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39 color combinations to inspire your next design project

Color combinations

Color is a powerful tool in graphic design. The right color combinations can evoke emotions, convey a message and shape how your audience perceives your brand. Whether you're designing a logo, creating visuals or building a product, understanding how colors work together is essential. From harmonious palettes to bold contrasts, the art of combining colors is both inspiring and technically fascinating.


What defines a great color combination, and how can you choose the right one for your needs? This article covers the essentials of color theory, inspiring color combinations and practical tips to help you find the ideal palette for your brand colors.



Understanding color theory


To create harmonious color combinations, you need to understand the principles of color theory and color meanings. Color theory is the foundation for mixing and matching colors that look appealing together, while color meanings help you understand the emotions and messages different colors convey. Think of it as the "why" behind what makes certain color combinations naturally pleasing to the eye.



The color wheel 


The color wheel is a circular diagram that organizes colors by their relationships. At its simplest, it divides into three primary categories:


  • Primary colors (red, yellow, blue): The building blocks of all other colors. 

  • Secondary colors (orange, green, violet): Resulting from mixing two primary colors. 

  • Tertiary colors (e.g., yellow-orange, blue-green): Created by combining a primary color with a secondary one. 


Each position on the wheel plays a role in how colors interact. Relationships like complementary (opposite on the wheel) and analogous (next to each other) set the stage for many popular pairings. 



Color harmony rules


Color theory also includes rules for creating harmony. By experimenting within these harmonies, you can quickly find palettes that evoke the exact feeling you're after. Here are some popular methods designers use to combine colors effectively:


  • Complementary: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like red and green, create vibrant, high-contrast pairings.

  • Analogous: Colors adjacent to each other, such as blue, teal and green, blend well for a calming effect.

  • Triadic: Three colors spaced evenly around the wheel, such as purple orange and green, deliver vibrant, dynamic designs.

  • Monochromatic: Variations of a single hue, like different shades of blue, result in a timeless and sophisticated look.



39 color combinations to spark creativity


Below are thoughtfully curated combinations you can explore and adapt to your needs. From bold contrasts to soft pairings, each pairing balances mood, contrast, harmony and the principles of color psychology, working beautifully in various design projects.




Warm tones and earthy hues


Warm tones like red orange and yellow bring energy, passion and warmth, while earthy hues like brown, beige and green evoke nature and stability. In graphic and digital design, combining these colors can create engaging visuals that feel both vibrant and grounded. For print design, this palette adds a natural yet dynamic touch to brochures, posters or packaging. In branding, these tones can communicate a brand's energy and reliability, making it relatable and trustworthy. For marketing strategies, they create eye-catching materials that draw attention while fostering a sense of connection and authenticity.


Examples of warm tones and earthy hues include:



01. Amber haven


Amber: HEX # FFBF00, RGB (255, 191, 0)

Peach: HEX # FFE5B4, RGB (255, 229, 180)

Burnt sienna: HEX # E97451, RGB (233, 116, 81)

Gold: HEX # FFD700, RGB (255, 215, 0)



Example color combination palette: Amber Haven with amber, peach, burnt sienna and gold.


02. Deep forest


Olive: HEX # 808000, RGB (128, 128, 0)

Navy Blue: HEX # 000080, RGB (0, 0, 128)

Brown: HEX # 964B00, RGB (150, 75, 0)

Black: HEX # 000000, RGB (0, 0, 0)



Example color combination palette: Deep Forest with olive, navy blue, brown and black.


03. Earthy sunset


Red orange: HEX # FF4500, RGB (255, 69, 0)

Burnt orange: HEX # CC5500, RGB (204, 85, 0)

Rose Gold: HEX # B76E79, RGB (183, 110, 121)

Scallop Seashell: HEX # FFDAB9, RGB (255, 218, 185)



Example color combination palette: Earthy Sunset with red orange, burnt orange, rose gold and scallop seashell.


04. Golden harvest


Yellow Orange: HEX # FFA500, RGB (255, 165, 0)

Mimosa: HEX # F8C300, RGB (248, 195, 0)

Champagne: HEX # F7E7CE, RGB (247, 231, 206)

Tan: HEX # D2B48C, RGB (210, 180, 140)



Example color combination palette: Golden Harvest with yellow orange, mimosa, champagne and tan.


