What is black and white on color wheel?

On the standard color wheel, black and white represent neutral colors that sit opposite each other. Black is the absence of color, while white contains the full spectrum of light. Understanding where black and white fit on the color wheel provides insight into color theory and practical applications in design.

The Basics of the Color Wheel

The basic color wheel consists of 12 distinct hues – 3 primary colors, 3 secondary colors and 6 tertiary colors. The primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors – green (blue + yellow), orange (red + yellow) and violet (red + blue). Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and secondary color next to each other on the wheel, like red-violet and blue-green.

On the standard color wheel, complementary colors sit opposite each other. Complementary pairs contrast strongly, creating a vibrant look when used together. Some examples of complements are red/green, orange/blue and yellow/violet. The split complementary scheme uses a color plus the two hues adjacent to its complement. This creates a more subtle and sophisticated effect than straight complements.

Where Black and White Fit on the Wheel

Black and white sit diagonally across from one another on the color wheel. They represent neutral colors without specific wavelengths and hues. However, black and white interact with color in important ways.

Black	Absorbs all light, the absence of color
White	Reflects all colors of light

White contains all wavelengths along the visible light spectrum. When white light shines on an object, certain wavelengths are absorbed while others are reflected back to our eyes. This creates the object’s color.

Black is the opposite – it absorbs all visible light wavelengths without reflecting anything back. We see black when no wavelengths reach our eye. It is the void or absence of light.

So while they are neutral on their own, black and white have a dramatic impact on color they interact with. Adding white makes a color tint lighter, while adding black produces a shade.

Color Properties of Black and White

Let’s look closer at some of the color properties and effects of black and white:

Black:

Subtractive color – absorbs all light, the absence of color

Adds contrast, drama and weight
Makes colors seem darker, richer when paired
Can overwhelm other hues when overused

Connotes power, mystery, elegance, sophistication

White:

Additive color – reflects or transmits all wavelengths
Brightens and lightens other colors

Adds airiness, space when paired with hues
Can overpower colors when overused
Connotes purity, cleanliness, simplicity, innocence

As opposites, black and white balance each other. Like yin and yang, they contain each other’s seeds – white at its peak intensity can appear blinding like black; black can reflect light like white if matted.

Using Black and White in Design

Black and white are powerful tools for designers. Here are some of the most effective ways to utilize them:

Black:

Use black typography over white or light backgrounds for maximum contrast.

Apply black outlines around colored elements to make them stand out.
Use black backgrounds behind brightly colored graphics and text to make them pop.
Pair black with bright complementary colors like orange or yellow to create vibrancy.

Leverage black’s weight to create bold stripes and graphic elements.
Use black textures and backgrounds to denote luxury and sophistication.

White:

White space creates breathing room and focuses attention.

Pair white with darker shades to lighten them up.
Use white outlines sparingly to avoid too much contrast.
Apply white backgrounds behind darker colors so they don’t overwhelm.

Use white to lighten and brighten accent colors.
Leverage white to create clean, minimalist designs.

Black and white combinations create striking high contrast designs. Use mostly black with white accents, or mostly white with black accents. High contrast conveys certain styles and moods like retro, punk rock, modern, avant garde.

Color Wheel History & Origins

The earliest color wheels date back to the 18th century. Sir Isaac Newton developed an initial circular diagram displaying the visible light spectrum in 1664. In 1704, Newton associated the seven rainbow colors with musical notes.

Red	Orange	Yellow	Green	Blue	Indigo	Violet
Doh	Re	Me	Fa	So	La	Ti

This formed the basis for color music, the idea colors and musical tones are linked. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe later developed a more psychological color wheel in 1810, associating each hue with a specific emotional state.

In the early 1800s, Sir David Brewster created a color wheel showing the relationships between primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Philipp Otto Runge expanded on this optic color wheel with his Farbenkugel (color sphere) in 1810.

Modern color wheels are based on the RYB (red, yellow, blue) and RGB (red, green, blue) color models. RYB represents how paints mix together, while RGB shows the blending of light.

While color wheels have continued to evolve, the basic format of primary, secondary and tertiary colors in a circle remains largely unchanged since the early 19th century. The color wheel endures as a foundational tool for color theory, composition and design.

Digital Color Wheels

With traditional paint-based mediums, every color had to be painstakingly mixed by hand. The rise of digital design brought color wheels into the digital realm.

Digital color pickers allow designers to instantly select from millions of pre-mixed hues. Tools like Adobe Color provide digital color wheels with advanced features:

Hex codes for precise color selection
Pre-made color harmony schemes

Ability to browse, customize and save color palettes
Real-time previewing as colors are adjusted
Color accessibility testing

Digital wheels allow designers to experiment with color schemes instantly vs. slowly hand-mixing paints. However, physical color wheels can still be a useful visual reference and learning tool.

Color Psychology & Meanings

Beyond their aesthetic impact, colors also carry psychological associations and symbolism. Here are some typical meanings:

Red	Passion, excitement, intensity
Orange	Fun, youthful, energetic
Yellow	Joy, happiness, optimism
Green	Natural, stable, healing
Blue	Calm, peaceful, trustworthy
Purple	Spiritual, mystical, imaginative

However, color meanings depend heavily on context. Red can symbolize anger, danger or passion based on how it’s used. Associations also change between cultures and over time.

Black is often associated with darkness, mourning, and negative emotions in Western cultures. But in many East Asian countries, white represents death and bad luck.

Designers should research color symbolism for their specific audience rather than rely on broad generalizations.

Conclusion

While black and white are neutral on the color wheel, they have a big impact on how other hues are perceived. Black adds contrast and depth, while white lightens and brightens adjacent colors. They represent the extremes of darkness and light.

Understanding where black and white fit on the color wheel gives designers more control over color schemes. A color wheel is a valuable tool for combining and coordinating colors harmoniously. Whether through traditional paint or digital programs, the color wheel remains an indispensable foundation for effective and strategic use of color.