Coffee Shop Logo Ideas by Style: Find the Right Look for Your Brand

When Starbucks was first getting started, they didn’t just want to sell coffee. They wanted to sell an experience.

So they wrapped their brand around a siren, inspired by a 16th-century woodcut, to evoke mystery, maritime trade, and storytelling.

It worked. The green emblem became one of the most recognizable logos on Earth.

Coffee logos do more than decorate a cup. They build trust, spark curiosity, and carry meaning. Whether your brand is classic, modern, quirky, or bold, the right logo style can say it before your barista does.

Let’s look at 7 iconic coffee shop logo styles - with real-world examples that show how and why they work.

1. The Emblem / Crest
2. Type-Driven Minimalist
3. Icon-Forward Modern
4. Illustrated
5. Playful / Whimsical
6. Vintage / Retro
7. Typography

1. Coffee Shop Logo Style: The Emblem / Crest

For brands that want to feel established, trustworthy, and iconic

This style works best for coffee shops that want to feel rooted and intentional. If your brand tells a story, leans into tradition, or aims to feel like it’s been around forever (even if you just opened), this is a strong direction.

You might be drawn to it if:

• You like the idea of a logo that could be stamped onto a burlap coffee bag
  

• You want your branding to feel polished but personal
  

• You're building a brand that values craft, origin, or slow-roasted excellence

The original Starbucks logo wrapped its siren inside a circular badge with clean serif type. That structure made it feel established from day one. Even as it evolved, the badge format stayed, helping the brand feel consistent, confident, and instantly recognizable across every cup, sign, and storefront.

What It Looks Like

Emblem or crest logos are fully contained. They’re often circular or shield-shaped, with both the icon and business name integrated into a single unified design. Think of it like a stamp: compact, balanced, and purposefully framed.

• Fonts: Serif or slightly distressed sans-serifs, often curved around the edge
  

• Icons: Usually a central figure, object, or symbol that ties to your story
  

• Shapes: Circle, oval, or shield formats are most common
  

• Colors: Deep greens, browns, warm neutrals, or black and white for a classic feel

Their logo uses a circular badge with a central bean and leaf icon, framed by the brand name. It’s clear, legible, and symmetrical. This kind of layout makes the brand feel both handcrafted and reliable, and it looks just as good on a to-go cup as it does on a storefront window.

Design Guidelines

This style is versatile and great for packaging, signage, and branded merchandise. But it’s not without its quirks.

• Keep the layout simple. Emblem logos can get cluttered if you try to squeeze in too many elements.
  

• Make sure your logo works at small sizes. You might need a stripped-down version for social icons or mobile screens.
  

• Balance old-world charm with modern design choices to avoid feeling outdated.

2. Coffee Shop Logo Style: Type-Driven Minimalist

For brands that want to feel modern, confident, and effortlessly premium

This style is for brands that don’t need to shout to stand out. If you want your café to feel clean, design-forward, and quietly sophisticated, a minimalist wordmark (with or without a simple icon) is likely your best bet.

You might be drawn to it if:

• You like logos that are clean, balanced, and easy to read at a glance
  

• Your brand leans modern, upscale, or intentionally understated
  

• You want a logo that plays nicely on everything, from cups to websites to Instagram

Their logo is as minimal as it gets. A single blue bottle paired with clean sans-serif typography. It feels intentional and elevated, without trying too hard. This kind of restraint makes it memorable and highly versatile across signage, packaging, and digital platforms.

What It Looks Like

These logos let the typography do most of the talking. Sometimes they’re just a stylized wordmark. Other times, there’s a small supporting icon. Either way, simplicity is the whole point.

• Fonts: Modern sans-serif or elegant serif. Often geometric, neutral, and all caps or small caps.
  

• Icons: Optional. When used, they’re subtle: a bean, bottle, line, or abstract shape.
  

• Shapes: No borders or badges. Clean horizontal or stacked layout.
  

• Colors: Monochrome, soft neutrals, black and white, or one signature brand color

Example: Verve Coffee Roasters

Verve’s wordmark uses a crisp, geometric typeface with generous spacing. There’s no badge, no flourish. Just strong, confident letters. It’s versatile enough to work on a paper cup, a building sign, or a website header without ever feeling out of place.

