Color Schemes
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There are certain groups of colors
that work together very well…they
might be referred to as Color
Schemes.
Make sure when using color
schemes to select colors that you
like.
There are some basic color
schemes that have worked well for
many years…
Monochromatic
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A color scheme using one
color, and tints, tones and
shades of that color.
Blue
Blue-violet
Blue-green
Violet
Green
Red-violet
Yellow-green
Red
Yellow
Yellow-orange
Red-orange
Orange
Analogous/adjacent
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A color scheme using 3-5
colors next to each other on
the color wheel.
Blue
Blue-violet
Blue-gree n
Violet
Green
Re d-violet
Yellow-g ree n
Re d
Yellow
Yellow-o ran ge
Re d-o rang e
Orange
Note that even though these are very bright hues of 5 colors next to each other
on the color wheel, that they are analogous, even though they are bright.
Direct Complement
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A color scheme using colors
opposite each other on the
color wheel.
Blue
Blue-violet
Blue-green
Violet
G reen
R ed-violet
Yellow -green
R ed
Yellow
Yellow -orange
R ed-orange
O range
Note again that even though the colors are dulled
red and green, they are still complementary.
Neutral
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A Color scheme using brown(s) or metallic(s) such as gold,
silver, and bronze.
Split Complementary
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A color scheme using one
color, and the colors on either
side of it’s complement.
Blue
Blue-violet
Blue-green
Violet
Green
Red-violet
Yellow-green
R ed
Yellow
Yellow-orange
R ed-orange
Orange
Triad
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A color scheme using three
colors equal distance from
each other on the color wheel.
Blue
Blue-violet
Blue-green
Violet
Green
Red-violet
Yellow -green
Red
Yellow
Yellow -orange
Red-orange
Orange
Achromatic
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Means without color
A color scheme using black,
white, and/or gray
Accented Neutral
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A color scheme using a neutral
with accents of color.
Warm Colors
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Colors on the warm side of the
spectrum…red, yellow, orange.
Fluorescents are always warm
Blue
Blue-violet
Blue-green
Violet
Green
Red-violet
Yellow-green
Red
Yellow
Yellow-orange
Red-orange
Orange
Cool Colors
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Colors on the cool side of the
spectrum…blue, violet, green.
Pastels are always cool
Blue
Blue-violet
Blue-green
Violet
Green
R ed-violet
Yellow -green
R ed
Yellow
Yellow -orange
R ed-orange
Orange
Choosing Color Schemes…
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Select your favorite color
Add to an established color scheme
Select colors based on the feelings or mood you wish to
create.
Evaluate parts of the room that cannot be changed, then
consider color choices that will complement existing
furnishings.
Select colors that complement a particular work of art
(quilt, favorite picture, etc.)
Select colors that complement a chosen fabric or
wallpaper.