Kimball International is a leading manufacturer of furniture for the workplace, health, and education markets. Based in Jasper, Indiana, USA, the company has built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, design innovation, and exceptional customer service since its founding in 1950. It was originally known for its pianos and organs and has since successfully transitioned into furniture manufacturing and has grown into a trusted name across multiple industries.
The brand identity of Kimball International is deeply rooted in its rich history, which dates back to the 19th century through its predecessor, W.W. Kimball & Company, a renowned piano and organ manufacturer. The name “Kimball” itself comes from William Wallace Kimball, who founded the original piano company in 1857. However, the modern Kimball International began in 1950 as Jasper Corporation, and it initially focused on manufacturing television cabinets. The article delves into the evolution of the Kimball International logo since its inception.
The Genesis of the Kimball International Logo (1974 – Present)
The original Kimball International logo that was crafted after the founding of the company in 1974 featured the combination of a circular emblem and the brand name in a sans-serif typeface. The emblem of the company is a throwback to its legacy as a piano and organ manufacturer. It showed the image of the keyboard in parallel black and white pieces encapsulated within a circle. The top and bottom segments of the circle are filled black. To its right is the brand name in a black sans-serif typeface where the word “Kimball” is written in bold, while the word “International” is written in a thin and light font.
The Elements of the Kimball International Logo
Font
The wordmark in the Kimball International logo is written using a clean, modern sans-serif typeface. The design is straightforward and minimalist and consists solely of the company name in a bold, geometric sans-serif font. The letters are evenly spaced and do not include any decorative elements or embellishments. The simplicity of the font aligns with the company’s focus on contemporary commercial furnishings and design.
Colour
The colour of the Kimball International logo is black. The use of solid black further enhances the logo’s modern and timeless appearance. It brings out a strong contrast and high visibility across various backgrounds and media.
Finally
The Kimball International logo symbolises the transformation of the company from a piano manufacturer to a diversified, global furniture leader. The core emphasis of the logo on the Kimball name has remained constant. Besides, it serves as a symbol of quality, innovation, and trust for generations of customers.