When choosing a color to pair with a white background, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. The goal is to create enough contrast between the color and the white background for the text or graphics to stand out and be easily legible. At the same time, you want colors that complement each other and create an aesthetically pleasing combination.
Key Factors for Choosing a Color
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a color to use on a white background:
– Contrast – You want a color that contrasts strongly with white so the content stands out. Darker, more saturated colors tend to create more contrast.
– Legibility – Make sure the color you choose works well for text or graphics to remain clear and readable against the white.
– Aesthetics – Pick a color that you find visually appealing and appropriate for your project. Consider connotations of different colors.
– Purpose – Let your goals guide you. Bold colors for highlighting information, neutral tones for minimalism, etc.
– Accessibility – Choose colors with enough contrast to be accessible for viewers with visual impairments.
– Personal Preference – There are no universally perfect colors, so go with what appeals to your own sensibilities.
Best Color Options for White Background
Based on those key principles, here are some of the best colors to use against a white background:
Darker neutral tones:
– Dark gray
– Charcoal gray
– Dark taupe
– Chocolate brown
– Deep olive green
– Navy blue
– Dark purple
These deeper, muted neutral tones provide excellent contrast against white. They are versatile and work well for both text and graphical elements. The darker shades also feel elegant and sophisticated against a bright white.
Black:
– Black
Black text on a white screen offers the highest possible contrast, making it very legible. But large sections of pure black can feel overwhelming, so use it sparingly. Black graphics like logos make a powerful statement against white.
Saturated colors:
– Royal blue
– Brilliant green
– Vibrant red
– Rich yellow
Saturated primary colors and jewel tones provide high visual contrast from white backgrounds. They are excellent for infographics, charts, illustrations, and other graphical elements that you want to make a bold visual impact. Limit small saturated color text.
Light neutral tones:
– Light gray
– Soft taupe
– Warm beige
– Light tan
Lighter muted neutral tones offer more subtle contrast from pure white. They work well for spare, minimalist designs and plenty of negative space. Use these colors for elegantly understated text and graphics.
Pastels:
– Soft peach
– Lavender
– Mint green
– Sky blue
Pastel versions of brighter colors give a more delicate contrast. They provide a gentle color pop that feels feminine, youthful, or vintage. Use pastels sparingly for accents and touches of whimsy.
Examples of Color Palettes for White Background
Here are some examples of appealing color palettes to use against white backgrounds:
Monochromatic: Shades of a single color
– Dark teal header and graphics, light teal body text
Analogous: Next to each other on the color wheel
– Navy blue header, royal blue graphics, sky blue text links
Complementary: Opposite on the color wheel
– Orange header, cerulean blue body text, lime green graphic accents
Triadic: Evenly spaced around the color wheel
– Red header, purple graphics, yellow text links
Neutral with saturated accent:
– Charcoal gray text with occasional bright pink text links and lines
Design Tips for White Backgrounds
Here are some additional tips for designing with a white background:
– Add texture and visual interest with subtle background patterns.
– Break up large sections of white space with contrasting blocks of color.
– Use clean lines and ample white space to create a minimalist look.
– Make lowercase text slightly lighter than uppercase to improve readability.
– Use drop shadows on colored text and graphics to help them stand out.
– Increase line spacing and font size for better readability against the bright white.
– Align text and use grids to create clean sections and columns against the white.
Conclusion
Pairing the right colors with a white background can create attractive, effective designs. Aim for colors with enough contrast for readability but that also coordinate aesthetically. Darker neutrals, black, bright saturated colors, light neutrals, and pastels are all good options to consider. Pay attention to color combinations, typography, white space, and alignment when laying out your design. With the right approach, you can use color to make compelling designs that pop against clean, bright white backgrounds.
| Color | Contrast Level |
|---|---|
| Dark gray | High contrast |
| Navy blue | High contrast |
| Red | High contrast |
| Light gray | Lower contrast |
| Lavender | Lower contrast |
