Business Card Colours – How to Choose the Best Colour?

Business cards are more than just a piece of paper printed with your contact information; they are a unique representation of you and your brand.

So choosing a nice print design makes the perfect business card, right? Only if you combine that with the right eye-catching colours and have them printed on our super high-quality paper (not to brag!).

Designing your business card is one thing, but how do you know which colours to choose? Follow our guide for a breakdown of the best colour schemes that will send your sales rocketing up.

Why do colours matter on a business card?

Colour can subconsciously affect our moods, thoughts and decision processes. Therefore, the colour scheme you pick for your card can also affect your customers’ feelings towards your business.

This phenomenon is known as colour psychology and, when played right, can become a powerful tool that you can use to your advantage.

Whilst a monochrome black and white option may seem like a classic, the truth is they have become repetitive and quite frankly dull. Yes – we said it.

Consumers these days are always on the lookout for something new and exciting, which is why choosing the right colours for your business card could just be the key to a great first impression and a major boost in sales.

Brand identity

When it comes to branding, consistency is key. Making major changes to how you represent your business can confuse customers and make you seem unreliable.

To avoid this, take a hard think about how you want your company to be projected. After all, the colour combinations you choose for your cards affect how you present your brand and the types of customers you are attracting.

It all comes back down to colour theory: muted tones such as a subdued blue or green create a more professional look, whereas a bright yellow conveys a much more fun and lively vibe.

Marketing materials

When deciding on colour schemes, most people tend to overlook the type of paper the business card will be printed on. Although it may not seem relevant at first, the material of your business card plays an important role in the final look.

Choosing a glossy finished paper and dark colours such as black to blue can make text difficult to read in some lighting conditions. If you are after a glossy business card, go for a lighter background with darker text and logos to make reading much easier on the eye.

If your heart is set on a matte finish, we recommend using darker tones and hues as the background. The soft velvety feel of the stock enriches a dark colour wheel and make the detail on the business card pop.

Of course, all colours can be printed on any material of your choice. You may even consider recycled paper as an option for stand out business cards that have a minimal environmental impact.

Logo design

The design process to creating your perfect logo is not always easy; we know that. But choosing complementary colours for your logo doesn’t have to be difficult.

As the logo is such a prominent feature of your business card, especially for potential customers, you will need to choose colours that contrast with your colour scheme for an impressive look.

For example, if your business card has a blue theme, you could make your logo a shade of red for that standout look that makes your firm instantly recognisable.

First appearances

You only get one chance to make a great first appearance, and if you decide on a conservative choice for your business card, chances are people are going to opt-out.

Instead, you can utilise a colour wheel plus advanced graphic design to come up with new ideas for a great business card design that’s sure to turn heads.

Colours to consider for your business cards

Dark blue

A blue colour makes your business card design seem professional, honest and put together. This colour is favoured by many and is associated with relaxation and calmness thanks to its abundance in nature.

If you get your business cards printed in dark blue, you create a responsible, relaxed and reliable vibe for your company.

Gold or silver

Giving a sense of luxury, gold or shiny silver business card design is very attractive to many consumers. When the right colours are used, they can add a touch of class and elegance to your business which is what many people look for.

If you don’t want to go full out on these colours, you could use a gold foil or a silver foil on your business card instead. Foil stamping gives your business cards a more personalised and high-end look, making them more appealing.

White

A lot of design services start with the colour white, as this gives you a blank canvas to print designs and logos on. Whilst this is widely accepted as the standard, white business cards on their own are becoming outdated.

With a little creativity, you could still have a white business card with the added benefit of increased marketing. A business card design that mainly involves the colour white comes across as simple, pure and honest, which many customers find attractive.

Black

Deciding on a black background for your business card is a bold and powerful choice, which is exactly how your business will be seen.

A well-designed business card with a black colour scheme gives off elegance yet a little mystery that is sure to make your business unforgettable even after you leave.

Red

Associated with excitement and passion, choosing a red business card is sure to make you memorable.

Just make sure to choose a business card design that adds red printing in an exciting and fun way, keeping lots of white areas free. If not, you run the risk of your business coming across as loud and aggressive.

Things to consider when choosing colours for your business cards

White space

This is vital in all business card designs. All aspects of colour psychology state that leaving some areas white on your business card adds clarity and coherence.

If your business card design is too colourful, it can give the wrong impression of being too loud and messy.

Colour scheme

Believe it or not, the colours that you decide on are just as important as the graphic design of your business cards.

To help you come up with the right colours for your cards, refer to a colour wheel that shows you which ones go best together.

Complimentary colours

The concept of colour theory can not only help with the colour of your business card but also with your website design too.

The colour theory provides you with tips and details of which colours are right together and compliment each other and which just don’t work together.

This can help you choose the best colours for your businesses cards to make handing them out a breeze.

Text

No matter your business card design, you need your company name and contact details to be clearly visible.

Try to use contrasting colours or different shades of the same colour for a majestic card design that is clearly legible for all.

Industry

The industry that you are designing your business cards for plays a big role in the best colours to print, and the concept of colour psychology once again comes into play here.

For example, a law firm may choose muted and dark colours, such as grey and black, to send a professional message across to clients.

However, if you are choosing colours for a birthday party service, then a white business card with lots of bright colours such as red, green and yellow may be best to get the right message across.

Target audience

Consider your audience when choosing the best colours for your business cards. Are you going for a more creative or conservative look? Where will you be handing out your business cards?

Answering these questions can positively impact your brand by allowing you to create the perfect business card for your desired market.

FAQs

Why are business cards important?

They are very effective marketing tools that not only increase your company and brand awareness but can also drive up sales by allowing customers to find your contact information and get in touch with you quickly.

What do colours mean in business?

Different colours can portray various forms of branding, which is why choosing the right colours for your company can help you stand out from other businesses.

What is the best colour for a business card?

This is dependent on what services your business offers and the best colours that suit the look you have in mind.

We have a variety of free business card templates on our website, or if you are still unsure, contact us directly for a free quote from our friendly staff.

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