05. Rustic heart


Cinnamon: HEX # D2691E, RGB (210, 105, 30)

Cognac: HEX # 9A463D, RGB (154, 70, 61)

Chocolate: HEX # 7B3F00, RGB (123, 63, 0)

Coffee pot: HEX # 4B3621, RGB (75, 54, 33)



Example color combination palette: Rustic Heart with cinnamon, cognac, chocolate and coffee pot


06. Savanna glow


Bright Orange: HEX # FF6700, RGB (255, 103, 0)

Desert sun: HEX # EDC9AF, RGB (237, 201, 175)

Khaki: HEX # F0E68C, RGB (240, 230, 140)

Sand dollar: HEX # EEDC82, RGB (238, 220, 130)



Example color combination palette: Savanna Glow with bright orange, desert sun, khaki and sand dollar.


Cool and calm tones


Cool tones are known for their calming and soothing effect, often associated with water, ice and the sky, conveying serenity and peacefulness. In graphic and digital design, they work well for wellness, health and tech brands to create a trustworthy and stable feel. In print design, cool tones are ideal for brochures, reports or publications where a clean and professional look is required. For branding and marketing, these colors can effectively represent calm, relaxation and dependability, making them a great choice for spas, financial institutions and eco-conscious brands.


Some popular cool tones include:



07. Dreamy lagoon


Tiffany blue: HEX # 0ABAB5, RGB (10, 186, 181)

Electric blue: HEX # 7DF9FF, RGB (125, 249, 255)

Seafoam green: HEX # 9FE2BF, RGB (159, 226, 191)

Pastel blue: HEX # AEC6CF, RGB (174, 198, 207)



Example color combination palette: Dreamy Lagoon with Tiffany blue, electric blue, seafoam green and pastel blue.


08. Frosted skies


Baby blue: HEX # 89CFF0, RGB (137, 207, 240)

Misty blue: HEX # 646D7E, RGB (100, 109, 126)

Cool grey: HEX # 8C92AC, RGB (140, 146, 172)

Whitesmoke: HEX # F5F5F5, RGB (245, 245, 245)



Example color combination palette: Frosted Skies with baby blue, misty blue, cool grey and whitesmoke


09. Midnight mystique


Midnight blue: HEX # 191970, RGB (25, 25, 112)

Indigo: HEX # 4B0082, RGB (75, 0, 130)

Jet black: HEX # 343434, RGB (52, 52, 52)

Pewter: HEX # 96A8A1, RGB (150, 168, 161)



Example color combination palette: Midnight Mystique with midnight blue, indigo, jet black and pewter


10. Ocean bliss


Aquamarine: HEX # 7FFFD4, RGB (127, 255, 212)

Serenity: HEX # 92A8D1, RGB (146, 168, 209)

Celadon: HEX # ACE1AF, RGB (172, 225, 175)

Mint blue: HEX # 99EDC3, RGB (153, 237, 195)



Example color combination palette: Ocean Bliss with aquamarine, serenity, celadon and mint blue


11. Ocean blues


Navy blue: HEX # 000080, RGB (0, 0, 128)

Turquoise: HEX # 40E0D0, RGB (64, 224, 208)

Light blue: HEX # ADD8E6, RGB (173, 216, 230)

Aquamarine: HEX # 7FFFD4, RGB (127, 255, 212)



Example color combination palette: Ocean Blues with navy blue, turquoise, light blue and aquamarine


12. Powdered twilight


Blue iris: HEX # 5A4FCF, RGB (90, 79, 207)

Cornflower: HEX # 6495ED, RGB (100, 149, 237)

Dark blue: HEX # 00008B, RGB (0, 0, 139)

Mint: HEX # 98FF98, RGB (152, 255, 152)



Example color combination palette: Powdered Twilight with blue iris, cornflower, dark blue and mint


13. Stormy sea


Black: HEX # 000000, RGB (0, 0, 0)

Blue grey: HEX # 6699CC, RGB (102, 153, 204)

Navy blue: HEX # 000080, RGB (0, 0, 128)

Deep teal: HEX # FF00FF, RGB (255, 0, 255)



Example color combination palette: Stormy Sea with black, blue grey, navy blue and deep teal


14. Tranquil waters


Blue grotto: HEX # 007BA7, RGB (0, 123, 167)

Teal green: HEX # 006D5B, RGB (0, 109, 91)

Blue: HEX # 0000FF, RGB (0, 0, 255)

Light blue: HEX # ADD8E6, RGB (173, 216, 230)



Example color combination palette: Tranquil Waters with blue grotto, teal green, blue and light blue


Neutral shades


Neutral shades are colors that don't fall into the category of warm or cool tones. Their versatility and calming nature make them a popular choice. In graphic and digital design, neutral shades provide a clean and professional look while balancing bold elements. For print design, they create a timeless and polished aesthetic. In branding and marketing, neutral tones help convey sophistication, reliability and elegance, making them ideal for creating a strong, consistent brand identity.


