Maison Neue Extended, designed by Timo Gaessner at Milieu Grotesque, is a geometric sans serif with minimalist proportions, clean lines, and a modernist spirit. The Extended cut emphasizes wide spacing and bold presence, making it stand out in editorial layouts, posters, and branding systems. Its balance of Swiss modernism and contemporary geometry makes it a go-to for designers seeking clarity with personality.
Visual Comparison
| Font Name | Preview (AaBbCc123) |
|---|---|
| Maison Neue Extended | AaBbCc123 |
| GT Walsheim Extended | AaBbCc123 |
| Circular Std Extended | AaBbCc123 |
| Suisse Int’l Extended | AaBbCc123 |
| Aperçu Extended | AaBbCc123 |
| Space Grotesk | AaBbCc123 |
| Archivo Expanded | AaBbCc123 |
| Red Hat Display | AaBbCc123 |
Premium Alternatives
1. GT Walsheim Extended – Grilli Type
- Style: Geometric Sans Serif
- Why it’s similar: Shares wide proportions and geometric clarity.
- Key difference: Slightly softer terminals, more playful tone.
- Price: Paid; Grilli Type.
2. Circular Std Extended – Lineto
- Style: Geometric Sans Serif
- Why it’s similar: Perfect geometric shapes with extended spacing.
- Key difference: Friendlier curves, rounder counters.
- Price: Paid; Lineto.
3. Suisse Int’l Extended – Swiss Typefaces
- Style: Neo-Grotesk
- Why it’s similar: Wide grotesque form inspired by Swiss typography.
- Key difference: More rigid and industrial than Maison Neue.
- Price: Paid; Swiss Typefaces.
4. Aperçu Extended – Colophon Foundry
- Style: Grotesk Sans
- Why it’s similar: Editorial-friendly grotesque with wide spacing.
- Key difference: Has subtle quirks, making it less sterile.
- Price: Paid; Colophon Foundry.
Free Alternatives
5. Space Grotesk (Florian Karsten)
- Style: Geometric Sans Serif
- Why it’s similar: Extended spacing and geometric foundations.
- Key difference: More experimental, especially in numerals.
- Price: Free; Google Fonts.
6. Archivo Expanded (Omnibus-Type)
- Style: Neo-Grotesk
- Why it’s similar: Wide, clean grotesque suitable for digital and print.
- Key difference: Simpler, less refined details.
- Price: Free; Google Fonts.
7. Red Hat Display (Jeremy Mickel)
- Style: Humanist Sans Serif
- Why it’s similar: Wide letterforms with display clarity.
- Key difference: More rounded, designed for UI and branding.
- Price: Free; Google Fonts.
Why Designers Love Maison Neue Extended
Designers love Maison Neue Extended for its Swiss modernist roots with a fresh, geometric twist. Its extended proportions make it perfect for bold layouts, fashion magazines, and poster design, where type needs to command presence. Its versatility bridges corporate minimalism and creative expression, making it a favorite in both editorial and brand identities.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Name | Similarity Score | Price | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT Walsheim Extended | 9/10 | Paid | Softer, more playful tone |
| Circular Std Extended | 9/10 | Paid | Rounder, friendlier curves |
| Suisse Int’l Extended | 8/10 | Paid | More rigid and industrial |
| Aperçu Extended | 8/10 | Paid | Quirky details, editorial focus |
| Space Grotesk | 7/10 | Free | Experimental numerals, digital edge |
| Archivo Expanded | 7/10 | Free | Simpler, utilitarian design |
| Red Hat Display | 6/10 | Free | More rounded and UI-oriented |
Conclusion
Maison Neue Extended is a modern geometric sans serif with roots in Swiss design clarity but an extended personality for striking layouts. For premium alternatives, GT Walsheim Extended and Circular Std Extended capture its geometry with slightly different tones, while Suisse Int’l Extended leans more rigid and utilitarian. On the free side, Space Grotesk and Archivo Expanded provide accessible, high-quality substitutes, making the extended grotesque look available to all.
