Split complementary colors are three colors that are equidistant on the color wheel. This color scheme uses a base color, the color on either side of the base color’s complement, and often the complement itself. Using split complements in design can create visually stimulating combinations that retain a sense of harmony.
How are split complements created?
To find the split complements for a color:
- Identify the base color on the color wheel
- Find the direct complement of the base color on the opposite side of the wheel
- Move one step to either side of the complement to identify the two split complement colors
For example, if the base color is yellow:
- The complement of yellow is purple
- One step to the left of purple is blue
- One step to the right of purple is red
So the split complements for yellow are blue, purple and red.
What is the color wheel?
The color wheel is a visual representation of color theory and illustrates the relationships between colors. The colors are arranged in a circular format to demonstrate how they relate to one another.
There are several types of color wheels:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| RYB | Colors are arranged in order of red, yellow, blue – the primary colors |
| RGB | Colors are ordered based on red, green, blue – the additive primary colors used in light |
| CMYK | Shows cyan, magenta, yellow, black – the subtractive primaries used in printing |
The most common version is the RYB color wheel. This is considered the traditional color wheel and is based on red, yellow and blue as the primary colors. All other colors are derived from combinations of these three pigments.
Why use split complementary color schemes?
There are several benefits to using split complementary color combinations:
- Provides contrast while retaining harmony – the scheme has a good balance of contrasting colors that grab attention paired with harmonious colors from the same side of the wheel.
- Avoids tension from complete complements – complements paired together can seem jarring. The split complements create less tension.
- Adds visual interest – the three color palette provides more nuance than a single complementary pair.
Brands will often utilize split complementary triads in their color palettes. The colors work well together while allowing products to stand out.
Examples of split complements
Here are some examples of split complementary triads:
| Base Color | Complements |
|---|---|
| Red | Green, Blue-green, Blue |
| Orange | Blue, Violet, Magenta |
| Yellow | Purple, Red-violet, Blue |
| Green | Red, Orange-red, Violet |
| Blue | Orange, Red-orange, Yellow |
| Purple | Yellow, Yellow-green, Green |
As you can see, the base color is paired with the complement and two colors adjacent to the complement around the color wheel.
How to use split complements in design
There are a few guidelines for creating successful color palettes from split complements:
- The base color tends to dominate – use more of this color throughout the design
- Use less of the complements – these are accents so should appear more sparingly
- Watch balance – evenly distribute accents so one doesn’t take over
- Aim for 60/30/10 ratio – 60% base color, 30% for one complement, 10% for the other
Make sure at least one of the colors is light and one is dark to provide sufficient contrast in the palette.
Examples of split complements in branding
Many brands strategically use split complementary colors in their logos and branding for visual interest:
- Whole Foods – Green, red, purple
- Dunkin’ Donuts – Orange, blue, purple
- ABC – Red, green, blue
- Amazon – Blue, yellow, red-orange
- Starbucks – Green, red-violet, red
You’ll notice brands tend to have a primary color that dominates and accent colors from the split complements in smaller doses.
Using split complementary colors in interiors
This color scheme translates beautifully in home decor:
- Paint walls the base color
- Use accents like pillows, rugs and decor items in the complement colors
- Split the accents equally around the space
- Repeat colors from room to room for cohesion
Some examples:
- A blue living room with yellow and orange pillows
- A green bedroom with violet and red-violet floral sheets
- A purple office with green and yellow desk accessories
Limit colors like bright reds and oranges to accent decor rather than overpowering walls or furniture.
Outfit ideas with split complements
This color scheme is easily adapted to clothing. Try these tips when coordinating split complementary outfit combos:
- Make one color the dominant hue in your outfit – either in a top or bottom
- Add the accent colors into pieces like jackets, scarves or shoes
- Look for split complementary colors clustered together when shopping prints and patterns
- Repeat at least one accent shade in different pieces to tie the look together
Some split complementary outfit ideas:
- Orange skirt with blue blazer and purple heels
- Red dress with green cardigan and blue belt
- Yellow top with violet jeans and red shoes
- Blue button down with orange tie and green trousers
The key is balancing the split complements so one doesn’t overpower the rest.
Conclusion
A split complementary color scheme takes one base color and pairs it with the colors on both sides of its complement on the color wheel. This creates a versatile and visually engaging palette. Brands can use this combination to establish corporate colors that stand out while remaining harmonious. In interiors and fashion, split complements allow pieces to complement each other without clashing. Following basic color theory, this triad can be relied on to guide color choice and design.
