Turquoise is a bluish-green color that has become quite popular in recent years. But what exactly is the analogous color of turquoise? Analogous colors are those that are next to each other on the color wheel. They create a soothing, harmonious combination. So to find the analogous colors of turquoise, we first need to determine where turquoise fits on the color wheel.
Locating Turquoise on the Color Wheel
The color wheel is a circular arrangement of colors based on their hue. It’s a useful tool for understanding color relationships. Turquoise is a mix of blue and green. Looking at the color wheel, turquoise falls between the primary colors of blue and yellow. Specifically, it falls around the 160-180 degree mark.
| Primary Color | Degrees on Wheel |
| Red | 0 degrees |
| Yellow | 60 degrees |
| Blue | 240 degrees |
So turquoise occupies a range on the color wheel between blue and green. To find its analogous colors, we look to the colors on either side.
Defining Analogous Colors
Analogous colors are any three colors that are next to one another on the color wheel. They always include the original color plus the two colors on either side. For turquoise, that means the analogous colors are:
- Blue, ranging from around 200-220 degrees
- Turquoise, spanning 160-180 degrees
- Green, covering 140-160 degrees
These three colors create a harmonious combination. They are closely related in hue but offer subtle variations in shade. When used together, they reinforce each other to create a soothing, integrated palette.
Examples of Analogous Colors for Turquoise
There are many specific color options within that analogous range. Here are some examples of analogous turquoise color combinations:
| Turquoise | Blue | Green |
| Pantone 16-4814 TCX (Shy Green) |
Pantone 19-4049 TCX (Venice Blue) |
Pantone 17-5641 TCX (Malachite Green) |
| #36D7B7 | #65C3BA | #38AD91 |
| Turquoise | Azure | Teal |
As you can see, the colors on either side of turquoise can range from a deeper aqua blue to a minty seafoam green. Adjusting the brightness and saturation gives even more options.
Benefits of Using Analogous Colors
There are several benefits to using analogous colors like these together:
- Harmony – Since analogous colors are so closely related, they naturally create a cohesive, harmonious palette. This can help create visual interest while maintaining a soothing overall effect.
- Gradual Contrast – Having multiple shades in the same hue range provides a subtle but noticeable contrast between elements. This adds depth without being jarring.
- Ease of use – Analogous colors are intrinsically compatible, making it easier for non-designers to combine them in a pleasing way.
Thanks to these advantages, analogous color schemes are a popular choice in all sorts of design applications.
Using Analogous Colors with Turquoise
Turquoise and its analogous colors are extremely versatile. Here are some ways to effectively use them together:
- In interior design, paint walls turquoise and add textiles and decor in shades of green and blue.
- For fashion, use turquoise as the dominant color in an outfit and incorporate azure and teal accessories.
- On the web, make turquoise your brand color and vary button colors between aqua and green hues.
- In graphic design projects, create visual interest by making key images turquoise and using the analogous shades in backgrounds, borders, and accents.
The soothing combination works in any application where you want to create an integrated, harmonious aesthetic.
Complementary Colors for More Contrast
Analogous colors look beautifully cohesive on their own. But you can add more visual contrast by incorporating the complementary color, which sits directly across the color wheel. The complementary color of turquoise is reddish-orange.
| Turquoise | Reddish-Orange |
| 160-180° | 0-30° |
This vibrant contrast of cool and warm colors really makes elements stand out. Use the complementary color sparingly as an accent. Try a reddish-orange vase on a turquoise table or a button in a complementary hue.
Split Complementary Scheme
Another way to incorporate more color variety is to use a split complementary scheme. This uses the two colors on either side of the complementary color. For turquoise, that would add both yellow-orange and red-violet as accents.
| Yellow-orange | Turquoise | Red-violet |
| 45-60° | 160-180° | 300-320° |
This creates more nuance while still retaining color harmony. Just be careful not to use the three accent colors evenly, as they may start to compete with the dominant turquoise.
Triadic Color Scheme
One more creative way to expand an analogous palette is to incorporate a triadic scheme. This uses colors evenly spaced around the color wheel. For turquoise, that would mean adding both orange and violet.
| Turquoise | Orange | Violet |
| 160-180° | 0-60° | 240-300° |
This vibrant combination really pops! Make sure to use the three colors in unequal proportions for balance. Let turquoise dominate, orange accent, and violet be minor.
Cool Tones vs Warm Tones
It’s also worth paying attention to cool vs warm color tones when combining analogous colors. Turquoise is a decisively cool hue, sitting between the cool primary colors of green and blue. Combining turquoise mainly with other cool analogous shades creates a very relaxing, sophisticated look.
Adding in warmer shades like orange and red-violet introduces more energy and vibrancy. So consider whether you want a cool color palette or more energetic contrast in your turquoise color scheme.
Context and Culture
Something else to keep in mind is how color is perceived in different contexts. For example, turquoise and greenish blues are strongly associated with the natural environment. Using these colors together enhances the natural, soothing impression.
Turquoise also has cultural significance in some regions, like the southwestern United States and parts of the Middle East. Combining turquoise with red-orange can evoke a southwestern aesthetic. While turquoise with violet creates a distinctly Middle Eastern look.
So consider both the direct color relationships and associated meanings when assembling your turquoise palette.
Conclusion
In summary, the analogous colors of turquoise are the shades immediately surrounding it on the color wheel: blue, turquoise itself, and green. Variations in brightness and saturation provide many beautiful combinations. Using these closely related hues together creates a cohesive, soothing palette. For more contrast, complementary reddish-orange can be added as an accent. More complex harmonious schemes are also possible with turquoise as the dominant color. Keeping tone and cultural associations in mind allows you to create color combinations tailored to your specific design needs. With its versatility and appeal, turquoise and its analogous colors offer endless possibilities!
