A letterhead is one of the most important pieces of business stationery, as it’s often used for invoices, quotes, formal letters and official correspondence. A well-designed letterhead helps reinforce your brand and ensures your business looks professional and trustworthy.
At a minimum, a letterhead should include your business name or logo clearly positioned at the top of the page. This ensures instant recognition and keeps your branding consistent with the rest of your stationery, such as business cards and compliment slips.
Your contact details should also be included. This usually means:
- Business address (if relevant)
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Website address
Depending on your business, you may also wish to include:
- Company registration number
- VAT number
- Social media icons or links (used sparingly)
These details are often positioned at the top or bottom of the page to keep the main writing area clear and uncluttered.
It’s important to leave plenty of white space on a letterhead. The primary purpose of the page is to carry written content, so the design should not interfere with readability. Avoid placing logos or text too close to the edges, as this can cause issues when printing and trimming.
Most letterheads are printed on uncoated paper, typically around 100gsm, as this allows the paper to be written on easily and works well with office printers. Using a smooth, uncoated stock also helps prevent ink smudging when handwriting or overprinting.
A letterhead should be simple, clean and consistent with your overall branding. Overcomplicating the design rarely adds value and can make the document harder to use.
If you’re unsure what to include or how to lay out your letterhead, we’re happy to advise and ensure it works well both in print and for everyday business use.
