Colour Harmonies

Complementary

Colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel are considered to be complementary colours.

The high contrast of complementary colours creates a vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. This colour scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring.

Complementary colours are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want something to stand out.

Complementary colours are really bad for text.

Analogous

Analogous colour schemes use colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs.

Analogous colour schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous colour scheme.

Choose one colour to dominate, a second to support. The third colour is used (along with black, white or gray) as an accent.

 

Triad

A triadic colour scheme uses colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel.

Triadic colour harmonies tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues. To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colours should be carefully balanced - let one colour dominate and use the two others for accent.

 

Split-Complementary

The split-complementary colour scheme is a variation of the complementary colour scheme. In addition to the base colour, it uses the two colours adjacent to its complement.

This colour scheme has the same strong visual contrast as the complementary colour scheme, but has less tension.

The split-complimentary colour scheme is often a good choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up.

 

Rectangle (tetradic)

The rectangle or tetradic colour scheme uses four colours arranged into two complementary pairs.

This rich colour scheme offers plenty of possibilities for variation.

The tetradic colour scheme works best if you let one colour be dominant.

You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colours in your design.

Square

The square colour scheme is similar to the rectangle, but with all four colours spaced evenly around the colour circle.

The square colour scheme works best if you let one colour be dominant.

You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colours in your design.