Discover some beautiful neutral shades:



15. Muted harmony


Nude: HEX # FAD6A5, RGB (250, 214, 165)

Cream: HEX # FFFDD0, RGB (255, 253, 208)

Lint: HEX # EDE6DB, RGB (237, 230, 219)

White: HEX # FFFFFF, RGB (255, 255, 255)



Example color combination palette: Muted Harmony with nude, cream, lint and white


16. Stone haven


Charcoal: HEX # 36454F, RGB (54, 69, 79)

Grey: HEX # 808080, RGB (128, 128, 128)

Gunmetal grey: HEX # 2C3539, RGB (44, 53, 57)

Slate: HEX # 708090, RGB (112, 128, 144)



Example color combination palette: Stone Haven with charcoal, grey, gunmetal grey and slate


17. Subtle sands


Beige: HEX # F5F5DC, RGB (245, 245, 220)

Sand Dollar: HEX # EEDC82, RGB (238, 220, 130)

Taupe: HEX # 483C32, RGB (72, 60, 50)

Ivory: HEX # FFFFF0, RGB (255, 255, 240)



Example color combination palette: Subtle Sands with beige, sand dollar, taupe and ivory


18. Urban drift


Cool grey: HEX # 8C92AC, RGB (140, 146, 172)

Off white: HEX # F8F8F8, RGB (248, 248, 248)

Silver: HEX # C0C0C0, RGB (192, 192, 192)

Ebony: HEX # 555D50, RGB (85, 93, 80)



Example color combination palette: Urban Drift with cool grey, off white, silver and ebony


19. Woodland charm


Olive green: HEX # 556B2F, RGB (85, 107, 47)

Forest green: HEX # 228B22, RGB (34, 139, 34)

Sage: HEX # B2AC88, RGB (178, 172, 136)

Carafe: HEX # 4B3621, RGB (75, 54, 33)



Example color combination palette: Woodland Charm with olive green, forest green, sage and carafe


Vibrant palettes


If you want to add energy and vibrancy to your design, try integrating bright, bold colors into your palette. These colors can evoke playfulness and excitement, making them ideal for graphic design projects that aim to grab attention. In digital design, they can enhance user engagement and create dynamic visuals. For print design, bold colors make posters, flyers and brochures stand out. In branding, they help convey a sense of fun or adventure, giving your brand a lively, approachable image. And in marketing, they can boost visual appeal, making campaigns more memorable and impactful.


Here are some examples of neutral shades:



20. Citrus energy


Chartreuse: HEX # 7FFF00, RGB (127, 255, 0)

Lime: HEX # 00FF00, RGB (0, 255, 0)

Neon green: HEX # 39FF14, RGB (57, 255, 20)

Yellow: HEX # FFFF00, RGB (255, 255, 0)



Example color combination palette: Citrus Energy with chartreuse, lime, neon green and yellow


21. Flaming vibes


Coral: HEX # FF7F50, RGB (255, 127, 80)

Tangerine: HEX # F28500, RGB (242, 133, 0)

Tiger lily: HEX # E25822, RGB (226, 88, 34)

Freesia: HEX # F7C04A, RGB (247, 192, 74)



Example color combination palette: Flaming Vibes with coral, tangerine, tiger lily and freesia


22. Sunlit burst


Amber: HEX # FFBF00, RGB (255, 191, 0)

Bright yellow: HEX # FFFF00, RGB (255, 255, 0)

Yellow green: HEX # 9ACD32, RGB (154, 205, 50)

Gold: HEX # FFD700, RGB (255, 215, 0)



Example color combination palette: Sunlit Burst with amber, bright yellow, yellow green and gold


23. Tropical punch


Fuchsia: HEX # FF00FF, RGB (255, 0, 255)

Hot pink: HEX # FF69B4, RGB (255, 105, 180)

Magenta: HEX # FF00FF, RGB (255, 0, 255)

Pastel red: HEX # FF6961, RGB (255, 105, 97)



Example color combination palette: Tropical Punch with fuchsia, hot pink, magenta and pastel red


24. Vivid bloom


Aqua: HEX # 00FFFF, RGB (0, 255, 255)

Pink: HEX # FFC0CB, RGB (255, 192, 203)

Rose red: HEX # C21E56, RGB (194, 30, 86)

Salmon: HEX # FA8072, RGB (250, 128, 114)



Example color combination palette: Vivid Bloom with aqua, pink, rose red and salmon


Floral and pastel shades


Floral and pastel shades are often associated with spring and new beginnings. These soft, delicate colors evoke a sense of calmness and tranquility, making them ideal for graphic design, digital design and print design projects that aim to convey freshness and elegance. In branding, they can be used to create a welcoming, approachable vibe, especially for lifestyle, wellness or beauty brands. In marketing, pastel tones are perfect for campaigns that want to emphasize renewal, relaxation or positivity, resonating with audiences seeking a sense of balance and harmony.


