Neon colors refer to a group of bright, intense shades often associated with the glowing tubes used for neon signs. While neon tubes come in a variety of hues, there are five classic neon colors that stand out as the most iconic and widely recognized. These include red, orange, yellow, green, and blue.
In this article, we will explore what defines a neon color and take a closer look at the five neon colors in depth. We will examine the history behind neon and its rise in popularity, as well as the unique properties that allow neon tubes to glow so vividly. We will also overview each of the big five neon shades – red, orange, yellow, green, and blue – and discuss their characteristics and common uses. Whether you are looking to use neon colors in graphic design, fashion, or simply want to learn more about this eye-catching color trend, read on to learn all about the big five neon hues.
What Defines a Neon Color?
Neon colors are defined by their intense hue and extremely high level of saturation. Saturation refers to the intensity and purity of a color. Neon shades are crafted to have 100% saturation, meaning no black, white, or gray is added to mute or dilute their vivid hues. This makes them seem almost unnaturally bright and radiant.
In addition to their pure saturation, neon colors also have very high luminance. Luminance refers to the brightness or lightness of a color. Neons are crafted to be as bright and brilliant as possible. This combination of full saturation and extreme luminance is what gives neon colors their signature glowing look.
While many bold, bright colors are referred to as neons, true neon shades are specifically inspired by the glowing lights of neon signs. They aim to capture the striking luminescence of neon tube lights. Beyond just being vivid colors, neons have an artificial, electric look to them that sets them apart from other high saturation hues.
The History of Neon
The development of neon lighting at the start of the 20th century was key to the rise of neon as a distinct color trend. While experimenting with neon gas enclosed in glass tubes, French engineer Georges Claude created the first neon lamp in 1902. The bright red glow of that first neon tube was unlike any lighting seen before.
Through the 1920s and 1930s, neon signs gained popularity around the world and became closely associated with cities, advertising, and theater districts. They were used to create unmistakable emblems for businesses and introduced a sleek, modern look to architecture and design. By the 1950s, neon signs had become an iconic fixture of urban landscapes from Las Vegas to Tokyo.
Beyond signage, neon lights also influenced fashion, graphic design, photography, and cinematography. The striking luminescence of neon lit up runways, album covers, film posters, and more. Pop art incorporated neon lighting to blend commercial imagery with the fine art world. Eventually neon evolved from lighting into its own distinct color palette that extended beyond glowing tubes.
Today, neon colors retain strong ties to neon lighting and the retro look of mid-century pop culture. They bring a bold, electric vibe and a sense of vibrancy to anything they are used on.
The Properties of Neon Tubes
To better understand neon as a color, it helps to examine the unique properties of neon lighting that allow it to glow so brilliantly. Within the sealed glass tubes that house most neon signs are small amounts of noble gases like neon, argon, helium, and others. When electrified, these gases give off radiant light.
Different gases produce signature colors when ionized. Neon gas glows reddish-orange, while argon produces bluish-purple light. Gas mixtures result in an array of further colors, including the typical yellow and pink seen in many neon signs. Thanks to the luminosity of these glowing gases, neon tubes can shine brighter than traditional filament bulbs.
In addition to the light emitted by ionized gas, neon tubes also contain a colored phosphorescent coating on the inside of the glass tubing. When the gas within is electrified, the coating produces a colored glow that enhances the effect of the light. These phosphors allow neon tubes to achieve even more brilliant and vivid hues.
It is this unique combination of purified gas, phosphorescent coatings, and electricity that makes neon lighting seem to almost glow from within. Neon colors aim to capture this artificial radiance in pigment form for use beyond glowing signs.
The Big Five Neon Colors
There are no strict criteria for which colors qualify as true neons, but some shades are certainly more iconic and recognizable than others. The big five neon colors that best capture the glowing essence of neon lighting are red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. These primary neon shades have become standard features of neon signage worldwide.
Each of these quintessential neon colors has its own unique properties and design applications. Below we will take a closer look at what defines each of the big five neons.
Neon Red
Neon red sits on the warm end of the color spectrum. It captures the hot glow of neon lighting thanks to its vibrant hue and full saturation.
True neon reds have a boosted orange undertone compared to bluer reds. This gives neon red its fiery, radiant look. The orange tint also allows neon red to stand out against black backgrounds, making it ideal for applications like signage.
In neon lighting, neon red is produced using pure neon gas or a combination of neon and argon gases. In print and digital design, neon red is rendered using high chroma reds with a strong orange undertone.
Neon red has become ubiquitous with neon signage, but it also grabs attention in advertising, branding, fashion, and more. It brings bold energy and youthful vibrancy wherever it is used.
Neon Orange
Sitting between neon red and neon yellow is neon orange. As another primary shade, neon orange is one of the most instantly recognizable neon colors.
