From TikTok Discovery to Timeless Design:
At Hera Ray, our passion lies in breathing new life into beautiful, functional hardware with a nod to vintage charm. Our latest creation, the rotating door sign, is a testament to this mission, born from an unexpected source: a viral TikTok video.
The journey began when we stumbled upon a TikTok showcasing an original 1920s hospital roto-sign. This simple yet elegant device, used to communicate essential information outside patient rooms with phrases like "Nil by Mouth" and "Patient Sleeping," captivated viewers. The comments section exploded with inquiries – everyone wanted to know where they could find one. Antique dealers chimed in, highlighting their rarity and the infrequency with which they appear on the market.
For us, this was a lightbulb moment. Here was a design – inherently functional and undeniably beautiful – teetering on the brink of extinction. At Hera Ray, our brand is built on the belief that even the most practical hardware can be a source of aesthetic pleasure. The thought of such a gorgeous piece fading into memory felt like a design crime.
Inspired by this viral rediscovery and fueled by our commitment to timeless design, we embarked on a mission to rescue the roto-sign for the modern era.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Roto-Sign in Hospitals
Imagine the bustling hallways of a 1920s hospital. Amidst the activity, a simple yet ingenious device played a crucial role in communication: the rotating door sign, also known as a "roto-sign" or "nurse:patient" sign. These signs, mainly found in the Souther States of the US were found outside patient rooms and allowed nurses to quickly and clearly convey important information.
Common texts on these original roto-signs included: "Nil by Mouth," "Patient Sleeping," "Family Visiting," and "Treatment in Progress." These functional pieces, while simple in design, were essential for the smooth operation of hospitals. But as time went on, these charming and practical signs began to disappear, fading into obscurity.
Honouring the Past, Embracing Personalisation
Our redesign process was driven by a deep respect for the original's simple yet elegant aesthetic. We were determined to retain its inherent charm while crafting it with the quality and beauty synonymous with Hera Ray. This meant:
- Elevated Materials: Carefully crafting the sign from our signature recycled brass, ensuring durability and a touch of timeless sophistication.
- Premium Quality Details: Selecting high-quality paper for the interchangeable text panels, designed to last.
- Personalized Communication: Empowering our customers to truly make it their own by offering the choice of text for up to five phrases (with a generous limit of 25 characters each).
- Font Selection: Providing a curated selection of four distinct fonts, allowing customers to tailor the sign's style to their personal taste and the aesthetic of their space.
Modern Uses and Customer Creativity
The beauty of our personalised rotating door sign lies in its adaptability to modern life. Here are just a few examples of how our customers are using them, often with incredible creativity and humour:
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Work-From-Home Offices: Navigating the complexities of remote work becomes a little easier (and funnier!) with clear communication:
- On Zoom Call
- Shhh...in a Meeting
- Free as a Bird, Come On In!
- Bring Coffee to Enter!
- Gone Out, Be Back Soon
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Kids' Bedrooms: Add a touch of personality and set clear boundaries (often with a sprinkle of teenage drama!):
- Teenager Sleeping (Enter at Your Own Risk)
- Messy, Don't Come In!
- Check You Brought Snacks
- Knock So I Can Pretend to Sleep
- Yeah I'm gunna say its a NO!
Beyond these, we've seen our customers use them in craft rooms, guest rooms, and all sorts of creative ways, proving that clear communication can be both stylish and entertaining.
A Blend of History and Functionality
The Hera Ray rotating door sign is more than just a decorative accent; it's a piece of functional art that connects us to a bygone era while seamlessly integrating into our modern lives. It's a testament to our belief that beautiful design can also be incredibly practical, adding a touch of vintage charm and clear communication to any space.