Neon colors are bold, bright, and eye-catching. They are vivid shades like hot pink, electric lime, screamnig orange, and more. When used thoughtfully, neon colors can create a fun, energetic, and lively aesthetic. However, neon colors can also look jarring and overwhelming if not combined properly. So which neon colors actually go well together? There are a few guiding principles to follow.
Complementary Neon Colors
Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel. They create high contrast and pop when placed next to each other. Some examples of complementary neon color pairs include:
| Neon pink | Neon green |
| Neon orange | Neon blue |
| Neon purple | Neon yellow |
These neon complements deliver bold, eye-catching results. The high contrast makes both colors stand out and shine. Just be sure not to overdo it with large chunks of complementary neons or it may become overwhelming. Use them in balance.
Analogous Neon Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel. They create harmony and flow when used together. Examples of analogous neon color combinations include:
| Neon pink | Neon red | Neon purple |
| Neon green | Neon yellow | Neon lime |
| Neon blue | Neon turquoise | Neon purple |
These groupings work well because they provide enough contrast through their brightness while still offering cohesion from being adjacent colors. The eye easily glides from one shade to the next.
Triadic Neon Colors
A triadic scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. This creates a bright, lively, and balanced visual effect. Some triadic neon combinations include:
| Neon orange | Neon purple | Neon lime |
| Neon pink | Neon yellow | Neon turquoise |
| Neon red | Neon green | Neon blue |
These trios work well because the colors are far enough apart to deliver contrast while still retaining unity. No one color dominates the palette. The result is bold, youthful, and energetic.
Tetradic/Rectangular Neon Colors
Tetradic color schemes use four colors from the wheel that form a rectangle. This creates vibrant, electric color combinations. Some examples include:
| Neon orange | Neon purple | Neon lime | Neon blue |
| Neon yellow | Neon red | Neon turquoise | Neon pink |
These energetic four-color schemes pack a visual punch while maintaining balance through the color spacing. The bright neons pop against each other. Just be careful not to overdo it since tetradic schemes can easily become chaotic if not composed carefully. Use with restraint.
Split Complementary Neon Colors
The split complementary approach takes one base color and pairs it with the two colors adjacent to its complement. This creates a versatile and pleasing dynamic. Some split complementary neon combinations include:
| Neon orange | Neon blue-green | Neon purple |
| Neon yellow | Neon red-violet | Neon blue |
These create vibrancy through the base color and complement while adding subtle harmony through the two analogous colors. The split complementary approach works particularly well for neon palettes because it combines vivid contrast with balance.
Monochromatic Neon Colors
A monochromatic scheme uses different tones, shades, and tints of a single color. This provides cohesion while adding depth and dimension. Some examples of monochromatic neon palettes include:
| Bright neon pink | Deep fuchsia | Soft baby pink |
| Vibrant neon orange | Red-orange | Peachy orange |
| Lime green | Chartreuse | Sage green |
Sticking to one neon color and exploring its range can create impact while keeping the look cohesive. Don’t be afraid to add neutrals like white, black, and gray to monochromatic palettes as well.
Neon with Neutrals
Pairing bright neon colors with neutral shades like white, black, gray, and brown can create visual balance. The neutrals provide a resting place for the eyes against the high-energy neons. Some examples include:
| Neon pink | Neon green | Crisp white |
| Neon purple | Vivid lime | Jet black |
| Screaming orange | Neon yellow | Dove gray |
Black is an especially striking neutral to pair with bright neons, creating an edgy, contemporary vibe. Crisp whites help neon shades pop even more. Strategically blending neutrals among neon colors can take the palette from overwhelming to striking and modern.
Tips for Combining Neon Colors
When working with neon color palettes, keep these tips in mind:
– Use neon as accents against neutral backgrounds to make them pop
– Avoid using pure neon colors in large amounts, which can fatigue the eyes
– Combine no more than 3 neon colors at once for balance
– Utilize plenty of white space between neon colors to avoid visual vibration
– Add black line divisions between neons to create separation
– Look for neons with similar undertones for harmony like all warm tones or cool tones
– Combine neon with its natural counterpart for contrast like neon pink and green
– Add metallics like gold, silver, copper to brighten neons further
Conclusion
Neon colors demand attention. Their bold, bright nature lets them stand out and create exciting designs. But combining neons requires thought so they enhance each other and avoid becoming overwhelming. Complementary, analogous, triadic, tetradic, and monochromatic neon schemes offer vibrant, eye-catching results. Strategically blending in neutrals can provide balance against neon intensity. With careful placement and restraint, neon colors can bring amazing pop, energy, and vitality wherever they are used.