Take a look at this lineup of floral and pastel shades:



25. Blush garden


Rosewater: HEX # FFFFF0, RGB (255, 255, 240)

Lilac: HEX # C8A2C8, RGB (200, 162, 200)

Periwinkle: HEX # CCCCEE, RGB (204, 204, 238)

Rose: HEX # FF007F, RGB (255, 0, 127)



Example color combination palette: Blush Garden with rosewater, lilac, periwinkle and rose


26. Floral whisper


Cream: HEX # FFFDD0, RGB (255, 253, 208)

Yellow green: HEX # 9ACD32, RGB (154, 205, 50)

Rose gold: HEX # B76E79, RGB (183, 110, 121)

Violet: HEX # 8F00FF, RGB (143, 0, 255)



Example color combination palette: Floral Whisper with cream, yellow green, rose gold and violet


27. Gentle bloom


Pastel yellow: HEX # FDFD96, RGB (253, 253, 150)

Honeysuckle: HEX # D94F70, RGB (217, 79, 112)

Scallop seashell: HEX # FFDAB9, RGB (255, 218, 185)

Whitesmoke: HEX # F5F5F5, RGB (245, 245, 245)



Example color combination palette: Gentle Bloom with pastel yellow, honeysuckle, scallop seashell and whitesmoke


28. Petal softness


Dusty rose: HEX # DCAE96, RGB (220, 174, 150)

Lavender: HEX # E6E6FA, RGB (230, 230, 250)

Rose quartz: HEX # AA98A9, RGB (170, 152, 169)

Mauve: HEX # E0B0FF, RGB (224, 176, 255)



Example color combination palette: Petal Softness with dusty rose, lavender, rose quartz and mauve


29. Spring meadow


Sage green: HEX # B2AC88, RGB (178, 172, 136)

Honeysuckle: HEX # D94F70, RGB (217, 79, 112)

Pastel green: HEX # 77DD77, RGB (119, 221, 119)

Orchid: HEX # DA70D6, RGB (218, 112, 214)



Example color combination palette: Spring Meadow with sage green, honeysuckle, pastel green and orchid


Jewel and berry tones


Jewel and berry tones are rich, vibrant colors often associated with luxury, royalty and opulence. In graphic and digital design, these hues can create bold, eye-catching visuals that stand out. For print design, they add sophistication and depth, making materials like brochures or packaging feel premium. In branding, these tones convey elegance and exclusivity, making them ideal for high-end or upscale brands. In marketing, they can evoke a sense of glamour and drama, drawing attention and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.


Here’s a collection of jewel and berry tones:



30. Berry splash


Burgundy: HEX # 800020, RGB (128, 0, 32)

Chili pepper: HEX # 9B1B30, RGB (155, 27, 48)

Crimson: HEX # DC143C, RGB (220, 20, 60)

Marsala: HEX # 955251, RGB (149, 82, 81)



Example color combination palette: Berry Splash with burgundy, chili pepper, crimson and marsala


31. Crimson glow


Maroon: HEX # 800000, RGB (128, 0, 0)

Scarlet: HEX # FF2400, RGB (255, 36, 0)

Red: HEX # FF0000, RGB (255, 0, 0)

Rose red: HEX # C21E56, RGB (194, 30, 86)



Example color combination palette: Crimson Glow with maroon, scarlet, red and rose red


32. Deep jewels


Purple: HEX # 800080, RGB (128, 0, 128)

Purple haze: HEX # 7D7098, RGB (125, 112, 152)

Cinnabar: HEX # E44D2E, RGB (228, 77, 46)

Royal blue: HEX # 4169E1, RGB (65, 105, 225)



Example color combination palette: Deep Jewels with purple, purple haze, cinnabar and royal blue


33. Emerald elegance


Emerald green: HEX # 50C878, RGB (80, 200, 120)

Kelly green: HEX # 4CBB17, RGB (76, 187, 23)

Spearmint: HEX # 45B8AC, RGB (69, 184, 172)

Lime green: HEX # 32CD32, RGB (50, 205, 50)



Example color combination palette: Emerald Elegance with emerald green, kelly green, spearmint and lime green


