Classic Fonts

What Are Classic Fonts and How to Use Them in Design

Classic fonts are typefaces that prompt a timeless and rather elegant feel. They may originate from different eras, but they all share a refined design style that works across a variety of applications. Serif fonts, the oldest type of fonts, are most often associated with classic design. Sans-serif fonts, although more modern, can also embody this timeless quality. For instance, Bauhaus Bau draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement of the 1920s. Its rounded, modular forms create a retro vibe, yet the shorter stems—stopping just shy of the x-height—give it a distinct look that feels both classic and timeless. Creators love using this font for logos and titles because of that balance paired with the typeface’s sense of minimalism and easygoingness.

Another example of a classic font with a modern twist is Scal. Based on Futura-style designs, Scal modernizes the look with slanted terminals on the letter ‘S,’ a slanted ‘t’ stem, and tapered terminals on ‘c’ and ‘e.’ The slight overbite gives the design just enough character without overpowering it. Apex also stands out as a sharp geometric font. The sharp tips on the apex and vertex of letters like ‘A’ and ‘V’ give it a strong, classic presence that works incredibly well for logos and titles.

The Fonts in Our Classic Collection

Our classic fonts collection features a range of typefaces designed to add sophistication to your projects. Here’s a look at each one:

Serif Typefaces

• Bauhaus Mod: A modern serif typeface that combines traditional elegance with contemporary design elements.
• Edde: A strong serif typeface rooted in craft and heritage, perfect for projects that need a touch of the robust past but with modern versatility.
• Rozi: A modern, elegant serif font with sharp terminals, adding a feel for precision to designs.
• Bauhaus Quil: A bold serif typeface with a twist, making it stand out from more traditional serifs without losing its classic appeal.

Sans-serif Typefaces

• Bauhaus Bau: A rounded, modular font inspired by the Bauhaus movement, offering a retro yet classic look.
• Apex: A geometric sans-serif with sharp tips on both the apex and vertex, giving it a striking, classic feel ideal for logo design.
• Scal: A modernized take on Futura with unique details like slanted terminals and a subtle overbite that adds character while retaining a classic aesthetic.
• Bauhaus Geo: A geometric, avant-garde font that blends the boldness of modern design with classic principles.
• Anky: A medium-slim geometric sans-serif typeface, balancing contemporary design with timeless qualities.

Sans Contrast Type

• Roma & Roma Oblique: These sans-serif contrast typefaces offer boldness while maintaining classic proportions, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Why Classic Fonts Work Across Different Applications

Classic fonts are very versatile because they showcase, first and foremost, a professional sense of design. They function like black dresses in typography and are suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re working on branding, book design, or social media graphics, classic fonts can provide that sense of elegance. They don’t overwhelm your design but enrich it with a classy undertone.

However, “classic” doesn’t have to mean dated or boring. Our fonts have a modern spin, ensuring they remain relevant and fresh. For instance, Scal’s unique quality gives it a contemporary edge, while Apex’s geometric glyph frame uses an updated, balanced setup that looks great in all nine available widths.

How to Use Classic Fonts in Your Designs

Classic fonts can make an impact in different ways, depending on the tone and style you want to achieve. Their innate subtlety allows for a wide range of experimentation:

• Minimal Use: Classic fonts can be used minimally for a more muted design approach. Because they are naturally subtle, you can pair them with other fonts, play with different weights and sizes, or use them in more imaginative layouts without overwhelming your design.
• Font Weights: Our fonts come in nine weights, allowing for fine-tuning and flexibility in your designs. Using different weights can help emphasize important text or make headlines stand out without deviating from a cohesive look.
• Font Sizes: Classic fonts work well across different sizes. You can scale up headlines or key quotes for impact while maintaining readability in body copy.
• Font Pairing: One of the best features of classic fonts is their ability to pair well with other typefaces. They can be used as a foundation for body copy and then paired with more expressive fonts for headlines. For example, you could use a classic serif font for the main text, ensuring readability, and pair it with a unique typeface like Quik, which is handwritten to enhance personality and craft. Or, you might pair a classic font like Edde with a more contemporary font like Soya to communicate craft and modernity.

When pairing fonts, think about the communication goal. If the headlines or larger quotes need to take on an illustrative character, it’s worth looking closely at your choice of typeface. Does it need to express personality, modernity, or tradition?

Balancing Tradition with Modernity

While traditional classic fonts are a safe choice, they can sometimes seem uninspiring. That’s why our collection focuses on adding a modern twist to classic designs. That keeps the fonts sophisticated but also ensures they remain fresh.

Graphic design trends often come and go, from minimalism to maximalism, but one constant has been the rise in the appreciation of typography. Over the past decade, fonts have become more than just a supporting element—they’re a key part of the design itself. For many, choosing the right font has become synonymous with designing, as it naturally includes branding and visual identity. Classic fonts, with their timeless appeal, allow you to make a design feel special and professional without needing to rely on complex visuals.