Neon orange strikes the perfect balance between the warmth of red and the cheeriness of yellow. This makes it both energetic and friendly in character. It has enough punch to stand out on signs without appearing too aggressive.
Print and digital neon oranges have a reddish undertone that gives the color brightness and intensity. Neon orange has very high visibility, making it a top choice for conveying optimism and enthusiasm. It also blends especially well with cyan and blue tones in graphic design.
True neon tubes mix argon and neon gas to generate neon orange illumination. This color is a neon sign staple, especially among fast food establishments.
Neon Yellow
Neon yellow is the quintessential bright, cheerful neon. It captures the buzzing glow of pure neon tubes thanks to its heightened luminance.
Unlike primary yellow, neon yellow leans slightly greenish-yellow in hue. This more acidic undertone allows it to shine brilliantly without appearing creamy or pastel. The green tint gives neon yellow extra radiance.
Thanks to its glowing luminescence, neon yellow is perfect for creating a sense of energy and positivity. It also has high visibility, making it a natural eye-catcher in signs, ads, or any type of display. Pure neon gas creates neon yellow illumination in tubes.
Neon yellow brings flair and spirit wherever it is applied. It feels youthful, fun, and lively.
Neon Green
Sitting on the opposite side of the spectrum is neon green. This electric shade captures the cool glow of neon lighting.
True neon greens have a blue undertone rather than yellow. This allows the color to seem crisp and energizing rather than earthy. The blue undertone also gives neon green a hyper-saturated look.
In lighting, neon green tubes are crafted from a mix of argon and mercury vapor. This produces an intense green glow. Print and digital neon greens mimic this radiance using highly saturated shades with blue undertones.
Beyond neon signage, neon green is used everywhere from athletic apparel to advertisements to create an electrifying look. It immediately grabs attention and brings a cutting-edge vibe.
Neon Blue
Rounding out the big five neons is neon blue. This is the coolest neon, radiating with its own inner glow.
Neon blue stands apart from primary blue thanks to its brilliant luminosity. Rather than seeming moody or corporate, neon blue has an energizing character.
For lighting, neon blue is produced using mercury vapor excited with electricity. In applied color, neon blue opts for hyper-saturated shades with a subtle green/teal undertone. This undertone helps neon blue appear vivid and radiant.
While neon blue has the most versatile applications of the five neons, it is most commonly used for technology and modern finance branding. It brings a cutting-edge, innovative feel.
Using the 5 Neon Colors in Design & Fashion
Thanks to their eye-catching essence, neon colors lend themselves well toGRAPHIC DESIGN’, fashion, photography, and digital interfaces. When used intentionally, the big five neons can capture attention, convey meaning, and create visual interest.
In graphic design, neon colors are ideal for posters, album artwork, logos, advertisements, and any type of editorial content. They immediately grab the viewer’s gaze in layouts and help direct attention. Neons also give projects a nostalgic, pop art aesthetic.
For fashion, neon colors make bold statements in accessories, shoes, and activewear. Bright neons feel playful, fun, and youthful. They electrify runway looks and street style. Neons also signal sporty athleticism when used for workout gear.
In commercial and residential spaces, neon colors bring energy and modern flair as accent colors. They create focal points and can define different zones when applied strategically. Neons feel both nostalgic and futuristic in interior design.
No matter how they are applied, the big five neon colors command attention. Their glow elicits feelings of energy, positivity, spirit, and vibrancy.
The Science of Neon
Behind the appeal of neon colors is some interesting science that explains why these shades grab our attention and elicit certain psychological responses. Understanding the science behind neon helps unlock their full potential.
For one, research suggests humans are drawn to neon colors because of how our eyes perceive light. Our visual systems are specially attuned to be responsive to highly saturated hues. Neons create instant visual contrast that is hard for our brains to ignore.
Additionally, neon colors trigger psychological associations thanks to how color vision works. Longer light wavelengths appear warmer and more energetic to our eyes, while shorter wavelengths seem cooler and calmer. Since neons sit on the extreme ends of the color spectrum, we associate them with excitement, cheer, or tranquility.
The connection between neon colors and neon lighting also can’t be ignored. Seeing vibrant neons triggers nostalgia and sensations tied to the buzzing glow of neon signs. This gives the colors added depth and appeal.
So while neons certainly attract attention on visual impact alone, they also play into our perceptual wiring in ways that make them magnetizing. Science confirms our eyes and minds are drawn like moths to their unique glow.
Creating Your Own Neon Color Palettes
While the big five neons enjoy widespread popularity, the neon aesthetic can be tailored using different color combinations. Mixing and matching vibrant neons allows you to create unique palettes that suit your specific aims.
Want a neon palette with a cheery, summertime vibe? Combine neon yellow, neon orange, and neon purple. Need an electric combo for a fitness brand? Try neon yellow, neon green, and neon blue. Or go for an aesthetic inspired by retro tech by blending neon pink, teal, and neon blue.