Design Guidelines

Minimalist logos shine when they’re thoughtfully built. They’re flexible, timeless, and professional but only if they’re clear and intentional.

• Choose a font that matches your brand tone, not just what’s trendy.
  

• If using an icon, keep it subtle and secondary. It should never overpower the name.
  

• Test legibility across formats: web, mobile, cups, shirts.
  

• Avoid anything overly generic. Minimal doesn’t mean bland.

3. Coffee Shop Logo Style: Icon-Forward Modern

For brands that want to be bold, playful, and instantly recognizable

This style works best if you want your coffee brand to be known at a glance. Icon-forward logos focus on a single, strong graphic - simple enough to remember, distinct enough to stand alone. Think merch-friendly, mobile-ready, and social media sharp.

You might be drawn to it if:

• You want people to recognize your brand from just a sticker or profile pic
  

• You like logos that are modern but still have personality
  

• You’re building a brand that’s playful, accessible, or fast-growing

Their deep red dove icon is distinctive and symbolic, conveying peace, care, and craft. Even without the text, the bird feels like a mark of quality. It’s elegant enough for packaging and signage, but also strong as a stand-alone app icon or social avatar. The icon speaks for the brand.

What It Looks Like

This style puts the icon front and center. Sometimes the name is included, but the symbol always takes the lead. These logos are built to work at small sizes, and often double as avatars, stamps, or merch prints.

• Fonts: Often secondary or omitted altogether. When present, they’re clean and modern.
  

• Icons: Central and dominant, usually a stylized object (cup, bean, sun, lightning bolt) or custom illustration.
  

• Shapes: Circular, square, or freeform. Whatever makes the icon pop.
  

• Colors: Bright, high-contrast, or pastel palettes that stand out

Design Guidelines

This logo style is strong when the icon is sharp, intentional, and easy to recognize across formats. 

• Make sure your icon is legible at small sizes (think stickers and favicons)
  

• Avoid overly abstract designs. Clarity matters more than cleverness
  

• Consider how the icon will look across merch, signs, packaging, and digital
  

• If your brand name isn’t included, make sure the icon alone builds recall

4. Coffee Shop Logo Style:  Illustrated

For brands that want to feel warm, approachable, and artisanal

If your coffee shop leans into handmade quality, slow-crafted goods, or cozy vibes, a hand-drawn or illustrated logo can communicate that at a glance. It suggests care, personality, and a distinctly human touch - perfect for shops that want to feel less corporate and more community-rooted.

You might be drawn to it if:

• You want your logo to feel personal or storytelling-driven

• You like visual elements that feel sketched, painted, or organic

• Your café focuses on artisan coffee, baked goods, or has a strong local following

The Bluebird logo uses a sweet, illustrated bird perched above clean sans-serif text. It’s simple but not sterile. The character of the bird makes the brand feel friendly, indie, and thoughtfully designed. It’s a great example of how illustration can add warmth without overwhelming minimalism.

What It Looks Like

Hand-drawn logos usually feature custom illustrations or lettering. They can be intricate or simple, but always carry a sense of authenticity and charm.

• Fonts: Script, serif, or quirky hand-drawn typefaces

• Icons: Illustrated animals, plants, coffee gear, or motifs tied to your brand

• Shapes: Flexible, often freeform. Not always contained like an emblem

• Colors: Earthy tones, muted pastels, or pencil/ink-style black and white

Design Guidelines

Illustrated logos offer loads of personality, but need to be handled with care especially in digital settings.

• Make sure your illustration scales well. Tiny details can disappear at small sizes

• Keep contrast strong to maintain legibility across backgrounds

• Consider pairing the illustrated mark with clean, modern typography for balance

5. Coffee Shop Logo Style: The Playful / Whimsical

For brands that want to feel bold, memorable, and a little unexpected

This style is ideal for coffee shops with a strong personality, especially ones that don't take themselves too seriously. If your brand leans quirky, irreverent, fun, or creative, a playful logo helps set that tone right away.

