Quick Answer
Red and green are considered split complementary colors on the color wheel. Split complementary colors are color pairs that are adjacent to each other’s complements. Red’s complement is green, and green’s complement is red. So red and green split the complementarity between each other, making them split complements.
What are complementary colors?
Complementary colors are color pairs that are opposite each other on the color wheel. They create the highest contrast when placed next to each other.
On the traditional RYB (red, yellow, blue) color wheel, the main complementary pairs are:
| Red | Green |
| Yellow | Purple |
| Blue | Orange |
When complementary colors are mixed, they neutralize each other to create gray or brown. This muting effect means complementary color schemes tend to be quite vibrant.
Complementary colors also energize and heighten each other when placed side-by-side. This makes them an effective pairing for accents like call-to-action buttons. But using them equally in a design can lead to visual vibration or discomfort. So complements are best used in balance with other colors.
What are split complementary colors?
Split complementary color schemes use three colors instead of two. They include a base color and the two colors adjacent to its complement.
For example, the split complements for:
– Red are green (complement) and yellow-green and blue-green (split complements)
– Yellow are purple (complement) and red-purple and blue-purple (split complements)
– Blue are orange (complement) and red-orange and yellow-orange (split complements)
Split complementary color schemes are more subtle than regular complementary pairings. They offer strong visual contrast while also expanding the color palette.
The split complements sit close enough to the true complement to retain some vibrancy. But they don’t clash as strongly as pure complements do. This creates a more flexible and nuanced color scheme.
Are red and green split complements?
Yes, red and green are considered split complementary colors.
Green is the direct complement of red on the traditional RYB color wheel. So red and green directly oppose each other.
But red and green can also work as split complements:
– For yellow, red is the split complement between purple and orange
– For blue, green is the split complement between orange and purple
So in the context of a triadic split complementary color scheme, red and green act as split complements to each other’s complementary relationships with the third color.
This dual split complementary role is what defines them as split complements. Red and green aren’t just complements, they also split each other’s complements when used in color triads.
Benefits of using red and green as split complements
There are a few notable benefits to using red and green together as split complementary colors:
– Cohesive color scheme – Keeps colors connected while expanding options
– Vibrant contrast – Retains some contrast of direct complements
– Holiday appropriate – Evoke festive feelings for seasonal designs
– Complimentary perception – Viewed as going well together despite contrast
– Nature associations – Connect to plants, Christmas, animals, environment
– Attention-grabbing – Draws eyes and creates excitement
The split complementary relationship allows red and green to be used together without as much risk of visual tension. But they still deliver attractive color vibration.
Examples of red and green as split complements
Here are some examples of red and green interacting as split complementary colors:
– Christmas – Red and green are quintessential Christmas colors. They adorn everything from candy canes to wreaths as festive complements.
-Flora – Red flowers stand out beautifully against green foliage and vice versa. Roses, poinsettias, and tulips enchant against emerald leaves.
-Watermelon- Watermelon’s red interior and green rind offer a natural split complementary pairing.
-Traffic lights – Red and green direct opposing traffic flows, working as visual complements.
-App icons – Apps like YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora use red/green icons that pop onscreen.
-Nature scenes – Red cardinals in snowy pines or barns against green pastures show striking color interplay.
– Flag accents – The Mexican and Italian flags balance green/white/red in an elegant split complementary tricolor design.
So in summary, red and green have a special relationship as both direct complements and split complements. This dual status lets them contrast strikingly while also harmonizing in color schemes. Their vibrant festivity, strong visual dynamics, and natural symbolism make red and green an effective and popular color pairing.
Conclusion
Red and green are considered split complementary colors due to their direct and indirect complementary relationships on the color wheel. In schemes with a third color like yellow or blue, red and green act as split complements by flanking the third color’s complement. This gives them balanced contrast and color harmony. Their Christmas associations and occurrences in nature also cement red and green as aesthetic and visually pleasing complements. When used carefully, red and green can even overcome their contrast to feel cohesive. Their split complementary status offers diverse possibilities for color combinations.
