Picking the right colors for your logo isn’t just about looking cool on a screen. Your logo needs to look great in print too — on business cards, T-shirts, signs, and packaging. Some colors pop on paper, while others can fade or clash. That’s why it’s smart to pick combinations that always print well, no matter the medium.
TL;DR
These 15 logo color combos are proven to look great in print. They’re consistent, bold, and easy to read. Stick with high contrast and timeless tones. Avoid super light colors or shades too close together.
Why Color Combos Matter in Printing
Printing is different from screen use. On screens, you work with RGB colors. For printing, colors are made with CMYK ink or spot colors. That means some bright screen colors (like neon or glow effects) don’t print well.
Also, low contrast combos can blur or be hard to read when printed small or on textured surfaces. You want strong contrast and good readability at any size.
Let’s Jump Into It! 15 Logo Color Combinations That Always Print Well
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Black and White
Simple. Timeless. Always sharp. This high-contrast pair works perfectly in all sizes and on all materials. It’s the go-to combo for minimal and modern branding. -
Navy Blue and White
Professional and clean. Navy brings trust and authority, while white keeps things open and crisp. It works great on business cards and brochures. -
Red and Black
Bold and powerful. Great for brands that want to stand out. Just be careful not to use too much black so the red doesn’t disappear. -
Dark Green and Beige
Earthy and calming. This combo is great for eco brands, wellness services, or anything nature-inspired. It prints well on recycled paper and natural textures. -
Maroon and Gold
Elegant with a vintage touch. The richness of maroon pairs beautifully with warm gold, ideal for luxury branding or heritage-style designs. -
Deep Purple and White
Mysterious and creative. Purple brings luxury and charm, while white adds balance. This combination is perfect for artistic or high-end brands. -
Orange and Charcoal Gray
Modern but fun. Bright orange energizes, while gray keeps it grounded. It’s a cool contrast that’s strong in print and packed with personality.
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Royal Blue and Light Gray
Dependable and friendly. Blue is calming and confident, while light gray offers a soft contrast. Great for tech and finance companies. -
Forest Green and White
Traditional and trustworthy. Dark greens print beautifully and bring a feel of stability. Use white to highlight icons or text. -
Teal and Black
Trendy with a punch. Teal has energy without being too loud. Black adds boldness while making sure everything stays legible on paper. -
Chocolate Brown and Cream
Warm and inviting. A soft, organic palette that feels cozy and trustworthy. Ideal for coffee shops, dessert brands, or natural product businesses. -
Coral and Navy Blue
Playful meets serious. Coral adds a splash of fun, while navy keeps it professional. This combo works wonderfully for modern lifestyle logos.
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Mustard Yellow and Black
Striking and readable. Mustard yellow is bold without being too bright. Paired with black, it offers a crisp style that prints with clarity. -
Sky Blue and White
Light and fresh. This combo shines in wellness, health, and travel brands. Works best on matte paper or textured stocks to keep the tones subtle. -
Plum and Dusty Pink
Soft with a punch. Plum grounds the palette, while dusty pink adds a modern twist. Feminine and stylish without being over the top.
Tips for Choosing Print-Friendly Logo Colors
- Use high contrast: Makes your logo readable at any size.
- Avoid light pastels as main text colors: They fade easily in print.
- Stick to 2–3 colors: More than that can muddy up when printed.
- Print test on different papers: Colors look different on glossy, matte, or recycled stock.
- Design in CMYK: Start with print in mind, not screen (RGB).
What About Black & White Versions?
Every logo needs to work in black and white too. No gradients, no glow, no fuss. Just clean lines and strong contrast. This helps on receipts, invoices, stamps, and one-color swag like pens or tote bags.
Don’t Rely Just on Color
Your logo’s shape, font, and design should be strong even without color. If someone photocopies your logo and it still looks good in grayscale, you’re golden.
Great Logo Color Combos Are Simple
Here’s the thing: most of the best logos in the world don’t have wild color palettes. They use classic, balanced combinations that work everywhere. Your colors should look just as good on a billboard as they do on a business card.
Wrapping It Up
Colors are more than just decoration—they tell your brand’s story. But if they don’t print well, they might ruin your first impression. Stick with these proven combos, do print tests, and simplify when in doubt. That way, your logo will shine no matter where it goes!