When it comes to determining which colours pair well with orange and purple, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll explore complementary colour schemes, analogous colours, and monochromatic combinations that work with these bold hues. We’ll also provide specific colour recommendations to help you create stylish and cohesive colour palettes.
Complementary Colours
A complementary colour scheme utilizes two colours from opposite sides of the colour wheel. These colour combinations create a strong visual contrast, making the colours really stand out. To find the complement of any colour, you simply need to look at the colour opposite it on the wheel. The complements of orange and purple are:
– Complement of Orange: Blue
– Complement of Purple: Yellow
Adding blue and yellow to palettes with orange and purple creates an eye-catching, vibrant look. Bright orange pops against cooler blue tones, while vivid purple contrasts nicely with cheerful yellow.
Analogous Colours
Analogous colours sit next to each other on the colour wheel, creating palettes with tones and hues that are similar but not exactly the same. The analogous colours of orange and purple include:
– Analogous colours for Orange: Yellow-Orange, Red-Orange, Red
– Analogous colours for Purple: Blue-Purple, Blue-Violet, Blue
Choosing analogous shades like burnt orange, rusty red, lilac and indigo creates a monochromatic look. This can be sophisticated and elegant when you want the palette to feel cohesive and harmonious.
Monochromatic Colours
A monochromatic scheme uses different tones, shades and tints of one single hue. This creates a minimalist, sleek look and feel. To make a monochromatic palette with orange or purple as the dominant hue, consider:
– Light tints like peach or lavender
– Main mid-tones like orange or purple
– Dark shades like burnt orange or eggplant
– Accent tones like peach-orange or periwinkle
Varying the tones and shades of one colour adds visual interest while keeping the overall palette understated. Dark purple walls with periwinkle accents is an example of a mono look.
Specific Colour Combinations
Here are some specific colour combinations that work well with orange and purple:
Orange
– Burnt Orange, Navy Blue, White
– Peach, Light Blue, Pale Yellow
– Terracotta, Royal Blue, Sage Green
– Pumpkin, Robin’s Egg Blue, Cherry Red
Purple
– Lilac, Light Green, Soft Pink
– Lavender, Butter Yellow, Grey
– Orchid, Lime Green, Chocolate Brown
– Eggplant, Mustard Yellow, Forest Green
These pairings create balanced, harmonious palettes that allow the orange and purple to stand out. The complementary blue and yellow tones prevent the bright hues from clashing.
Colour Palettes in Design
In interior design, colour palettes influence the overall look, feel and mood of a space. Orange and purple work well in fun, youthful rooms or to create an exotic, Moroccan-inspired look.
In fashion, colour trends often feature orange and purple together on the runway. These bold, playful colours make a statement in women’s separates and accessories.
For graphic design, vibrant orange and purple pop against white space. Websites and marketing materials often use these hues to grab attention and evoke energy.
In nature, orange and purple flowers, plants and sunsets showcase how these colours complement each other. Think lilac fields at dusk, orchids, hydrangeas and morning glories.
Psychology of Colour
The psychology of colour tells us that orange and purple can convey very different moods and emotions for viewers. Understanding these associations is helpful for intentionally using the colours to evoke certain reactions.
Orange is energetic and conveys:
– Enthusiasm
– Creativity
– Success
– Encouragement
– Determination
Purple is mystical and evokes:
– Imagination
– Spirituality
– Royalty
– Luxury
– Ambition
Keep these psychological effects in mind when selecting your colours. An upbeat, vibrant orange communicates differently than a meditative, magical purple.
Colour Meanings Around the World
It’s also important to note that colour meanings can vary across cultures. The symbolism of orange and purple in different societies includes:
Orange
– Happiness in India
– Love and kinship in China
– Energy and prestige in Western cultures
Purple
– Wealth and success in Thailand
– Femininity and romance in Europe
– Royalty and spirituality in ancient Rome
Make sure that your colour combinations account for any cultural variations in meaning, especially when designing for a specific target audience or geography.
Conclusion
When building a colour palette with orange and purple, turn to complementary, analogous or monochromatic schemes to create combinations that are both harmonious and impactful. Consider the psychology and symbolism of these bold hues, and choose accent colours that will let them shine. With an understanding of colour theory principles and cultural meanings, you can confidently use orange and purple together to craft stylish, thoughtful designs.
| Colour | Complements | Analogous Colours | Monochromatic Colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Blue | Yellow-Orange, Red-Orange, Red | Peach, Burnt Orange |
| Purple | Yellow | Blue-Purple, Blue-Violet, Blue | Lavender, Eggplant |