The possibilities are endless when crafting custom neon palettes. For the most neon look, opt for colors with pure saturation and hyper-luminance. Combining adjacent shades on the color wheel often creates attractive neon harmonies. Maintaining a balance of warm and cool tones will result in versatile palettes.
No matter which neon shades you opt for, remember that less is often more with neons. Limit your palette to 2-4 neon colors for the best results. Too many neons can quickly become visually overwhelming. But when used sparingly, neon colors will make designs pop.
Neon Color Psychology
Beyond just attracting attention, neon colors also provoke psychological and emotional responses thanks to color symbolism. Understanding neon color psychology can help you wield these shades for maximum effect.
Here is an overview of the most common psychological associations with key neon hues:
Neon Red: Excitement, confidence, passion, love, aggression
Neon Orange: Energy, happiness, enthusiasm, positivity, youthfulness
Neon Yellow: Cheerfulness, friendliness, creativity, optimism
Neon Green: Health, renewal, balance, growth, safety
Neon Blue: Calmness, intelligence, serenity, futurism, stability
These associations provide helpful guidance when using neons intentionally. But always remember that color symbolism can vary based on context, so consider your exact aims when selecting shades.
With their stimulating properties, neon colors work best when you want to grab attention, incite action, convey playfulness, or create contrast. Use them strategically when these needs align with your goals.
Neon Design Inspiration
The most direct way to get inspired to use neon colors is to look at real-world examples of neon lighting. Observing how bars, restaurants, shops and other businesses use neon signage provides helpful insight. Take note of which color combinations create the most exciting atmospheric vibes through neon.
You can also look to design styles where neons play a major role for inspiration, namely Art Deco, Pop Art, and Memphis Design aesthetics. Vintage examples of neon graphics can inform contemporary applications. Analyze how top designers effectively balance neons with neutrals.
Some helpful sources of neon design inspiration include:
– Mid-century pop culture posters & album covers
– 80s and 90s fashion runway shows
– Advertisements for tech and gaming companies
– Neon signage in urban districts
– The Memphis Design furniture and decor movement
– Pop artists like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring
– Retro futurism and cyberpunk art
The most original neon palettes arise from mixing inspiration points. Blend ideas from past eras and design disciplines to create fresh looks. Add your own twist by customizing palettes or applications.
Tips for Using Neon Colors
While neon colors demand attention, incorporating them into designs requires careful thought. Follow these tips for effectively and tastefully utilizing bold neon shades:
– Use neons sparingly as accents against neutrals
– Ensure sufficient contrast between neons and backgrounds
– Avoid pairing more than 2-3 neons together
– Establish balance by mixing neon tones and shades
– Consider neon opposites on the color wheel
– Let context and psychology guide color selections
– Reference nature, food, and existing neon palettes for ideas
– Use neons to direct focus, define hierarchy, and create emphasis
With purposeful applications, neon colors can create show-stopping designs. They bring remarkable vibrancy when used with care and consideration.
Neon Color Palettes
Here are some vibrant neon color palette ideas to spark creative inspiration:
Retro Ice Pops
Neon Orange
Neon Yellow
Neon Green
Neon Blue
Laser Grid
Neon Purple
Neon Green
Neon Pink
Neon Blue
Tropical Sunset
Neon Orange
Neon Pink
Neon Yellow
Neon Purple
Fruit Punch
Neon Orange
Neon Pink
Neon Red
Neon Yellow
Alien Nation
Neon Purple
Neon Green
Neon Blue
Neon Yellow
Mix and match these neon palettes or create your own! The possibilities are limitless for crafting custom neon color schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common FAQs about neon colors:
What makes a color a neon?
Neons have pure saturation with no muted undertones. They also feature extreme luminance for maximum brilliance and vibrancy.
What are the characteristics of neon colors?
Neon colors are intensely saturated, ultra-bright, luminous, and seem artificial or synthetic in essence. They aim to capture the glowing radiance of neon lighting.
What colors make up a classic neon palette?
The big five neon colors are red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. But other shades like pink, purple, and teal also have neon variants.
How are neon tubes able to glow so brightly?
Neon tubes contain purified noble gases that illuminate when electrified. Their inner coatings contain phosphors that enhance the vivid colors.
Where are neon colors used?
Neon colors see major use in graphic design, fashion, product design, photography, marketing, signage, interior decor, architecture, and anywhere vibrancy is desired.
What meaning is conveyed by different neon shades?
Neons symbolize energy, vibrancy, modernity, futurism, optimism and youth culture. Different hues also take on unique meanings.
How can I make sure neon colors are used effectively?
Use neon colors sparingly against muted backgrounds. Ensure they contrast well with surrounding shades. Avoid overusing neons or pairing too many together.
What are good color combinations with neon hues?
Neons pair well with neutrals like black, white, gray, beige and wood tones. They also look great with chromatic shades like pastels.
Where can I find inspiration
