Exploring LEGO’s Color Palette: 5 Facts About Its History

Colorful LEGO bricks stacked in a vibrant tower.

Q: How many different colors of LEGO bricks are there?

A: While there is currently no definitive list available that includes all retired and currently produced LEGO colors, hundreds of colors have been created by LEGO to date. LEGO fans have compiled helpful lists and charts showing the various colored pieces that LEGO has used over the years.

To get a better understanding of LEGO colors, you can check out Rebrickable’s colors page or Bricklink’s color guide. Additionally, you can visit Peeron’s color guide for a detailed list of colors. 

 

Q:  How do LEGO bricks get their color?

A: The color of LEGO bricks comes from the plastic granulates that The LEGO Company uses in the manufacturing process. The granulates are tinted using pigments. According to LEGO’s official website, LEGO bricks of the same color can have slight variations in color. This can be attributed to the recycling of old bricks to create new ones, as well as environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures.

 

Q: Why do LEGO pieces have different colors?

A: LEGO has emphasized the importance of color in design, particularly in the creation of the LEGO House. The company has also made design adjustments to minifigure heads, carefully considering which colors are used or avoided in order to promote diversity and inclusivity. Color plays a crucial role in creating visual appeal, helping pieces to stand out during building, and establishing a strong brand identity.

 

Q: Did LEGO use colors to start targeting the girls’ market?

A: Yes, in the 1970’s LEGO used vibrant colors in the friends theme sets to market LEGO bricks to young girls.  In 2011, LEGO conducted research to better understand the preferences of girls in order to tailor their products accordingly.

 

Q: How is color incorporated into the LEGO Super Mario theme?

A: The LEGO Super Mario theme is designed to encourage interactive play. Each LEGO Super Mario set contains color-coded bricks representing various in-game elements like ground, water, and lava. These colors trigger specific interactions when Mario interacts with them. The Super Mario figure is equipped with a sensor that can detect the colors of the LEGO bricks, leading to a range of reactions. While some adult LEGO fans are not a fan of the sensor and aesthetics of the Mario figure required for gameplay, the incorporation of colors adds an element of fun to the overall experience.

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