Colors have the ability to elicit feelings and establish a mood. Understanding how color combinations can impact a project’s overall look and feel is crucial for designers.
The appropriate color scheme is essential to producing a unified and aesthetically beautiful design, whether you’re developing a website, building a brand, or simply decorating your house.
We’ll look at the top 17 complementary color pairings in this post. We’ll go through the fundamentals of color theory, such as the color wheel and various color schemes, and provide you with useful advice for picking the best color scheme for your design.
The Basics of Color Theory
Let’s start with the fundamentals of color theory before moving on to the 17 finest color combinations. The relationships between colors are shown visually through the color wheel. There are 12 colors total, which are broken down into three groups called primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Yellow, Blue, and Red are the three primary hues. These colors cannot be created by combining other colors since they serve as the foundation for all different colors.
Orange, green, and purple are secondary hues. By combining two primary colors, these hues are produced.
By combining a primary and a secondary color, tertiary colors are produced. These hues are typically referred to by the names of the two hues they are composed of, for example, blue-green and yellow-orange.
There are three primary color schemes in color theory: complementary, analogous, and triadic.
Colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel are said to be complementary. Complementary colors can be utilized to highlight a specific area since they contrast sharply when used together.
On the color wheel, adjacent colors are referred to as analogous colors. An aesthetic that is harmonious and well-balanced is produced by the employment of comparable hues.
Colors that are uniformly spaced out on the color wheel are known as triadic colors. Triadic hues produce a vivid and energizing appearance when combined.
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Best Color Combinations
1. Black & White
Photo by Alexandra Kollstrem
Any design can never go wrong with the timeless black-and-white color scheme. It exudes sophistication, grace, and ease.
It works nicely for modern and minimalist designs as well as monochromatic themes. When combined, black and white produce a striking and adaptable high-contrast look.
2. Blue & Green
Photo by Ákos Szabó
The colors blue and green together produce a light and relaxing ambiance. It’s a fantastic option for designs that focus on the outdoors and the environment.
Cool tones of green balance with the chilly tones of blue to create a pleasing harmony that is easy on the eyes. This color scheme is perfect for designs promoting peace, well-being, and health.
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3. Red & Yellow
Photo by Stas Knop
The color combination of red and yellow is potent and energizing. This combination works well for designs that excite viewers and catch their attention.
The combination is frequently utilized in food-related designs as it makes people feel hungry and enticed.
The colors red and yellow are also frequently utilized in sports-related graphics because they stand for action and vitality.
4. Purple & Pink
Photo by Melike Benli
Pink and purple together give off a fun, feminine vibe. It’s a fantastic option for female-targeted designs, including those for beauty and fashion products.
A lively and chic appearance is achieved by balancing the darker, more regal colors of purple with the softer, pastel shades of pink.
5. Brown & Beige
Photo by Mariam Antadze
Beige and brown together produce a warm, organic appearance. It’s a fantastic option for designs with an earthy or organic feel. Brown and beige are adaptable, neutral colors that go well with other hues.
This color scheme is frequently utilized in designs for interior decoration, furniture, and natural themes.
6. Yellow & Orange
Photo by Chiru Clicks
Yellow and orange together produce a vibrant and energizing appearance. It’s a fantastic option for designs that aim to exude happiness and positivity.
Warm shades of yellow and orange are vivacious and energetic, making them an excellent choice for children’s designs or designs that are about play and leisure.
7. Red & Black
Photo by Anna Shvets
Black and crimson together produce a striking and dramatic appearance. This color scheme is frequently employed in designs to portray strength, power, and refinement.
Red and black are a fantastic combination of designs that are tied to technology, luxury, and fashion because of their stark contrast.
8. Teal & Coral
Photo by Susan Wilkinson
Teal and coral are vibrant and fashionable color combinations that work well in a variety of design settings. Coral, a pink-orange color, gives vitality and vibrancy to the mix, while teal, a blue-green color, provides a calming and comforting backdrop.
In graphic design, home decor, and fashion, this color combination works nicely. Depending on how the colors are harmonized, they can be utilized to produce either a polished and elegant aesthetic or one that is bold and fun.
9. Lavender & Chartreuse
Photo by Pixabay
A striking yet harmonious appearance can be created with the lovely color combination of lavender and chartreuse. Chartreuse, a vivid yellow-green color, goes well with lavender, a gentle purple hue.
This color scheme is ideal for conveying a light and contemporary atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for spring or summer gatherings since the gentleness of lavender counterbalances the strongness of chartreuse.
The colors lavender and chartreuse can be combined to make classy and attractive table decorations or floral arrangements.
10. Yellow & Grey
Photo by Juan Agustin
A striking and adaptable color combination that works well in a variety of design contexts is yellow and grey. The harmony between the two colors is achieved by combining the warmth of yellow with the cool neutrality of grey.
Grey and yellow can be combined to produce a modern, professional style in home design, with yellow accents creating flashes of color against the grey background.
With grey acting as a neutral background and yellow offering a burst of vitality, this combination may be used to create dramatic and eye-catching outfits in the world of fashion.
Grey backgrounds can be utilized in graphic design, with yellow components acting as focus points against them. The use of these colors together can effectively convey energy, optimism, and creativity.
