The Tarkett logo embodies the precision and practicality characteristic of a manufacturer of flooring and wall coverings. The emblem effectively conveys the strict geometric design essential for producing such products and creating a harmonious interior.
Tarkett’s history began with two European companies. Sommer was founded in Germany in 1880 as a textile producer and later entered the flooring industry. Allibert was established in France in 1913, first working with leather products before moving into floor coverings. In 1972, Sommer and Allibert merged to form United, combining their production resources and market experience.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Sommer-Allibert expanded across Europe and invested in vinyl flooring technologies, becoming one of the region’s major producers in that segment. During the 1990s, the company continued to grow through acquisitions and expansion into foreign markets. In autumn 1997, it merged with Tarkett AG, a German flooring manufacturer with a long background in the same industry, while the combined group kept the Sommer-Allibert SA name.
From 1997 to 2008, the group integrated its operations and invested in research for different flooring niches. Johnsonite was acquired in 2003, strengthening the company in North America, and Sintelon followed in 2006, increasing production capacity in Eastern Europe. In 2008, the company adopted Tarkett as its global name, unifying its divisions and product lines under a single identity.
After the renaming, Tarkett continued to expand. Centiva was acquired in 2010, followed by the Paris IPO in 2013, Desso in 2014, and Lexmark Carpet Mills in 2017. The company launched sustainability programs from 2015: IQ Natural in 2016, Tarkett Pro in 2018, and ReStart recycling in 2019. Later steps included delisting following the 2021 capital change, growth in sports flooring in 2022, the introduction of SmartFloor sensor technology in 2024, and the opening of a new plant in India.
Meaning and History
What is Tarkett?
It is a world leader in flooring and sports surfaces. The company offers a wide range of flooring products, including vinyl, laminate, linoleum, carpet, wood, and rubber, for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It manufactures eco-friendly flooring options that promote healthy indoor environments and reduce environmental impact. The brand offers sports flooring for both indoor and outdoor use, catering to the needs of sports facilities and recreational areas. The company’s emphasis on quality, design, and sustainability makes it the preferred choice for architects, designers, and consumers worldwide.
1999 – 2005
A company’s business nature is directly reflected in its visual identity. A prime example is the Tarkett logo. It encapsulates the core principles of a flooring and wall-covering manufacturer whose products must fit perfectly on surfaces and align harmoniously with patterns. This is why the emblem is geometric, consisting of two elements:
- A straight rectangle
- A single-line inscription
The first element is the background, a standard geometric shape with smooth edges, precise angles, and a horizontal orientation. Inside, the brand name is displayed in a classic serif font with distinctive serifs, slightly sloped. Most of the letters appear to stand independently, spaced apart. Despite this, the text remains highly legible due to its strong contrast with the background.
However, the two “t” s are perceived as a single glyph, connected by a shared stroke. This graphic technique adds originality to the emblem, making it memorable. The upper ends of these letters are cut diagonally, and the lower ends are rounded. Due to the diagonal cuts on the double glyph’s crossbar, it resembles a hashtag (#), turning it into a modern symbol. The white text makes the brand name visible on any display.
While the logo is standard, it still exhibits individuality. It reflects the precision crucial for a flooring manufacturer, ensuring that patterns align perfectly without disrupting the design’s harmony. The bold, lowercase font emphasizes this quality, allowing the word “Tarkett” to fit within the confined space. As a result, the text nearly fills the background rectangle, conveying reliability and product quality.
2005 – 2021
The new Tarkett logo features the brand name accompanied by a futuristic circle. The spiral pattern at its center adds a touch of futurism, creating a hypnotic element that inspires clients to choose the company’s products. The “spinning” center introduces active motion to the emblem, visually resembling a pinwheel that turns with every breeze.
The unique shape, featuring two rounded elements, also evokes the yin-yang symbol, representing the harmonious unity of opposites. However, unlike the traditional Japanese sign, this one doesn’t use black; instead, it employs a deep navy blue. This color is rich enough to create a strong contrast with the white spiral stripe, reflecting the manufacturer’s precise approach to flooring and wall coverings, where high accuracy and flawless design create a unified, harmonious space.
To the right of the circle is the brand name. It’s written in an entirely different font: extra bold, squat, and grotesque. Most lowercase letters are rounded, except for the “k.” The glyphs feature broad strokes and smooth curves, adding softness and friendliness to the emblem. The two “t” letters remain joined, sharing a single crossbar. The letters seem to hold hands, welcoming customers. However, the paired glyphs no longer resemble the hashtag symbol (#).
The first “T” stands somewhat apart, as if it belongs to a completely different style: capitalized, strict, and geometric. It has many sharp angles and no rounding. The designers imbued this letter with all the utility associated with the brand and its products, emphasizing the critical importance of precision, durability, and meticulous size fitting.




