RISD GRAPH 330G - Data Narratives

Instructor
Reuben Fischer-Baum, Graphics Team Editor @ The Washington Post

Creative Coder
Xitong Yuan

How LEGO got all its colors?


By Xitong Yuan November 30, 2024, at 7:32 p.m.





            This is every color LEGO has ever used in its parts from 1949 to 2024, sized by how many parts each was used. With so many colors, LEGO has grown alongside generations, becoming a symbol of imagination and creativity. Its colorful evolution tells a story of experimentation, trends, and deliberate choices— from the classic primary palette that launched the brand, to rare shades that appeared only once, to the dramatic expansion of colors in the early 2000s, followed by a sharp reduction in 2007, and a slow recovery afterward. LEGO’s history of color innovation is as intricate and fascinating as the creations built by its fans.

             White, black, and red stand out as the core solid colors, leading in quantity and showcasing their absolute importance in foundational designs. Among the various color categories, gray and blue dominate, appearing frequently across a wide range of themes and settings. Meanwhile, orange, yellow, green, and brown, with similar quantities, highlight their flexibility as accent colors or in specific thematic applications. In contrast, niche colors like pink and purple are used less frequently, primarily reserved for unique styles or themes. This distribution demonstrates the artful balance in LEGO's color usage, ranging from essential solid hues to diverse shades, offering endless possibilities and creative flexibility.

            However, throughout LEGO's history, several unique colors have appeared only once, adding a rare touch to the brand's palette. In 2000, Transparent Green with Glitter (#84B68D) was introduced but never actually produced in any set, remaining a mystery. The year 2003 saw the introduction of Bright Lilac (#5F27AA) and Faded Green (#468A5F), both featured in the "Little Robots" series. Bright Lilac was used in the Violet Duplo Tile, Modified 4 x 4 Studs on Edge and Groove Lines, while Faded Green appeared in the Duplo Baseplate Raised 12 x 12 with 4 Studs in Each Corner. In 2004, two more colors debuted within "Little Robots" sets: Light Faded Green (#60BA76) in the Duplo Cart with Wheels and Yellow Handlebars, and Tiny Medium Blue (#3E95B6) in the Duplo Cart with Wheels and Yellow Cross Lift. Lastly, in 2006, Light Brick Yellow (#F3C988) was introduced in the set "Momo." While visually similar to Brick Yellow, its lighter tone and rubber material distinguish it as a unique color. These rare one-time colors highlight LEGO's creativity and its history of experimenting with distinctive shades.


Transparent Green with Glitter
#84B68D
2000
Bright Lilac
#5F27AA
2003
Faded Green
#468A5F
2003
Tiny Medium Blue
#3E95B6
2004
Light Faded Green
#60BA76
2004
Light Brick Yellow
#F3C988
2006

            Even though these colors will never be reproduced, they are not alone in LEGO's history. Below is a timeline of all the LEGO colors used over the years. Many fundamental colors were introduced in 1949, with slight additions in the following decades. However, it was not until the late 1990s and early 2000s that more colors were introduced, driven by the company’s expansion. Between 2001 and 2004, 47 new colors were added, bringing the total color palette to a peak of 111 colors. By 2007, this number was reduced to 72 due to the company’s cost-reduction goals. Since then, LEGO has maintained a more stable and gradual growth in its color palette, continuing to evolve up to the present day.






            Each LEGO piece, each color, carries its own mission: to build dreams for children and adults around the world. As time moves forward, some parts and colors fade away, quietly disappearing into history. Yet, even those forgotten elements hold a special place in LEGO’s legacy, contributing to its evolution and inspiring countless imaginations. The modularity of LEGO was what first captivated me as a child—it offered endless possibilities to create, reimagine, and rebuild. I could construct anything I wanted, limited only by my own creativity. As a kid dreaming of becoming an architect, LEGO gave me a way to explore that aspiration. It was more than a toy; it was a canvas, a playground, and a world of discovery.

            I have always had a deep love for colors, and LEGO’s vibrant palette brought my creations to life. The hues were not just building blocks; they were the personality and soul of each model I made. A simple structure became a masterpiece with the addition of color—transforming into something unique and full of character. Every color felt special, each one contributing its own magic. From the rarest shades to the foundational ones like red, white, and blue, every LEGO color is irreplaceable. Together, they tell stories, inspire dreams, and bring joy to those who build. LEGO is more than plastic bricks; it’s a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the power of imagination.



  1. All the charts in this article were created using R.
  2. The LEGO treemap and the timeline of LEGO colors were coded using data from the open-source website BrickLink.
  3. All the images of individual LEGO parts featured here are courtesy of Rylie Howerter.