Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be complementary colors. The traditional RYB (red, yellow, blue) color wheel places purple and orange opposite each other. However, color theory has evolved over the years, so whether purple and orange are truly opposite depends on the color wheel used.
The Traditional RYB Color Wheel
The traditional RYB or red, yellow, blue color wheel dates back to the 18th century. On this color wheel, the primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. The secondary colors – orange, green, and purple – are created by mixing two primary colors.
Red and yellow make orange. Yellow and blue make green. Blue and red make purple. This places purple and orange opposite each other on the color wheel. Purple is made of red and blue, while orange contains red and yellow. Since purple and orange share the color red, they are considered to be complementary colors.
Complementary colors are color pairs that create a strong visual contrast when placed next to each other. They make each other appear more vibrant. Purple and orange demonstrate this complementary relationship well. The cool tone of purple contrasts with the warm and energetic tone of orange.
In design, complementary color pairs like purple and orange can create eye-catching, high impact visuals. Using complementary colors together makes both colors “pop”. This technique is popular in advertising, graphic design, and photography.
On the traditional RYB color wheel, purple sits between red and blue at the bottom of the wheel, exactly opposite orange between yellow and red at the top. This clear opposite positioning is why purple and orange are considered strongly complementary on the RYB wheel.
The Modern RGB Color Wheel
Modern color theory uses the RGB or red, green, blue color wheel. This reflects the way computer monitors and screens create color by mixing red, green, and blue light. On the RGB wheel, the primary colors are red, green and blue. The secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors.
Red and green make yellow. Green and blue make cyan. Blue and red make magenta. So on the RGB wheel, purple is actually magenta. The key difference between magenta and purple is that purple contains hints of blue, while magenta does not.
So on the RGB color wheel, purple or magenta is no longer exactly opposite orange. Magenta is still next to orange, between red and blue. But the position is not a perfect opposite. Cyan now sits opposite orange on the updated wheel.
Some shades of purple and magenta remain strongly complementary to orange. Deep purples and raspberry magenta create the same bold contrast next to orange, even if not precisely opposite on the RGB wheel. But lighter and cooler purples do not complement orange as well as a perfect opposite would.
Other Color Models
The RYB and RGB color wheels are not the only ways to conceptualize color relationships. Other color models include:
- CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) – Used in color printing.
- HSB (hue, saturation, brightness) – How colors are organized digitally.
- CIELAB – Measures human perception of color.
On these alternate color models, the relationship between purple, magenta, and orange varies:
- In CMYK, purple contains magenta and is opposite orange which contains yellow.
- In HSB, purple and magenta have similar hues while orange is quite different.
- In CIELAB, purple and orange have very different LAB values indicating contrast.
So whether purple and orange are opposites or complementary ultimately depends on how color interactions are visualized. On some wheels, they are perfect opposites. On others, close but not precise complements. Their strong visual contrast remains constant.
Psychology of Purple and Orange
Beyond color theory, purple and orange are considered opposites psychologically. In color psychology:
- Orange evokes warmth, energy, enthusiasm, fun, and youth.
- Purple evokes sophistication, wealth, spirituality, nostalgia, and romance.
Viewed this way, the two colors have opposite associations. Orange is outgoing and casual. Purple is cool and elegant. Designers use this psychological contrast between purple and orange to evoke different moods.
For example, orange calls attention, while purple adds subtle richness. Orange conveys friendliness, while purple implies formality. Orange is playful, purple thoughtful. By leveraging these emotional complements, purple and orange work together to create balance and depth in designs.
Examples of Purple and Orange
Here are some examples of purple and orange featured together in palettes and designs:
- Color Palettes – Many stylish color palette tools like Coolors.co, Adobe Color CC, and Design Seeds combine purple and orange in complementary palettes.
- Graphic design – Posters, flyers, brochures, and ads often use purple typography against an orange background for visual pop.
- Interior design – Bold orange furniture or decor against soft purple walls creates an energizing and sophisticated room.
- Landscape design – Purple flowers and orange foliage make stunning garden color combinations.
- Food – Dark purple plums, grapes, or eggplant alongside orange citrus fruits, carrots, or squash.
- Fashion – Runways often mix purple and orange together in clothing, shoes, jewelry, and bags.
- Photography – Lighting a purple background with an orange hue adds visual interest and color contrast.
These examples demonstrate how purple and orange complement each other across design disciplines, in both natural and manmade environments.
Are Purple and Orange Complements?
Whether purple and orange are direct opposites or simply strong complements depends on how color relationships are visualized:
| Color Wheel | Are Purple and Orange Opposite? |
|---|---|
| RYB (Traditional) | Yes |
| RGB (Modern) | No, but close complements |
| CMYK | Yes |
| HSB | No, different hues |
| Color Psychology | Yes, strong psychological contrast |
While not precise opposites on every color model, purple and orange always create high visual contrast and interest due to their complementary relationship. Their vibrant energy and rich elegance work together to achieve both stimulating and sophisticated designs.
Conclusion
Purple and orange have a long history as complementary color pair. On some color wheels, they sit directly opposite each other. On others, close but not quite perfect complements. Their vivid visual contrast and psychological associations make purple and orange classic opposites.
Modern color theory recognizes purple and orange as strongly complementary. They make outstanding accent colors for each other across design disciplines. While their positioning may vary slightly based on the color model, the bold energy of orange always complements the cool sophistication of purple.
So while not absolute opposites, purple and orange remain striking complements. Their vibrant palette energizes any design with both warmth and depth. By leveraging the interplay between the colors’ contrasts – warmth and coolness, energy and elegance, casual and formal – purple and orange create memorable, stimulating designs.
In summary, though the color theory is evolving, some truths remain constant. Purple and orange have stood the test of time as sophisticated complements. Their complementary power continues to bring great designs to life.