You might be drawn to it if:

• You want your logo to make people smile or do a double take

• Your brand name or concept already has a cheeky or unique vibe

• You’re selling flavored blends, pop culture-themed drinks, or aiming for a cult following

Their logo is a steaming coffee mug shaped like a skull. It’s weird, funny, and completely unforgettable. The hand-drawn style, paired with punchy retro colors and a playful typeface, gives the brand a strong voice before you ever take a sip. It tells you right away: this isn’t your average café.

What It Looks Like

Whimsical logos often break the rules on purpose. Expect bold shapes, expressive illustration, and custom lettering that feels hand-done or cartoonish. These logos usually lean more artistic than minimal.

• Fonts: Hand-drawn, exaggerated, or custom letterforms that match the personality of the brand

• Icons: Playful illustrations, mascots, or visual puns (like mugs with faces or creatures made of beans)

• Shapes: Unconventional and varied, often breaking the bounds of circles or rectangles

• Colors: Bright, saturated tones or vintage palettes that add character and flair

Design Guidelines

While playful logos can be fun and memorable, they still need structure to stay readable and usable across applications.

• Make sure the design scales well. Detailed illustrations might need simplified versions for social media or small prints

• Stay on-brand. Playful doesn't mean messy. A consistent style guide helps keep the whimsy intentional

• Consider where your logo will live, from merchandise to menus. Keep legibility top of mind

6. Coffee Shop Logo Style: Vintage or Retro-Inspired

For brands that want to feel classic, grounded, and full of character

Vintage-inspired logos evoke a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship. If your brand wants to feel rooted in tradition - like it’s been brewing since the 1950s, even if you just opened last year - this style brings instant credibility and timelessness.

You might be drawn to it if:

• You love old diner mugs, matchbooks, or woodcut packaging

• Your café has an analog, throwback, or working-class aesthetic

• You want your logo to feel like it could live on a burlap sack, hand-painted sign, or enamel pin

Stumptown’s branding uses a strong, all-caps serif with slightly weathered texture and deep, muted colors. It feels confident but unpretentious, like it belongs on an old tool shop sign. The design nods to heritage without being gimmicky, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on craft and quality.

What It Looks Like

These logos often borrow from early 20th-century design, with subtle texture, traditional type, and classic layouts. They’re usually bold, simple, and built to last.

• Fonts: Bold serifs, slab-serifs, or retro display fonts with a lived-in look

• Icons: May include old-school coffee gear, hand-lettered type, or industrial-style illustrations

• Shapes: Usually horizontal or badge-style, with symmetrical framing

• Colors: Rich browns, burnt orange, navy, off-white, or slightly faded tones

Design Guidelines

Retro logos are meant to age well, but they can veer into parody if not done with care.

• Use texture sparingly. Too much distressing can reduce legibility

• Balance vintage style with clean layout to keep it functional in modern contexts

• Pair with packaging, interiors, or menus that reinforce the nostalgic vibe

7. Coffee Shop Logo Style: Typography-Heavy Custom

For brands that want to feel personal, expressive, and unmistakably unique

This style is for coffee shops that care deeply about design and want their logo to feel completely original. It’s especially powerful if your brand identity leans into story, artistry, or hand-crafted quality.

You might be drawn to it if:

• You want your logo to feel like a signature or piece of artwork

• Your brand is bold, stylish, or built on intentional craft

• You’re trying to avoid generic or template-looking designs

Onyx Coffee Lab's logo feels more like custom lettering than a traditional logo. The swooping, stylized “Onyx” and contrasting type for “Coffee Lab” work together to make a striking first impression. It’s immediately recognizable, incredibly flexible, and feels as intentional as the coffee they roast.

What It Looks Like

Typography-heavy logos often feature custom type or hand lettering. Sometimes ornate, sometimes minimal, but always crafted with care.

• Fonts: Usually hand-lettered or highly stylized, often created from scratch

• Icons: None, or integrated directly into the letterforms

• Shapes: Irregular or fluid, depending on the lettering style

• Colors: Often monochrome or minimalist to let the type stand out

Design Guidelines

This logo style delivers high impact, but it’s not plug-and-play. Consider working with a professional designer if you want this to shine.

• Make sure it’s legible at different sizes. A beautiful script won’t help if no one can read it on a to-go cup

• Create simplified versions for small-scale use, especially for social icons

• Let the lettering reflect your brand tone - soft and friendly, bold and edgy, or somewhere in between