11. Coral & Turquoise
Photo by N I E R O S H O T S
Coral and turquoise are lively and energizing color combinations that harmoniously combine warm and cool tones. Coral is a vivid, reddish-pink color that makes people feel energized, cozy, and enthusiastic. On the other side, turquoise is a cool, blue-green hue linked to peace, tranquility, and the sea.
Coral and turquoise make for a stunning contrast that is aesthetically pleasing and harmonious when combined. Coral’s warmth contrasts with turquoise’s coolness to create a harmonious color combination that is both invigorating and comforting.
Given that it conjures up thoughts of the sun, sand, and sea, this color combination is frequently utilized in beachy or tropical-themed designs.
12. Burgundy & Dusty Rose
Photo by Og Mpango
A contemporary and sophisticated color combination that may be used in many design applications is burgundy and dusty rose.
Both colors are subdued and elegant, which result in a unified and pleasing appearance.
While dusty rose, a light shade of pink with a gray undertone, is linked with softness, femininity, and romance, burgundy, a deep reddish-purple hue, is associated with luxury, monarchy, and elegance.
Both formal and informal situations benefit from the lovely contrast that the color combination produces.
13. Lilac & Sage Green
Photo by Lukas
A peaceful and comforting atmosphere can be produced by the attractive color combination of lilac and sage green.
While sage green is a subdued, earthy green that symbolizes nature, tranquillity, and growth, lilac is a light shade of purple that is frequently linked to romance, spirituality, and elegance.
Lilac and sage green can be combined to produce a tranquil and harmonious ambiance.
The subtle and muted sage green can offer a sense of balance and grounding, while the soft and delicate lilac can add a touch of sweetness and delicacy.
This combination works great in living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas where you want to create a calm and relaxing ambiance.
14. Beige & Orange
Photo by cottonbro studio
Combining beige and orange creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere by fusing the warmth and softness of beige with the vitality and vigor of orange.
Orange is a vibrant hue that stands for inventiveness and energy, whereas beige is a neutral color that conveys peace and refinement.
Beige and orange combine to produce a pleasing balance that works well in a number of scenarios. Beige’s suppleness serves to temper the orange’s brightness, producing a calming and well-balanced appearance.
This color scheme can be utilized in graphic design, branding, fashion, and home decor.
Beige and orange can be combined in interior design to create a cozy and inviting ambiance.
Throw cushions, drapes, or a statement rug in orange can be used to complement beige walls and furniture. Beige and orange can be worn together in an ensemble to create a dramatic yet chic style in fashion.
To draw attention and leave a lasting impression, this color scheme can be utilized in logos, packaging, and marketing materials.
15. Powder Blue & Peach
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger
A gorgeous color combination that is delicate, chic, and feminine is powder blue and peach. Powder blue’s cool, relaxing hue harmonizes beautifully with peach’s warm, inviting tones.
From home decor to fashion to wedding themes, this color scheme works well in a range of contexts. In terms of interior design, you may utilize powder blue furnishings or walls as a backdrop for peach accents like throw cushions or drapes.
A powder blue shirt or dress would appear wonderful when accessorized with peach items like shoes or a purse in terms of fashion. And for a wedding, peach flowers and decorations would look stunning next to powder blue bridesmaid outfits.
16. Lilac & Yellow
Photo by Alfo Medeiros
On the color wheel, lilac and yellow are opposite each other and are complementary hues. When the two hues are combined, there is a stunning contrast.
Yellow is a bright, cheery color, whereas lilac is a gentle, light shade of purple. Lilac and yellow have the ability to produce a happy and joyful atmosphere that is reminiscent of spring and blooming flowers.
This color scheme can be utilized in a multitude of contexts, including graphic design, home decor, and fashion.
17. Forest Green & Mustard
Photo by Oliver Sjöström
A warm and natural color combination that works well in many different circumstances is forest green and mustard.
While mustard with its vibrant, warm hue, offers a dash of humor and vitality, forest green, with its deep, rich tone, gives the impression of depth and richness.
This color scheme is very well-liked in fashion, where it may be used to provide a striking and distinctive appearance.
As an illustration, a forest green dress and mustard heels can make a bold impression. In terms of interior design, a forest green couch with mustard accent cushions can give a living room a little warmth and charm.
How to Pick the Best Color Scheme for Your Design?
Choosing the best color combination for your design might take a lot of work with so many options available. Here are some pointers to assist you in selecting the ideal color scheme:
Understanding your audience and purpose: Knowing your audience and goal is crucial, as is thinking through the message you want to express to them through your design. Make sure to select colors that are appropriate for your audience and goal because different hues can provoke various feelings and meanings.
Color psychology: Design is heavily influenced by color psychology. Before choosing a hue, it’s crucial to understand how it will affect your audience’s emotions, as some colors may have either a positive or negative influence.
Testing your color combinations: Testing a color combination is the best approach to see if it works. Try out various pairings to see how they look when combined. To experiment with various color schemes, you can also use software or internet resources.
Final Words
Finally, selecting the ideal color scheme may make or break a design. You can make a harmonious and aesthetically beautiful design that appeals to your audience by grasping the fundamentals of color theory and experimenting with different pairings.
Don’t be scared to experiment with a variety of color schemes. The post’s list of the top 17 color combinations is a terrific place to start, but don’t let it constrain you. Enjoy yourself and be inventive.
