Complementary colors are color pairs that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. When placed next to each other, they create the strongest contrast of any two colors. Mixing complementary colors together creates a gray color. Complementary colors also enhance each other when placed side by side. Understanding color theory and how to use complementary colors is an important skill for artists, designers, photographers and anyone who works with color.
Overview of Complementary Colors
The basic color wheel consists of 12 colors – 3 primary colors (red, yellow, blue), 3 secondary colors (orange, green, purple) and 6 tertiary colors. The tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and secondary color together. On the standard color wheel, complementary colors are located directly across from each other. Some examples of complementary color pairs are:
- Red & Green
- Yellow & Purple
- Blue & Orange
When complementary colors are mixed together, they cancel each other out and create a gray or brown color. This is because they contain no common colors between them. For example, red and green contain neither red, blue nor yellow in common. When lights of complementary colors are shone at each other, the light is absorbed and no color is reflected back. This results in the appearance of black or gray.
While complementary colors are as different as two colors can be, they also have a strong visual harmony. When placed next to each other, they create the highest amount of visual contrast and make each color appear more vibrant. This contrast is pleasing to the eye but can also cause vibration effects if overused. Complementary colors are ideal for creating focal points.
The Complementary Colors of Yellow
On the standard 12-part color wheel, the complementary color of yellow is purple. Looking at the color wheel, these two colors are directly opposite each other. Yellow is a primary color, made up of just the yellow wavelength of light. Purple is a secondary color, created by mixing blue and red light. Yellow and purple share no common pigments or light wavelengths, making them complete complements.
There are several shades of purple that work as complements for yellow:
- Violet – This is the pure purple located exactly opposite yellow on the color wheel. It contains equal parts blue and red.
- Magenta – Slightly more red-based than violet. Works well with bold, warm yellows.
- Lavender – Contains more blue than violet. Pairs nicely with light or pastel yellows.
- Orchid – A tertiary purple with more red, works with golden yellows.
Different shades of yellow also have ideal complementary purples:
- Lemon yellow – Lavender
- Banana yellow – Violet
- Golden yellow – Orchid
- Canary yellow – Magenta
While any shade of yellow can be paired with any shade of purple, choosing hues of complementary colors close in brightness and saturation creates the boldest contrast. For example, a bright lemon yellow pops against a deep violet. Pastel yellow and pale lavender are also harmonious complements.
The Complementary Colors of Violet
On the 12-part color wheel, the complement of violet is yellow. Violet falls between blue and red on the wheel, combining those two primary colors. Its complement yellow is directly opposite, a primary color and the only hue that contains no blue or red wavelengths.
Just like purple has several shades that complement yellow, yellow has a range of hues that balance violet:
- Lemon yellow – Containing hints of green, this energizing yellow has enough brightness to contrast deep purples.
- Yellow ochre – An earthy, muted yellow that works well with softer violets.
- Gold yellow – A yellow with touches of orange, pairing nicely with reddish purples like magenta.
- Greenish yellow – Has subtle cool undertones for contrasting warmer purples.
The shade of violet also impacts the ideal complementary yellow:
- Vivid violet – Lemon or neon yellow create the boldest contrast.
- Pastel violet – A soft yellow ochre provides balance.
- Royal purple – Gold yellow complements the hints of red.
- Periwinkle – Greenish yellow contrasts the extra blue.
Understanding these varied complements allows for greater control over the look and feel created by combining violet and yellow hues.
Using Complementary Colors in Design
There are several ways complementary colors like yellow and purple can be utilized effectively in design:
- Create contrast – Place complements side-by-side to make them “pop”. The strong visual vibration draws attention.
- Communicate mood – Yellow conveys warmth, cheer and energy. Violet is calming and mystical. Use complements to set a tone.
- Add depth – Layering complements creates dimension as the colors recede and advance in space.
- Separate elements – The contrast of complements helps distinguish design elements like foreground from background.
- Make color pop – Small amounts of a complement make other colors seem brighter and more saturated.
However, balance is necessary when working with complements. Too much vibrating contrast can be jarring. Here are some tips for harmonious use of complementary colors:
- Use one color as dominant, the other as an accent.
- Separate with white space or neutrals to avoid overly vibrant contrast.
- Mute brightness and saturation to soften the contrast.
- Warm up or cool down a complement to have less tension.
Examples of Complementary Yellow and Purple
Here are some examples of yellow and purple used effectively as complementary colors:
Art and Design
- Vincent Van Gogh’s painting Sunflowers, featuring vibrant yellow flowers against blue and purple backgrounds.
- Logos like Snapchat and Twitch using yellow pops against backgrounds of purple and magenta.
- Product packaging and marketing materials contrasting shades like macaron purple and bright yellow.
- Interior design using a vibrant yellow accent wall against a soft violet room color.
Nature
- Daffodils in a lavender field during springtime.
- A purple iris next to a lemon-colored daylily.
- The colors of a sunset, with golden light complemented by violet sky.
- Yellow autumn leaves against the purple-hued stem of a maple.
Fashion and Textiles
- A vibrant yellow sundress paired with magenta shoes and purse.
- A tie-dye using shades of yellow and violet tie-dyed together.
- A textile mixing yellow and lavender threads into a pattern.
- Blonde hair dyed with purple ends that pop against the yellow.
These examples showcase the range of yellow and purple hues that can be used as complements. Different shades and saturations allow for vibrant or subtle contrast between the colors.
Complementary Color Harmony
While yellow and its complement purple are very different colors, they have a strong visual relationship. When combined skillfully, they can create bold focal points, add depth and dimension, convey mood and unify a palette. Their contrast showcases the vibrancy of each hue but can easily be softened and balanced.
Understanding how to combine complements through the use of different shades, warm and cool tones, saturation and spacing is key to using them effectively. The highest contrast comes from pairing a primary yellow against a secondary purple. But various yellow and purple shades can be mixed and matched for desired look. Following basic color theory principles allows yellow and violet to be ideal complementary colors.
The bold pop of yellow against rich purple makes these complements ideal for creating eye-catching designs. Their contrast helps each stand out, grabbing attention while also balancing the palette. Whether used in graphic design, fine art, fashion or home decor, yellow and purple complement each other across many media and applications.
