Research: What makes a great letterhead?

Here are some letterheads and stationery systems we rounded up from various design publications. The most successful ones seem to be those with a single distinctive element—color, shape, pattern, etc. They also clearly showcase the client logo in some way, whether it's placed a the top, bottom or side of the page. (The top left corner appears to be a popular spot.) Surprisingly, of the different letterhead and stationary systems posted here, only one makes use of toned paper. Unfortunate, no?

Nice color variation within a system.


Very cool—and clever—use of a die cut.


Repetition of the symbol and logo types within the system helps to tie all the elements together.


Using the logo symbol as a graphic pattern shows just how versatile it can be.


A slightly metallic paper choice really helps this system shine. The details are also a nice touch.


Using an illustration to take up a large section of the paper is different and distinctive.


Breaking up the client's name is a bold choice, but it works well here. Here the letters are transformed into a graphic element.


The pattern on the back of the letterhead picks up on the logo symbol without repeating it. Again, very nice.


Here the letterhead, envelope and business card are three different colors, yet they still manage to work together through similar colors and the addition of the logo on all elements.

All work copyright its respective designer(s)/artist(s). No copyright infringement intended. Unit does not own nor produced any of the work shown here in this post.