, rawl plug holes, and discoloured paint patches send a signal of neglect -- even when the rest of the facility is immaculate. During regulatory inspections, these small details contribute to an inspector's overall impression of how well the building is maintained. A blanking box in the same colour as your signage range costs very little but demonstrates that you care about the finish of every surface in the building.
Pro Tip
Order blanking boxes in the same colour as your signage scheme so they blend seamlessly into the corridor. Keep a few spares in stock so you can respond immediately when a room changes purpose or a sign is relocated.
Blanking boxes are also useful during phased signage rollouts. If you are upgrading your signage corridor by corridor, blanking boxes can hold positions where new signs haven't yet been installed, preventing adhesive marks from temporary labels.
Recommended Products
Our blanking boxes are manufactured from the same 5mm solid white acrylic as our full signage range. Available in all colour schemes to perfectly match your existing signs.
Blanking boxes are a small detail that makes a big difference. They are the sign equivalent of touching up paint after removing a picture frame -- a simple act that says 'we pay attention to everything.' Every care home with an evolving signage system should keep a stock on hand.
Related Articles
Low Profile Signs: The Missing Piece in Care Home Wayfinding
Low profile signs provide clear identification for non-resident-facing areas. From plant rooms and laundry to offices and service corridors, they ensure every part of your facility is clearly signed -- without adding visual clutter where it isn't needed.
The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Sign Type
Door signs, projecting signs, door decals, directional signs, and personalised signs each serve a distinct purpose. This comprehensive guide explains all five types, provides a decision matrix, and helps you plan a complete signage strategy for your care home.
Back-of-House Signage: A Complete Guide for Care Homes
Back-of-house signage is often overlooked in care home planning. This guide covers which areas need signs, what information to include, and how low profile signage supports staff efficiency, compliance, and a professional environment.