34. Velvet charm


Puce: HEX # CC8899, RGB (204, 136, 153)

Pastel red: HEX # FF6961, RGB (255, 105, 97)

Honeysuckle: HEX # D94F70, RGB (217, 79, 112)

Lily white: HEX # EFF2F3, RGB (239, 242, 243)



Example color combination palette: Velvet Charm with puce, pastel red, honeysuckle and lily white


Energizing combos


When it comes to creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, color combinations play a crucial role. The right mix of colors can stimulate the mind, energize the body and bring vitality to any design. In graphic design, they can grab attention and communicate messages effectively. In digital design, they enhance user experience and create visually engaging interfaces. For print design, color combinations can make marketing materials pop and leave a lasting impression. In branding, they help convey a brand's personality and evoke the right emotions. And in marketing, the right colors can drive engagement and influence consumer behavior.


Here are some dynamic color combinations that will bring an instant burst of energy to your design:



35. Bold tropics


Peach: HEX # FFE5B4, RGB (255, 229, 180)

Freesia: HEX # F7C04A, RGB (247, 192, 74)

Bright yellow: HEX # FFFF00, RGB (255, 255, 0)

Coral: HEX # FF7F50, RGB (255, 127, 80)



Example color combination palette: Bold Tropics with peach, freesia, bright yellow and coral


36. Electric horizon


Electric blue: HEX # 7DF9FF, RGB (125, 249, 255)

Indigo: HEX # 4B0082, RGB (75, 0, 130)

Magenta: HEX # FF00FF, RGB (255, 0, 255)

Cyan: HEX # 00FFFF, RGB (0, 255, 255)



Example color combination palette: Electric Horizon with electric blue, indigo, magenta and cyan


37. Fiery dusk


Red orange: HEX # FF4500, RGB (255, 69, 0)

Amber: HEX # FFBF00, RGB (255, 191, 0)

Burnt orange: HEX # CC5500, RGB (204, 85, 0)

Gold: HEX # FFD700, RGB (255, 215, 0)



Example color combination palette: Fiery Dusk with red orange, amber, burnt orange and gold


38. Morning radiance


Pastel blue: HEX # AEC6CF, RGB (174, 198, 207)

Baby blue: HEX # 89CFF0, RGB (137, 207, 240)

Light blue: HEX # ADD8E6, RGB (173, 216, 230)

Silver: HEX # C0C0C0, RGB (192, 192, 192)



Example color combination palette: Morning Radiance with pastel blue, baby blue, light blue and silver


39. Sunlit energy


Tiger lily: HEX # E25822, RGB (226, 88, 34)

Mimosa: HEX # F8C300, RGB (248, 195, 0)

Yellow orange: HEX # FFA500, RGB (255, 165, 0)

Bright orange: HEX # FF6700, RGB (255, 103, 0)



Example color combination palette: Sunlit Energy with tiger lily, mimosa, yellow orange and bright orange


How to choose color combinations for your design


While the options might seem endless, selecting the right colors often comes down to context and purpose. Experiment with testing different pairings before settling on one. Mockups and previews are helpful tools for ironing out any inconsistencies. Here are some questions to guide your choices:  


  • What's the mood or message you're aiming for? Bright, saturated colors often evoke energy and excitement, while muted tones feel calming and grounded. 


  • Who is the intended audience? Consider cultural associations and preferences. For example, red might symbolize passion in some audiences, while others might associate it with caution. 


  • What elements are already in place? Look at the surrounding environment or existing elements in your design. Are there colors you need to work within its context? 



Tips for choosing color combinations


Finding the perfect palette can feel overwhelming, but tools and techniques make the process easier:



Create an inspiration board


Gather examples of designs, images or artwork that resonate with your brand. Look for recurring color patterns that stand out and feel aligned with your identity.



Start simple


Begin with two or three colors and expand if necessary, rather than creating a cluttered design from the start. 



Explore online tools 


Tools like Wixel offer a color palette generator that provides pre-made palettes for inspiration. Look for tools offering guidance on complementary colors and analogous pairings.



Test before committing 


Use prototyping tools to test how your chosen colors look on your website, apps or marketing materials. View them on different screens and in print to ensure consistency. Ensure your color choices are readable and distinct for all viewers, including those with visual impairments. 


Looking for more color inspiration for your next project? Check out these guides:




Color combinations FAQ


Should I only use harmonious palettes?

Not necessarily. While harmonious palettes are aesthetically pleasing, intentional contrasts can create more dynamic or attention-grabbing designs. 

Are color codes important for accessibility?


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