What are menu boards?
Illuminated menu boards are lit panels that display menus, prices and offers. Common types are slim LED lightboxes with printed backlit film, edge-lit acrylic menus, and digital LED screens. They make menus easier to read and let you change graphics as menus change.
We plan menu boards around how often you change prices and how far customers stand from the counter. Changeable printed graphics suit most cafés and quick-service counters; screens suit brands that change content daily.
Where it works
- Quick-service restaurants and café counters
- Food courts and cloud-kitchen pick-up points
- Retail price and promotion displays
- Lobby and event information displays
Material options
- Slim aluminium lightboxes with snap or magnetic frames
- Backlit film prints that can be swapped without tools
- Edge-lit acrylic menu panels
- Indoor and outdoor LED display screens, built to the size of the space
Lighting options
- Even, flicker-free LED backlighting
- Brightness matched to the counter area so the board is readable without glare
- Timers to switch off after hours
Finish choices
- Frame colours to match the counter and interior
- Single panels or multi-panel layouts
- Wall-mounted or suspended from the ceiling
Care and maintenance
- Change graphics by opening the frame; keep spare prints for quick updates.
- Wipe fronts regularly in kitchens to remove grease film.
- Keep ventilation around power supplies clear.
What affects the cost
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Number and size of panels | The main driver for lightbox menus |
| Changeability | Snap and magnetic frames cost more than fixed faces |
| Printed or digital | Screens cost more but remove reprint costs |
| Counter integration | Custom bulkheads or ceiling fixings add work |
Common questions
Can I change the menu myself?
Yes. With snap or magnetic frames you can swap printed backlit film by hand. We can supply the print-ready template so your designer can update it.
Should I choose a lightbox or a screen?
Choose a lightbox if your menu changes a few times a year. Choose a screen if you change content often or want to show offers and video. Screens cost more to buy but remove reprint costs.
Last updated 13 November 2026
