Complementary Colour Schemes

 

When used together in colour schemes, are especially dynamic and pleasing to the eye.

Combinations of complementary colours are especially dynamic together, since they play up each other's intensity

A combination of two complimentary colours may be perceived as soothing or balanced.

This scheme looks best when you put a warm colour against a cool colour, for example, red versus green-blue.

The complementary scheme is intrinsically high-contrast.When using the complementary scheme, it is important to choose a dominant colour and use its complementary colour for accents.

Using one colour for the background and its complementary colour to highlight important elements, you will get colour dominance combined with sharp colour contrast.

The complementary colour scheme offers stronger contrast than any other colour scheme, and draws maximum attention.

This scheme is harder to balance than monochromatic and analogous schemes, especially when desaturated warm colours are used.

Tips

For best results, place cool colours against warm ones, for example, blue versus orange.

If you use a warm colour (red or yellow) as an accent, you can desaturate the opposite cool colours to put more emphasis on the warm colours.

Avoid using desaturated warm colours (e.g. browns or dull yellows).

Monochromatic Colour Scheme

 

The monochromatic colour scheme uses variations in lightness and saturation of a single colour.

This colour scheme looks clean and elegant.

Monochromatic colours go well together, producing a soothing effect.

The monochromatic scheme is very easy on the eyes, especially with blue or green hues.

You can use it to establish an overall mood.

The primary colour can be integrated with neutral colours such as black, white, or argy.

However, it can be difficult, when using this scheme, to highlight the most important elements.

This scheme lacks colour contrast. It is not as vibrant as the complementary scheme.

Tips

Use tints, shades, and tones of the key colour to enhance the scheme.

Try the analogous scheme; it offers more nuances while retaining the simplicity and elegance of the monochromatic scheme.

 

Analogous Colour Scheme

 

The analogous colour scheme uses colours that are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel.

One colour is used as a dominant colour while others are used to enrich the scheme.

The analogous scheme is similar to the monochromatic one, but offers more nuances.

The analogous colour scheme is as easy to create as the monochromatic, but looks richer.

The analogous colour scheme lacks colour contrast. It is not as vibrant as the complementary scheme

Tips.

Avoid using too many hues in the analogous scheme, because this may ruin the harmony.

Avoid combining warm and cool colours in this scheme.