A split complementary color scheme is a variation on the basic complementary color scheme. It consists of a base color, plus the two colors on either side of the base color’s complement on the color wheel. This creates a subtle and pleasing color combination that provides more nuance than a strict complementary scheme. The split complementary scheme is commonly used in graphic design, interior design, fashion, and other creative fields to generate eye-catching yet harmonious color palettes.
How does split complementary work?
The split complementary scheme starts with choosing a base color on the color wheel. Let’s say the base color is red. To find its complement, you look directly across the color wheel – the complement of red is green.
To turn this into a split complementary palette, you take the two colors on either side of the complement – in this case, yellow-green and blue-green.
The full split complementary palette then contains:
– Base color: Red
– Color 1: Yellow-green
– Color 2: Blue-green
This creates a color scheme with one warm color (red), one cool color (blue-green), and one intermediate color (yellow-green) that bridges the gap between warm and cool. The result is a palette that provides more subtle variation than red and green alone.
Why use split complementary color schemes?
There are several reasons split complementary color schemes are popular among designers:
– Provides more variety than a basic complementary scheme, while retaining harmony
– Avoids the high contrast of complementary schemes that can be jarring
– Introduces an intermediate “bridge” color between the warm and cool end of the spectrum
– Adds visual interest and vibrancy compared to analogous or monochromatic schemes
– Works especially well for graphic design, web sites, interior design, fashion, and merchandising
The split complementary approach gives designers much more flexibility in putting together a color palette. The scheme also manages to combine vibrancy with subtlety – it packs a punch without being overwhelming. That makes it an excellent choice for projects where the client wants bold, eye-catching colors that don’t clash.
Examples of split complementary color schemes
Here are some examples of well-known logos and brands that make effective use of split complementary color schemes:
| Brand | Base Color | Complementary Color 1 | Complementary Color 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Green | Yellow | Magenta |
| Wikipedia | Blue | Chartreuse | Magenta |
| Toyota | Red | Green | Blue |
| Nickelodeon | Orange | Lime green | Blue |
As you can see, brands leverage split complementary schemes to create impactful and distinctive visual identities. The colors are bold enough to grab attention, without being difficult to look at.
Interior design with split complementaries
The split complementary scheme is a popular approach for interior designers. By selecting one color to dominate (like a neutral beige), then accents in the split complements (teal and maroon), a room gains visual interest while retaining balance.
Here is an example split complementary interior color palette:
| Element | Color |
|---|---|
| Walls/flooring | Beige |
| Furniture | Teal |
| Decor accents | Maroon |
This provides a calm, neutral backdrop (beige) with eye-catching splashes of accent colors that stand out without clashing. The effect is a room that feels put-together and soothing, but not boring.
Using split complementary in graphic design
Graphic designers also take advantage of split complementary schemes to create visually engaging layouts and draw attention to specific elements.
Some examples include:
– Using red for a headline, with yellow-green and blue-green in an illustration or graphic alongside it
– Having a blue website header bar, with call-to-action buttons in yellow-orange and red-violet
– Choosing purple product packaging, with a lime green pattern and pink accents as decorations
The split complementary approach allows graphic designers to play with color combinations that pop and create dynamism, without descending into visual chaos. Careful use of different saturations and shades can make the effect even more subtle and polished.
Picking split complements from color theory
Wondering how to pick your own split complementary palette? It helps to have a basic grasp of color theory.
Here are some tips:
– Use a color wheel to find the base color’s direct complement
– To choose complementary color 1, move clockwise 2-3 spaces from the complement (no more than 3)
– Choose complementary color 2 by moving counterclockwise 2-3 spaces from the complement
– Avoid colors that are too close to the base or too similar to each other for maximum contrast
– Remember to balance warm and cool colors – don’t pick all warm or all cool complements
– Consider lightness/darkness balance too – a dark base color will work best with lighter complements
With practice choosing split complements from the color wheel, the process becomes intuitive. Always view your palette in context too – colors can take on different characteristics based on what surrounds them.
Common problems with split complementary color schemes
While split complementary palettes have many strengths, there are some potential downsides to watch out for:
– Colors that are too far apart on the wheel can clash instead of complementing
– If the complements are too saturated, they may overwhelm the base color
– If all three colors are very saturated, the palette could look chaotic
– Too little contrast between the three colors makes the palette bland
– Colors that are close to analogues of the base defeat the purpose of a complementary scheme
Skillful use of different saturations, shades and tones can help avoid these problems. So can choosing a pure, saturated base color, with softer complements in pastel or muted shades. Testing your palette thoroughly and viewing it in the intended context is also wise.
Split complements in fashion design
Fashion designers make frequent use of split complementary combinations to create eye-catching looks. A bold red dress might feature chartreuse accents and purplish-blue details. A teal pantsuit could be complemented with salmon and maroon accessories.
Some tips for split complements in fashion include:
– Use one color for the core item, the other two for accents
– Try split complements for color-blocked looks
– Employ different textures, metallics or prints in the accent colors
– Change up saturations – a muted base with saturated accents works well
– Limit accents to smaller features like piping, buttons or jewelry
This allows the complementaries to add flair and style without becoming overwhelming. Careful placement of accent colors is key – keeping them smaller in scale helps balance them.
Conclusion
The split complementary color scheme takes the basic complementary approach up a notch. By splitting the complement in two, it creates three-color palettes with enhanced dynamism and visual interest. Split complements provide versatility for designers across industries like graphic design, interior decorating and fashion. Careful selection of hue, saturation, lightness levels and placement allows split complements to be leveraged for maximum impact, without sacrificing harmony. Mastering this intriguing variation on color theory basics opens up a world of possibilities.
