Complementary colors are color pairs that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. When placed next to each other, they create maximum contrast and reinforce each other. Complementary color schemes are very vibrant and work best when used in small touches or when colors have similar values. Using complementary colors is a popular way to create eye-catching, bold visual effects in design.
What is a complementary color scheme?
A complementary color scheme consists of two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple. These opposing colors complement each other when used together by creating a strong visual contrast.
Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel because they contain no common colors between them. This means that complementary colors produce the highest degree of contrast out of any color combination. When placed next to one another, complementary colors make each other appear brighter, more saturated, and more intense.
The high contrast created by complementary colors draws attention and creates vibrancy. Using complementary colors together makes both colors “pop” and stand out more. The colors accent each other when paired.
Examples of complementary color schemes
Here are 3 common examples of complementary color schemes:
1. Red and Green
Red and green are perfect complements, located 180 degrees apart on the standard color wheel. This classic and vivid color pairing represents Christmas but also has many other design applications.
In design, red and green create an eye-catching, high-energy color scheme. Red is intense and attention-grabbing, while green balances it out with its natural vibrancy. Together they offer great contrast.
Red and green must be used carefully due to their strong visual vibration. They work best together when used in small touches or balanced with a neutral color. Red text on a green background is also an effective and visually striking combination.
2. Blue and Orange
Blue and orange are bold complements with a strong graphic feel. Located opposite each other on the color wheel, blue and orange vigorously reinforce each other.
Blue evokes a sense of calmness and professionalism. Orange is energetic and fun. The contrast between these emotional associations is part of what makes this pairing visually impactful.
In design, blue and orange make a lively color scheme with lots of visual friction. This complementary duo is commonly used in modern graphic design and illustration. Blue and orange harmonize beautifully when balancing warm and cool tones.
3. Yellow and Purple
Yellow and purple complement each other with stunning visual effects. These rich, vivid colors have a regal quality when combined in design.
Yellow is upbeat and friendly, often representing happiness and sunshine. Purple has luxurious, mystical connotations. The combination of these diverse color meanings creates an eye-catching color scheme with personality.
Graphic design often utilizes yellow and purple together to create a bold, contrasting color palette. These colors also work well in other creative fields like interior design and photography.
Tips for using complementary color schemes
Here are some useful tips for working with complementary color schemes:
- Use complements in small doses – Complementary colors are most vibrant when used sparingly as accents.
- Watch value contrast – Complements work best when they have similar brightness levels.
- Add a neutral – Adding a neutral color helps balance and tone down a high-contrast complementary scheme.
- Use a split complement – Split complements use a color and the two colors adjacent to its complement for a more nuanced scheme.
- Look for triadic opportunities – Triadic color schemes use three colors equally spaced on the color wheel for a bold but balanced effect.
Benefits of using complementary colors
Complementary color schemes offer several key benefits:
- Contrast – Complements naturally create high contrast, which attracts attention and focuses the eye.
- Vibrancy – Placed together, complements appear more intense, saturated, and vivid.
- Reinforcement – Complements reinforce each other by highlighting their unique color characteristics.
- Versatility – Complementary color schemes work across many contexts and applications.
- Simplicity – With only two colors, complements are easy to balance and combine.
Examples of complementary colors in design
Here are some real-world examples that demonstrate effective uses of complementary color schemes in design:
User Interfaces
Complementary colors help create visually engaging, usable interfaces. Orange and blue are commonly paired in modern UIs.
Logos
Many iconic logos use complements. UPS’s yellow and purple emblem and Nickelodeon’s orange and green logo are classic examples.
Posters
Posters often utilize high-contrast complementary colors to grab attention. Movie posters frequently pair opposites like red and green or blue and orange.
Packaging
Food, beverage, and retail product packaging make frequent use of complementary colors to stand out on shelves.
Advertising
Complementary colors help ads make a bold impression quickly. Red and green is a common scheme in holiday marketing campaigns.
Conclusion
Complementary color schemes offer high visual contrast and vibrancy. Classic complements like red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple have timeless design applications. When used carefully, complementary colors attract attention, convey energy, and generate visual excitement.
