Choosing colors for design projects can be both exciting and challenging. While there are almost endless color possibilities, it’s important to understand the key differences between a color palette and color scheme when selecting colors. Both are vital tools that serve different purposes in the design process. In this article, we’ll define what a color palette and color scheme are, explain the differences between them, and provide guidance on how to use them effectively in your projects. Whether you’re a graphic designer, web developer, interior decorator or artist, read on to learn how to leverage color palettes and schemes to create visually stunning work.
What is a Color Palette?
A color palette refers to the set of colors chosen for a particular design project. The palette establishes the overall selection of hues that will be used in the design. Here are some key things to know about color palettes:
- A palette typically consists of 5-12 colors.
- The colors are chosen to work cohesively together based on hue, saturation, value and temperature.
- Palettes may include primary colors, secondary colors, tertiary colors, neutrals and accents.
- Colors can be sampled from images, objects or places for inspiration.
- Palettes help limit color choices and create color harmony.
Some examples of popular types of color palettes include:
- Monochromatic: Shades, tones and tints of one hue.
- Analogous: Hues next to each other on the color wheel.
- Complementary: Opposite hues on the color wheel.
- Triadic: Three hues equally spaced on the wheel.
- Neutral: Shades of black, white, gray and beige.
The color palette provides the foundation for color use in a design. It should be determined early on in the design process. Palettes may be inspired by images, objects, places or even words. Create color boards or swatches to visualize potential palettes. Evaluate colors for visual harmony as well as symbolic associations. The palette will guide all color decisions moving forward.
What is a Color Scheme?
A color scheme refers to the specific way colors from the palette will be combined and used for design elements. The scheme establishes roles for each color in the palette. Here are some aspects of color schemes:
- Schemes use between 2-5 colors from the palette.
- Colors are designated as main, secondary, accent, etc.
- Schemes affect contrast, emphasis and balance.
- Common schemes include complementary, triadic, tetradic, analogic.
- Schemes create visual interest and focal points.
Some examples of popular types of color schemes include:
- Monochromatic: Different tints, tones and shades of one hue.
- Complementary: Two opposite hues with similar saturation.
- Analogous: Adjacent hues and their variants.
- Triadic: Three equally spaced hues and their variants.
- Tetradic: Two complementary pairs of hues.
Color schemes build off the palette to dictate how colors are practically applied in the design. Schemes are determined once design elements, composition and layout are established. Experiment with different schemes featuring palette colors to find the best fit. Balance needs for emphasis, contrast, unity and legibility when finalizing the scheme.
Key Differences Between a Palette and Scheme
While palettes and schemes are complementary, there are some notable differences:
| Color Palette | Color Scheme |
|---|---|
| Determines the overall selection of colors | Determines specific roles of each color |
| Established early in design process | Established later based on elements |
| Typically has 5-12 colors | Typically has 2-5 colors |
| Focuses on color harmony | Focuses on color contrast |
| Inspired by images, objects, etc. | Built based on layout, composition |
To summarize, the palette provides the source colors, while the scheme designates color roles. The palette is determined first, while the scheme comes later. Palettes have more colors for variety, schemes have fewer for strategic use. Understanding these key differences will help you leverage both tools for stellar designs.
How to Choose an Impactful Palette
Follow these tips when selecting colors for your project’s palette:
- Gather inspiration from your subject, mood, audience, location, etc.
- Limit your palette to 5-12 colors maximum.
- Use a color wheel tool to identify harmonious hues.
- Include a range of Primary, secondary and tertiary hues.
- Add neutrals like black, white, gray and beige.
- Consider light, medium and dark values.
- Balance warm and cool temperatures.
- Avoid using only saturated or muted shades.
- Steer clear of colors that clash or vibrate.
- View colors in different lighting conditions.
- Create theme color boards to visualize palettes.
Curate palette options first, then refine to the best set. Try out various combinations until you achieve visual unity. The ideal palette both enhances your concept and creates color harmony.
How to Use Schemes to Apply Palette Colors
Use these guidelines when selecting color schemes featuring your palette:
- Note all design elements needing color.
- Determine the color role priorities.
- Choose 2-4 anchor colors from palette.
- Assign colors as main, secondary, accent, etc.
- Use 60-70% for dominant hue, 30% for secondary.
- Add small pops of accent colors strategically.
- Consider complementary, triadic, tetradic schemes.
- Use tints, tones and shades for variety.
- Ensure enough contrast between colors.
- Balance warm and cool colors intentionally.
- Limit colors in high proximity for unity.
Scheme experimentation is key. Try out different combinations, analyzing the contrast, emphasis, balance and spatial effects. The best scheme harmoniously applies your palette to meet all design needs.
Examples of Palettes and Schemes
Let’s look at some examples of palettes and schemes used effectively together:
Website Design
Palette: Teal, maroon, tan, black, white
Scheme:
– Main text: Black
– Headings: Maroon
– Background: Teal
– Accents: White
– Borders, icons: Tan
This monochromatic blue palette is grounded by neutral black, white and tan. The maroon provides complementary pop for contrast on headings against the teal background.
Interior Design
Palette: Sand, sky blue, terracotta, sage green, white
Scheme:
– Walls: Sand
– Accent wall: Sky blue
– Furniture: Terracotta, white
– Pillows, plants: Sage green
This soft, earthy palette utilizes analogous colors from nature. The accent blue wall adds a pop of contrast against the neutral sand walls. Color is strategically applied to each element based on the scheme.
Print Advertisement
Palette: Cream, olive green, burnt orange, chocolate brown
Scheme:
– Background: Cream
– Headline: Chocolate brown
– Body text: Olive green
– Call-to-action: Burnt orange
This monochromatic earth tone palette creates a natural, cozy feel. The complementary brown and green provide bold contrast, while the vibrant orange grabs viewer attention.
Conclusion
A color palette provides the source colors, while the color scheme puts them to work in the design. The palette is a starting point inspiration. The scheme is the practical application. Harmonious palettes set up successful schemes. Strategic schemes showcase stellar palettes. Mastering both will take your visual designs to the next level, whether you’re decorating a room, creating a logo, designing a website or more. Use this guide to leverage color palettes and schemes for stunning color use in all your projects.
