Color Harmonies

Color Theory: Color Harmonies
The trick to creating an attractive color scheme is to employ color harmonies. When it comes to
creating color harmonies, like most aspects of color theory, the color wheel is the most valuable
tool in your design tool kit. These established combinations are based on their position on the color
wheel, and create a satisfying balance of colors by relying on harmonies that are instinctively
pleasing to the eye. There are six color harmonies commonly used in design:
• Complementary colors
• Split complementary colors
• Analogous colors
• Triadic harmonies
• Tetradic harmonies
• Monochromatic harmonies
Let’s take a closer look at each of these harmonies:

Complementary
Complementary colors are located opposite to each other on the color wheel.
This opposing relationship creates high contrast, which makes this color harmony is one of the most
difficult to successfully implement, especially for new designers. This contrast is especially high
when the colors are used at their full saturation. The vibrant look of a complementary harmony is
ideal for making something stand out or drawing attention to your focal point, but be careful using
complementary colors in large doses – they can easily appear overwhelming to the eye. If you find
the contrast too strong, shade (add black) or tint (add white) to your colors to make them feel more
muted and less aggressive.
When to Use Complementary Colors

• To draw attention to your focal point.
• To express boldness and inspire action.
• Avoid using complementary colors right beside each other, especially for text-based compositions – the
effect can be hard on the eyes, and will also render text illegible or difficult to read.
• For youthful, lively projects.
Split Complementary
Instead of using two complementary colors, this variation uses one base color and the two colors
adjacent to the directly opposing color on the color wheel.
A split complementary color harmony still offers contrast like a standard complementary color
scheme, but it creates less tension by using colors analogous to the true contrasting hue. This
harmony is less aggressive and more versatile, making it a great choice for new designers.
When to Use Split Complementary Colors
• If you’re a new designer and want to experiment with complementary harmonies.
• When you want to make an impact, but don’t want to be too flashy.
Analogous
Analogous colors are located next to each other on the color wheel.
This low-contrast combination is calm and often found in nature, making it one of the most
instinctively harmonious color pairings. It creates an almost monochromatic look that is similar to
the popular ombre trend, but is a little more dynamic. Create balance in your design by choosing
one base color and using two or three analogous colors as accent shades, and try to stick to using
only warm or only cool colors to avoid complicating the harmony. To add more visual interest, use
shades and tints.
When to Use Analogous Colors

• To add visual interest to a monochrome color scheme.
• You are seeking a calm and unified look that won’t distract from your primary message.
• To complement natural subject matter or create a connection with nature.
Triadic
A triadic color harmony employs three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel.
Triadic harmonies are often vibrant, but without the sometimes-jarring look of a complementary
color scheme. To help keep your design balanced, let one color dominate and use the others as
accent colors, similar to a split complementary harmony. Try using one dark color, and a paler
shade of the other two colors. Tints and shades can help create a sense of calm and tranquility,
while full chroma hues are ideal for more youthful concepts.
When to Use Triadic Harmonies

• To create drama and contrast without appearing too in-your-face. Dial down the drama using tints and
shades.
• For compositions that require more than two colors.
• To grab viewer’s eye without creating tension.
• For bright designs that employ full chroma colors.
Tetradic
There are two types of tetradic harmonies: rectangular and square. These harmonies use four
colors arranged in two complementary pairs.
Tetradic harmonies offer the most variety and tend to be very eye-catching, and as a result work
well with flashier subjects. However, because they involve four different colors, it can be difficult to
strike an effective balance. The best way to employ a tetradic harmony is to let one color dominate
and reserve the three remaining colors for accents or secondary elements. You should also strive to
balance warm and cool colors to avoid appearing garish or overwhelming.
When to Use Tetradic Harmonies

• Designs with color-coded elements, such as signage or transit maps.
• To create a type hierarchy. Use the darkest color for body text, and the three remaining colors for headings
and subheadings.
• For showier subject matter.
Monochromatic
Monochromatic harmonies use a single color shaded or tinted to various values by adding black or
white.
A monochromatic palette creates a simple, clean aesthetic. It offers the greatest sense of unity and
is the easiest to create with the least room for error, but it can lack visual interest if there isn’t
enough contrast between light and dark hues.
When to Use a Monochromatic Harmony
• To create a calm and serene design.
• To convey reliability.
• For text-based compositions. Use dark shades for text and headings, and lighter shades for background. Save
the brightest variation for graphic accents.
Harmonize with Me
Whether you opt for a simple monochrome palette or experiment with eye-catching
complementary or versatile tetradic harmonies, color harmonies can help you create a cohesive and
attractive color palette.

Color Harmonies

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Color Theory: Color Harmonies

Let’s take a closer look at each of these harmonies:

When to Use Complementary Colors

When to Use Analogous Colors

When to Use Triadic Harmonies

When to Use Tetradic Harmonies

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