Colors play an important role in design and art. Choosing colors that go well together can create visually appealing compositions. Two color schemes that utilize complementary colors in interesting ways are split complementary and double complementary color schemes. In this article, we will explore what split complementary and double complementary colors are and how to use them effectively.
What are complementary colors?
Before diving into split complementary and double complementary colors, it’s helpful to understand what complementary colors are. Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel. Some examples of complementary color pairs are:
| Red | Green |
| Yellow | Purple |
| Blue | Orange |
Complementary colors contrast strongly with each other. When placed side-by-side, they create a vibrant look. Using complementary colors together can make for eye-catching designs. However, using them improperly can lead to designs that feel jarring or visually uncomfortable. That’s where split complementary and double complementary come in. These schemes provide ways to use complementary colors that are more harmonious.
What are split complementary colors?
A split complementary color scheme starts with a base color. The two colors on either side of the base color’s complement are then chosen. For example, if the base color is red, the complement is green. The split complements would be yellow and blue – the colors on either side of green on the color wheel.
Here are some other split complementary color combinations:
| Base Color | Complement | Split Complements |
| Red | Green | Yellow, Blue |
| Orange | Blue | Purple, Green |
| Yellow | Purple | Red, Blue |
Split complementary color schemes are more subtle than using straight complementary colors. The complement color is not directly used, so there is less contrast. But you still get lively color interactions from the split complements relating back to the base color’s complement. This creates a pleasant, harmonious look.
How to use split complementary colors
Here are some tips for using split complementary color schemes effectively:
– Use one color as a dominant base, with the other two as accents. For example, have an orange background with purple and green accent elements. This creates balance.
– Pay attention to color intensities. Don’t have one split complement that is much darker or lighter than the others. Keep things relatively even.
– Use lighter tints and shades of your colors to create depth. Going from light to dark can add visual interest.
– Try different combinations to find one that suits your project’s mood and style. A vibrant red, yellow, blue scheme may feel exciting and youthful. While blue, orange, green could be calming and natural.
– Use white or black to separate and neutralize overwhelming colors. This helps keep things from becoming too vibrant.
Split complementary schemes work well for all types of designs and color palettes. They provide vibrancy while maintaining harmony between colors. Experiment to find a split complementary trio that enhances your creative project.
What are double complementary colors?
Double complementary color schemes build off of the same principles as split complementary. But instead of using one base color with two split complements, two complementary pairs are combined.
For example, a double complementary scheme with blue as the starting color could be:
| Blue | Orange |
| Red | Green |
Some other examples of double complementary combinations are:
| Purple | Yellow |
| Red | Green |
| Orange | Blue |
| Yellow | Purple |
As you can see, one color from each complementary pair is used. This keeps the scheme from becoming overly contrasting by avoiding both colors in a pair being present. The resulting combination has visual interest while maintaining balance.
How to use double complementary colors
Double complementary schemes offer great flexibility in creating color palettes. Here are some tips for using them successfully:
– Choose one color to dominate, using the other three as accents. For example, mainly purple with pops of yellow, red, and green.
– Pay attention to value contrasts. Use lights, mediums, and darks of each color for variation.
– Don’t use equal amounts of each color. Having one featured color helps the scheme feel unified.
– Try alternating complementary pairs (red/green, blue/orange) instead of adjacent ones on the color wheel (red/green, yellow/purple). This creates more contrast.
– Use white, black, or greys to separate colors and prevent too much vibrancy.
– Shift colors towards warm or cool shades to suit your desired mood. A fiery red and orange feels intense, while gentle blues and greens are calming.
The four color harmony of double complementary schemes offers great possibilities. Experiment with color combinations and proportions to find what works for your purposes.
Comparing split and double complementary colors
So when should you choose split complementary vs. double complementary? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Split Complementary | Double Complementary |
| – Uses 3 colors | – Uses 4 colors |
| – Subtle | – More vibrant |
| – Easier to balance | – More flexibility in combinations |
| – Calmer | – More energetic |
Some key differences:
– Split complementary will be simpler, with color harmony easier to achieve. Double complementary has more moving parts to balance.
– Split complementary maintains some subtlety through only having one complement indirectly represented. Double complementary heightens vibrancy and contrast by having two pairs of complements.
– Split complementary leans more toward the calm side. Double complementary amps up visual energy.
There’s overlap between the two. But in essence, split complementary will create a more delicate balancing act, while double complementary offers opportunities for bold, lively color interplay. Pick the scheme that suits your artistic vision and purpose.
Examples of split and double complementary colors in art and design
Let’s look at some examples of split and double complementary colors used effectively.
Split complementary colors
Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings often featured split complementary schemes. In his famous work Cafe Terrace at Night, a yellow building pops against a blue night scene. The blue is split between purple and green highlights.
In web design, this website uses a red, blue, and yellow split complementary scheme. The red headlines pop against the vibrant blue and yellow backgrounds.
Double complementary colors
In Claude Monet’s Impression Sunrise painting, blue and orange water and sky are coupled with touches of red and green.
This flyer uses purple and yellow with green and red in a double complementary color scheme. The four colors create an eye-catching combination.
As you can see, both schemes offer dynamic ways to use color that also maintain harmony. Pick the approach that best fits your particular creative vision and needs.
Conclusion
Split complementary and double complementary color schemes provide interesting twists on using complementary colors. Split complementary features one base color with two complements split on either side of its complement. Double complementary combines two pairs of complements.
Both create visually engaging results that retain color harmony. Split complementary does this through subtlety and calmness. Double complementary amps up vibrancy and contrast for energetic compositions. Use these approaches to add appealing color interactions to your designs, paintings, websites, and beyond. With some experimentation, you can create captivating color palettes with these handy complementary schemes.
