Complementary Colors in Fashion, UI and Color Theory

Here are some pairs to give you an idea of colors that are considered complementary.

Complementary color schemes are a dynamic way to create visually engaging spaces. This is the opposite of analogous color schemes, which is when you put colors neighboring each other on the color wheel together.

In interior design, complementary colors are often used to highlight focal points. For instance, a living room with predominantly blue walls might feature orange accents through cushions, rugs or artwork. This intentional use of complementary color combinations draws the eye to specific areas.

Neutral tones often act as a bridge in complementary color palettes, softening the intensity of the contrasts. Interior designers frequently draw on color theory to ensure that these contrasts are not overwhelming but instead contribute to a sophisticated and inviting environment.

Complementary colors help designers craft memorable outfits. Using the color wheel as a guide, complementary color schemes in fashion involve pairing warm colors like red, orange or yellow with cool colors such as green, blue or purple.

To exude bold confidence, one might pair a green dress with red accessories or a blue blazer with an orange scarf. For more understated looks, designers may use muted or pastel versions of complementary colors, such as pairing a soft lavender blouse with a pale yellow skirt.

Layering is another way to incorporate complementary colors effectively. A fashion ensemble might include a neutral base, such as a white or black dress, to anchor complementary color accents like bright yellow shoes and a purple handbag.

In branding and marketing, complementary colors are a powerful tool for capturing attention. Product packaging that features complementary color pairs can make items more noticeable on crowded shelves.

Designers might also attempt to use the psychological associations of warm colors (energy, passion and urgency) and cool colors (calmness, professionalism and reliability) to evoke the desired emotional response from their audience.

For instance, a food brand may use red and green to stimulate appetite and signal freshness, while a travel company might pair teal and coral to evoke the vibes of a tropical setting.

Digital products like apps and websites thrive on user-friendly design, and complementary colors are crucial for creating visual hierarchy.

Cool colors like blue green or blue violet often dominate digital products to create a calming effect, while warm accents add energy and focus. An interface might use a yellow-orange button on a blue background to highlight its importance.

These complementary color combinations help guide users seamlessly through a product while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing experience.

The traditional complementary colors of red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple are based on mixing together pigments, like paints and inks. Red, blue and yellow are considered the primary colors, while purple, green and orange are the secondary colors (made from mixing the primary colors).

This is called subtractive color mixing, which relates to colors we see on the non-emissive objects that reflect light.

But there's another system of colors called the additive color theory, which are determined by colors that, when combined, produce white light. In this model, which is the basic for electronic displays, the primary colors of light are red, green and blue light (the RGB color model), and the secondary colors are yellow, cyan and magenta.

As a result, the complementary pairs are red light and cyan light, green light and magenta light, and blue light and yellow light.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.