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IKEA's old font, Futura, on the left, and its new one, Verdana, on the right. Photo: idsgn.org
For 50 years, the Swedish cheap/chic furnishing company had used a customized version of Futura, called IKEA Sans, says the design blog idsgn. Now it's using Verdana, a font created by Microsoft in 1996 to be used on screens, not on glossy paper.
On the night that the design-minded got wind of the change last Wednesday, Verdana was a trending topic on Twitter, even hotter than mention of Ted Kennedy, whose death was announced the same day, according to TIME. Futura fans described the new font as "horrific," "cheap," "ugly," "tacky"--you get the point.
IKEA execs seem genuinely surprised. "It's amazing the buzz on our change from Futura to Verdana. While we always consider design, the change was to use a simple, cost-effective font which works well in all media and languages," IKEA's U.S. PR director Mona Liss told ShelterPop. And the company doesn't seem to be budging. "Things always change. But IKEA is certain about this decision," Liss added.
All of IKEA's past catalogs, on display in Stockholm, Sweden. Photo: mattcrest, Flickr
Maybe the two sides can compromise. Might we suggest Helvetica, the striking and classy font seen on ShelterPop and the subject of feature-length documentary?
Read more:
-IKEA bookcases, 5 different ways
-Reinventing an $8 IKEA toothbrush holder
-IKEA's new PS collection
Reader comments (Page 1 of 2)
Who cares what font is used?????
ReplyFrankly, I just don't see much difference between the two fonts.
Have people just gone batty these days? It's just a font anyway.
In the end, it still says IKEA.
Some people have too much time on their hands if this is what they care about.
ReplyThat is true Barbara, they are called liberals. Who really cares what font some cheap, overpriced furniture company uses in their catalogs?
There's a difference? I sure can't see it. And the posters are right, you all have WAY too much time on your hands!
ReplyWhat? Who gives a crap about this?
Replywow! we have a war going on, starving and homeless people in the world and people are arguing about FONT?! what is this world coming to?!
ReplyAnd I'm supposed to give a crap because. . . ?
ReplyI don't care what font they use, but I sure would appreciate it if they would use their host country's home language in their stores and on their receipts. I recently bought about 30 items there and had to return one. It took me forever to figure out which Swedish word it was on the receipt. That's just silly.
ReplyAre these people serious???? As long as u can read what it says ...who gives a fat baby's butt what kind of font it is.
ReplySome people really need to get a life LOL
Replywhat? first terrorists now yuppies
Replyhuh? whats this? the FONT?? am i reading this correctly???? it was an even more talked about on twitter than an actual news story?????????????? either thts a made up fact or those ppl on twitter are stupid. all i can say is: ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
ReplyGood grief... it's not like it's printed in hieroglyphics or Old English... the differences in the two fonts are subtle at best. Another attempt at aol to create a controversy that doesn't exist.
ReplyThe new font doesn't look much different from the old one, so I don't know what the hoopla is about. As long as they don't increase their prices I'm happy!
ReplyLooks like "Josie Swindler" had a very slow news day and had to dream up a controversy that doesn't even exist. The real article should focus more on all the wood IKEA uses and if its sustainable or not.
ReplyWe all hate change, especially conservative republicans, but get over it. As long as the brand, value, and a product that lasts stays in place, then get over the font. People need to quit being sheep and instead lean on the god given intelligence, intuition, whatever that has been given to them, if that's possible.
Replyaimee foster; this comment is for you. what is wrong with this country? people like you. if you would just try to learn something other than what fox news tells you, we would all be better off.
Replystupid is as stupid does.
I work at Ikea and I didn't even notice a difference until I read it on AOL. It's such a subtle difference and most people wouldn't even notice.
ReplyOMG HOW DARE THEY USE A DIFFERENT FONT !!!1111!!
Replylol seriously though get a life sheesh.