Colors can evoke powerful emotions and associations in people. When two colors are placed next to each other, they can play off one another in interesting ways. Complementary colors are color pairs that create strong visual contrast when placed next to each other. This contrast occurs because complementary colors fall on opposite sides of the color wheel. Some well-known examples of complementary color pairs are red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple. But one color pairing that sometimes causes confusion is yellow and red. Are these two vivid warm hues actually complementary colors? Keep reading to find out.
Defining Complementary Colors
To understand if yellow and red are complementary, we first need to explore what exactly complementary colors are. Complementary colors are any two colors that fall directly across from each other on the color wheel. The color wheel organizes colors by hue, with primary, secondary, and tertiary colors placed at different points around the circle.
The key thing that makes two colors complementary is that they contain no common hues. For example, red contains no traces of blue or green pigment. Its complement green contains no red or orange pigment. This difference in their hue composition is what creates strong visual contrast and makes complementary colors stand out so boldly next to each other.
When complementary colors are mixed together, they cancel each other out and produce a neutral gray or brown shade. This is because the pigments neutralize one another. Some examples of complement color combinations are:
| Red | Green |
| Yellow | Purple |
| Blue | Orange |
As you can see, the complement pairs are directly across from one another on the color wheel. Keeping these characteristics of complementary colors in mind, let’s examine the relationship between yellow and red.
The Color Wheel Placement of Yellow and Red
On the standard color wheel, yellow and red are not directly across from one another. Instead, yellow falls between green and orange, while red falls between magenta and orange. This means there is some overlap between the hues that make up these two colors.
Both yellow and red contain traces of orange pigment. Yellow sits between green and orange on the color wheel, meaning it contains both green and orange characteristics. Red lies between magenta and orange and also carries orange undertones. This shared orange trait means that yellow and red are not complementary in the technical sense.
In addition, when blended together, yellow and red do not fully cancel each other out to make a neutral gray or brown shade. The mixture retains some vibrancy and tends to produce an orangey-tan hue depending on the red and yellow shades used. This is further evidence that these colors are not true complements in the traditional definition.
The Relationship Between Yellow and Red
While not complementary colors, yellow and red still have an interesting relationship. Looking at the color wheel shows us that yellow and red are located close together in the warm spectrum of the wheel. Both contain traces of orange and produce warm, fiery, vibrant impressions.
In some color theories, yellow and red fall into the same umbrella category of “warm colors” along with orange. The warmth comes from their resemblance to things like sunlight, fire, and heat. When placed next to each other, the warm hues of red and yellow seem to intensify, making both colors appear brighter.
Even though they are not direct complements, red and yellow exhibit strong visual contrast when paired together. The eye-catching vividness of these two hues makes them work well together even though technically they do not meet the definition of complementary colors.
Using Yellow and Red Together
So how should yellow and red be used together given their close relationship? Here are some tips for combining these two vibrant warm colors:
– Use as accent colors – With their bold hues, yellow and red work perfectly as punchy accent colors against a neutral background. For example, add a pop of yellow to balance the brightness of a red focal point.
– Alternate in patterns – The colors create interest and movement when alternated in graphic prints or stripes. The contrast keeps the eye engaged as it jumps from one hue to the other.
– Use analogous shades – Stick to warmer shades of yellow and red rather than cool tones to prevent clashing. Warm cadmium reds and lemon yellows play well together.
– Add a buffer color – Too much red and yellow can feel visually jarring. Add touches of an intermediate color like orange to transition between the two more smoothly.
– Watch proportions – Don’t use yellow and red in equal quantities or the pairing may become overwhelming. Use one color as a dominant and the other for accents.
The Takeaway on Yellow and Red
Yellow and red may not be complementary colors in the technical sense. But they do exhibit strong visual contrast that can be used to great effect in design. Their shared warm traits mean these two vivid hues complement one another in spirit if not in theory. The right balance of bright yellows and bold reds can create art, decor, fashions, and graphics full of visual impact.
So while red and yellow may not be complementary colors, they certainly can complement one another as long as their strengths are leveraged carefully. Knowing the close relationship between these two powerful players on the color wheel helps unlock their potential and shows they can work surprisingly well side-by-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the relationship between yellow and red:
Are yellow and red complementary colors on the color wheel?
No, yellow and red are not directly complementary colors on the standard color wheel. Red’s complement is green, while yellow’s complement is purple. Red and yellow are located relatively close together in the warm section of the wheel.
Do yellow and red make brown when mixed together?
Yellow and red do not make a clean neutral brown or gray when blended. Because they share similar warm pigments, their mixture retains some vibrancy and tends to produce an orangey tan instead of a true brown.
Can you wear red and yellow together?
Yes, red and yellow work well together in fashion and design. Their visual contrast draws attention. Just be sure to use warm analogous shades and pay attention to proportions so one color does not overwhelm the other. Add solid neutrals to give the eye a break.
Are yellow and red analogous colors?
In some color systems, red and yellow are considered analogous colors, meaning they sit next to each other on the color wheel. Both contain traces of orange and convey warm, vibrant energy in their hues. Their analogous relationship allows them to play well together.
Do red and yellow make orange?
Yes, when blended together on the color wheel, red and yellow make orange. This is why both colors contain orange undertones. Mixing true primary red and primary yellow pigments will technically yield a secondary orange shade.
Conclusion
While not complementary colors in the strictest definition, yellow and red have an energetic relationship that allows them to be combined in impactful ways. Their shared warm traits mean they complement each other effectively in spirit and bring out each other’s vivid qualities. With smart applications that pay heed to color theory principles, yellow and red can come together to make artistic statements full of visual power and flair.