Color theory tells us that complementary colors are those located directly across from each other on the color wheel. Complementary color schemes tend to really accent each other when placed side by side. Finding the right complementary colors is an important design principle for creating aesthetically pleasing combinations. In this article, we’ll look at the basics of color theory and complementary schemes as well as the specific complementary colors for red and blue.
Understanding Color Theory
Before we can determine the complements of red and blue, we need to understand some color theory basics. Color theory is a framework for combining colors based on their relationships to each other on the color wheel. The color wheel organizes colors into primary, secondary, and tertiary categories.
The primary colors are red, blue and yellow. These are called primary because they can’t be created by mixing other colors. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors equally. For example, red and yellow make orange, blue and yellow make green, and blue and red make purple.
Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and secondary color. For instance, red and orange makes red-orange, yellow and green makes yellow-green. This allows you to create many more color mixtures.
The color wheel is organized with primary colors spaced evenly like points on a triangle. Secondary and tertiary colors fill in the spaces between the primaries. Colors located directly across from each other are called complementary colors. They tend to create very vibrant combinations. This is because they contain no common hues. For example, red and green only share the color yellow. This makes their combination pop.
Why Use Complementary Colors?
Complementary color schemes are popular because of the contrast they create. Contrast adds visual interest, grabs attention, and makes elements stand out. Some key benefits of using complementary colors include:
– Creates high contrast – The lack of shared hues makes complements really stand out against each other. This contrast is pleasing to the eye.
– Causes colors to pop – Complements make each other appear brighter, more saturated and vivid.
– Adds visual interest – The high contrast of complements is naturally interesting and dynamic.
– Grabs attention – Complementary color schemes tend to grab viewers’ attention.
– Conveys energy – Complements have an energetic, lively effect.
– Defines emphasis – You can use complementary colors to emphasize or highlight specific elements.
– Looks balanced – Complements create equilibrium with neither color overwhelming the other.
Using complementary colors is one of the simplest ways to create color combinations that look bold, vibrant and professional. But it does take some knowledge of color relationships to choose effective complements.
Finding the Complement of Red
So what colors are complementary to vivid red and deep blue? On the traditional RYB color wheel, the complement of red is green. Red and green are directly across from each other. They share no common hues between them.
Red has a wavelength of approximately 700 nanometers. Green has a wavelength of about 500 nanometers. When red and green light mix, they create a neutral white or gray color. This demonstrates why they cancel each other out visually and stand out so strongly when paired.
Some more specific red and green complementary pairs include:
– Bright red and leaf green
– Scarlet and forest green
– Crimson red and mint green
– Fire engine red and emerald green
However, the red/green pairing only works for pure red hues with no blue or yellow added. Red starts becoming less complementary to green as it shifts toward orange-red.
Many modern color wheels show blue as the complement to red instead of green. On digital RGB wheels used for web and graphic design, red’s complement is cyan. Cyan is a vivid blue-green color halfway between blue and green.
Some examples of red and cyan complements are:
– Vivid red and electric cyan
– Cherry red and Caribbean cyan
– Apple red and turquoise cyan
Cyan creates even more vibrancy with vibrant red hues than green. So in digital design, cyan tends to be a more fitting complement for bright reds.
Finding the Complement of Blue
On the traditional RYB color wheel, blue’s complementary color is considered to be orange. Blue and orange are opposite each other with no shared hues. Blue has a wavelength of around 450 nanometers while orange is about 600 nanometers. When combined, blue and orange make a neutral brown tone.
Some classic blue/orange complementary pairings include:
– Navy blue and burnt orange
– Royal blue and peach orange
– Baby blue and pumpkin orange
However, with bold digital blues, orange can sometimes look a little imbalanced. Bright orange seems to overpower lighter or muted blues.
In digital design, red is usually seen as the best complement to various blues. Red and blue are primary colors with no overlap in hue. Digital red and blue have wavelengths at opposite ends of the visible light spectrum. When combined, they create shades of purple or magenta.
Some examples of red/blue digital complements include:
– Light blue and cherry red
– Sky blue and crimson
– Royal blue and fire engine red
Cyan can also complement deeper blues like navy or indigo well. The high energy of cyan balances nicely against darker or duller blues.
Benefits of Red & Blue Complements
Why are red, blue and their complements such popular color combinations? Red, green, cyan, blue, orange and red are all very bold, bright, stimulating colors. Their complements contain no common tones to dull or gray their impact.
Some advantages of red and blue complementary schemes include:
– Creates strong contrast – No shared hues means high contrast between red/green/cyan and blue/orange/red
– Colors really pop – The complements make each other appear more bold and vivid
– Looks energetic – Red and blue complements have an energetic, lively effect
– Draws attention – These colors naturally draw the eye when combined
– Conveys excitement – Red/blue complements feel bold, fun and stimulating
– Balanced or asymmetrical – Can use equal or unequal amounts to vary the effect
– Versatile – Works for any design goal, industry or mood
Thanks to their bold hues and strong contrasts, red and blue complements are ideal for designers wanting to grab attention, convey energy and highlight specific elements. Used thoughtfully, they create balanced, impactful color schemes.
Examples of Red & Blue Complements
To see red and blue complements in action, take a look at the color scheme examples below:
| Color Scheme | Example Uses |
|---|---|
| Scarlet red & mint green | Christmas designs, retail promotions |
| Navy blue & tangerine orange | Maritime or nautical themes, summer events |
| Crimson red & turquoise cyan | Southwestern art and decor |
| Royal blue & vermillion red | Luxury brands, cosmetics packaging |
| Cherry red & Caribbean cyan | Tropical designs, fruit branding |
| Baby blue & magenta red | Children’s products, soft pastel looks |
As you can see, red and blue complements are extremely versatile. They can be adapted to suit vibrant, high-energy designs or more subtle, pastel palettes. The key is choosing red and blue hues with truly complementary tones.
Design Considerations
When using complementary red and blue schemes, keep these design tips in mind:
– Use complements sparingly – Don’t overdo it or the bold colors may start clashing. Try a 60/40 split.
– Add a neutral color – This helps soften and balance the strong complements. White, gray or black work well.
– Vary saturation – Pair a very saturated color with a soft, pale complement for contrast.
– Use tints and shades – Try light and dark variations of the complements.
– Watch value contrast – Don’t combine extremely light and dark complements.
– Consider context – Make sure red and blue complements suit your purpose, industry and audience.
– Trust your eyes – Your eye is the best judge of attractive, balanced color combinations.
Following basic color theory principles helps ensure you choose complementary colors that look stunning together. But always let your design objectives and visual perception be the final guide.
Conclusion
The complements for pure red hues are green on the traditional RYB wheel or cyan in digital design. For bold blues, orange is the classic complement but red is often a better fit digitally. Thanks to their strong contrast and lack of common hues, red and blue complements really accent each other when combined.
Red/green, red/cyan, blue/orange and blue/red schemes look bold, lively and eye-catching. They allow designers to highlight elements, grab attention and add visual interest. Following some simple color theory and design principles helps you use these popular complements effectively.
