Complementary Colors

What Are Complementary Colors?

Complementary colors sit directly opposite each other on the color wheel. When placed side by side, they create the strongest contrast and reinforce each other's intensity.

This relationship is fundamental in design because it creates visual excitement and draws the eye. Think of classic pairings: red and green during the holidays, blue and orange in sports teams, or purple and yellow in nature.

Using complementary colors effectively means understanding balance. Too much of both can be overwhelming, so designers often use one color as dominant and the other as an accent.