Steelcase is a leading name in the office furniture industry with a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1912, the company has grown significantly and has adapted to changing market demands and design trends. At the same time, it has maintained its commitment to innovation and quality. The Steelcase logo, besides being a brand identifier, encapsulates the company’s rich history, values, and evolution within the furniture industry. This article explores the history and evolution of the Steelcase logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Steelcase Logo (1912) (Unavailable)
The original Steelcase logo crafted at the time of the company’s establishment is unavailable.
(1928)
However, in 1928, the brand name appeared in block letters on a horizontally stretched rectangle. It also contained the letters “Business Equipment” in italics. Below the rectangular tag was mentioned the products sold by the company, namely, desks, filing cabinets, sofas, waste baskets, and desk trays. At the bottom was mentioned the company name and its address.
(1956)
In 1956, the brand name “STEELCASE INC” in black sans-serif typeface was placed against a white background. It was a shift away from ornate elements towards minimalism and modernism.
(1959)
In 1959, the text-based logotype was accompanied by a black square emblem at the top. At the centre of the emblem was the letter “S” rendered in black against a white circle. And below the text-based logotype was mentioned the address of the company in small black letters.
(1968)
In 1968, the letter “S” in black was taken out of the square emblem and placed on top of the brand name. The stylised letter “S” was considerably enlarged to form an emblem of its own.
(1973 – 2002)
Designed by Vance Jonson, this particular logo was introduced on March 10. It was a text-based logotype containing the brand name in black and using a Neue Haas Grotesk typeface.
(1977)
In 1977, the previous design aesthetics towards minimalism were continued. It showcased the brand name “Steelcase” in a title case and rendered in black as a representation of the visual identity of the company.
(2002 – Present)
In recent years, Steelcase has embraced a more streamlined and contemporary aesthetic. The typography has been further refined for clarity and modernity. Designed by Beth Kreimer of Genesis Inc., the typography to create the brand name was modified using a Helvetica Neue typeface.
The Elements of the Steelcase Logo
Font
The font used in the Steelcase logo is primarily based on Helvetica, specifically the Helvetica Bold typeface. This choice of font exudes strength and stability and is aligned with Steelcase’s core principles of reliability and professionalism. The design incorporates modifications to the standard Helvetica font by giving it a unique character. This enhances the logo’s visual appeal while maintaining legibility. This typographic treatment reflects modern design sensibilities and signifies Steelcase’s commitment to innovation and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.
Colour
The colour palette of the Steelcase logo features a monochrome black against a white background. The colour choice symbolises trust, reliability, and professionalism—qualities that Steelcase aims to convey to its clients and partners. The white space around the logo symbolises openness and clarity. This aspect reinforces Steelcase’s commitment to transparency in its business practices and reflects a focus on simplicity and efficiency in design.
Finally
The Steelcase logo and its various iterations over the years reflect broader trends in design. Each iteration marks a change in aesthetics and signifies Steelcase’s response to industry demands and cultural shifts over time. The Steelcase logo will remain a vital part of its identity. It will symbolise strength, collaboration, and forward-thinking design principles that have defined Steelcase for over a century.