The Periodic Color System

 

The realm of LEGO colors has captivated my interest for quite some time. Immersed in the vibrant and inspirational world of creative elements, I found myself attempting, albeit unsuccessfully, to catalog the myriad hues of LEGO pieces into a comprehensible and organized color system. Upon closer examination, I realized the depth of my ignorance regarding the history of LEGO colors. The multitude of colors employed by LEGO since 1949 would put even a rainbow to shame. Organizing and naming them all is no small feat, but I implore the LEGO Group to revisit this task. With their acquisition of BrickLink and a continually expanding user base, the moment is ripe to bring order to this colorful chaos - a unified system; a system in color.

This LEGO Ideas project serves as a catalyst for this endeavor, featuring the currently in-production colors arranged in a structured and recognizable form: The Periodic Table. What better way to showcase the spectrum of LEGO colors than within a framework typically reserved for the building blocks of our universe? The minimalistic information on the 2x2 tiles aligns with the periodic table concept, providing a short and logical abbreviation, along with the color name, color ID, and the initial year of production.

The color tiles are easily customizable, allowing for various arrangements. If you’re not a fan of the periodic table shape, the 65 colors can be arranged in a 13x5 rectangle or any other configuration of choice. Here’s the pocket-sized versions to show some different configurations, which are super cute! Instead of using 2x2 tiles, these utilize the 1x1 tile, effectively making them four times smaller.

The tiles themselves are designed for inclusion in future LEGO sets. Including two or more tiles within instructions featuring similar colors aids builders in identifying the correct pieces easily. Placing analogous colors on a 2x16 plate facilitates efficient sorting, making it a breeze to locate the precise shade of a particular brick. Simultaneously, these bars stand as individual works of art.

The reverse side of the artwork features a kickstand, allowing for versatile display angles or the option to collapse it entirely for wall mounting. This functional art piece is a must-have for LEGO rooms and homes where the essence of LEGO is cherished.

Keen observers may note the absence of certain colors, in particular the chrome, pearl, metallic, and glitter variations. This omission stems from a deliberate choice to focus on solid, transparent, satin colors, and the sole glow-in-the-dark option currently in production. However, the inclusion of these additional colors, perhaps on separate color bars, is open to consideration. Leave a comment if you’d like to see these color tiles as well, and I can add them in an update!