Color Picker

Color Harmony Schemes

1. Complementary Colors

Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel. This scheme creates maximum contrast and stability. It's perfect for creating vibrant designs that need to grab attention.

Use complementary color schemes when you want to:

• Create strong contrast
• Make something stand out
• Design warning signs or calls-to-action

2. Analogous Colors

Analogous colors are three colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. This harmony creates a serene and comfortable design that's easy on the eyes.

Analogous color schemes are ideal for:

• Creating a sense of harmony and cohesion
• Designing natural-looking interfaces
• Building relaxing color palettes

3. Triadic Colors

A triadic color scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. This creates a vibrant and balanced color combination, even when using paler or unsaturated versions of the hues.

Triadic color schemes work well for:

• Creating vibrant designs even with muted colors
• Ensuring good contrast while maintaining harmony
• Developing playful and energetic designs

4. Tetradic (Double Complementary)

The tetradic scheme uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs. This is the richest of all the color schemes because it uses four colors spaced evenly around the color wheel.

Use tetradic color schemes when:

• You need a wide range of colors
• Creating complex designs with multiple elements
• Developing brand guidelines that need variety

5. Monochromatic

Monochromatic color schemes use variations in lightness and saturation of a single color. This creates a sophisticated and cohesive look that's easy to manage.

Monochromatic schemes are perfect for:

• Creating a clean, polished look
• Ensuring harmony in minimal designs
• Building accessible color palettes

Practical Applications

When applying color harmonies in real-world designs, consider these tips:

1. 60-30-10 Rule: Use your main color for 60% of the design, your secondary color for 30%, and an accent color for 10%
2. Accessibility: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors
3. Context Matters: Consider your audience and the message you want to convey
4. White Space: Don't feel compelled to use all colors in your scheme

The Psychology of Color Harmonies

• Complementary schemes create energy and excitement
• Analogous schemes promote relaxation and comfort
• Triadic schemes suggest playfulness and creativity
• Tetradic schemes offer sophistication and richness
• Monochromatic schemes convey elegance and focus