Colour Schemes

In design terms we may want colours to clash, to produce a striking effect on the viewer. More usually designers try to produce a harmonious effect with their use of colour. This has a more relaxing effect on the viewer and makes for easier viewing.

 

Example Colour Combinations
Complementary colours CLASH	Analagous colours HARMONISE

 

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The Colour Wheel
	Colours may be arranged logically around a wheel so that different types of schemes can quickly be found. Click the image to open the colour wheel in a new window.

 

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Monochromatic Schemes

Monochromatic colours use the hues of a single segment on the colour wheel. A monochromatic colour scheme conveys harmony through the gradual tone changes in a single hue segment.

Text FF9999 993333	Text 9999FF 333399	Text FFFF99 999900
Text 993333 FF9999	Text 333399 9999FF	Text 999900 FFFF99

Triadic Schemes

Triadic schemes use three colour segments which are equidistant from one another. This colour scheme "gives a sense of balance between the colours".

Text FF9966 993399	Text 99FF99 CC6633	Text FF99FF 009900
Text 009900 FF99FF	Text 993399 FF9966	Text CC6633 99FF99

Complementary Schemes

Complementary colours are to be found diametrically opposite each other on the wheel. This produces the most vivid results.

Text 993333 99FF99	Text 006600 FFCCCC	Text 00FF00 FF0000
Text FFCCCC 006600	Text 99FF99 993333	Text FF0000 00FF00

Split complementary colours comprise one hue segment of the wheel and the two segments adjacent to its compliment. This colour scheme is also vivid but not too overpowering.

 

Analagous Schemes

Analagous colours are any three consecutive colour segments on the wheel. Analogous colours produce a palette that blends well together and gives a feeling of harmony.

Text CC99FF 993399	Text 339999 CCFFCC	Text FFCC33 999900
Text 993333 FF99CC	Text 333399 CC99FF	Text CC9933 FFFF99