- Rachel Bistricer
- May 7
- 5 min read
Graphic design is more than just picking colors that look good together—it’s about creating harmony, pulling focus, and evoking the right emotions. One of the most powerful tools in achieving this is the concept of complementary colors. Used effectively, these combinations bring balance and vibrancy to any graphic design, influencing how it’s perceived and what emotions it conveys.
This article will walk you through what complementary colors are, how to identify them and how to use them effectively across your projects. Whether you’re working on a new branding idea, crafting digital designs or creating print campaigns, understanding complementary colors can transform your designs.
What are complementary colors and why are they so powerful?
Complementary colors are pairs of colors that sit directly opposite each other on the color wheel. When placed side by side, they create high contrast, making each color appear more vivid. Common examples include blue and orange, red and green and yellow and purple.
What makes them so powerful is that they maximize contrast while maintaining harmony. The stark difference between complementary colors draws attention, while their natural balance ensures the overall composition doesn’t feel chaotic. That’s why they’re often used to create focal points or call attention to key elements in a design.
Understanding complementary colors
Understanding how and why complementary colors work begins with the basics of color theory and the design principles rooted in the color wheel.
The color wheel, often the first tool introduced to budding designers or artists organizes colors in a circular format. It’s divided into primary colors (red, blue, yellow), secondary colors (green orange, purple) and tertiary colors (blends of primary and secondary colors, like red-orange or blue-green). Complementary colors sit directly opposite each other on this wheel.
For example:
Blue ↔ Orange
Red ↔ Green
Yellow ↔ Purple
At the heart of color theory lies the principle of balance. Complementary colors work because they provide contrast while maintaining harmony. They are opposites in terms of hue, offering a stark difference that naturally draws the viewer’s eye. This dynamic contrast is why complementary pairs are often used in visually striking designs.
Using complementary colors effectively requires understanding their intensity. High-saturation complementary pairs are incredibly vibrant, which works well for bold statements or grabbing attention. On the other hand, softer variations (such as pastel versions) can provide gentler, more calming effects.
Why do complementary colors look good together?
Complementary colors are pleasing because of the way our eyes process light and color. When you see one color, your eyes naturally seek its opposite to balance the visual experience. Complementary colors fulfill that need instantly, creating a sense of equilibrium.
Beyond biology, the emotional and psychological responses they evoke also make them attractive. A bold red and green pair might feel energetic and festive, while a softened purple and yellow combination can evoke calmness and elegance.
Complementary color combinations
Now that you understand the foundations, here are some classic pairs to get you started. These combinations can be fine-tuned by adjusting saturation and brightness or experimenting with lighter versions for softer contrasts.
Blue and orange
This popular combination balances the tranquility of blue with the energetic warmth of orange. It’s perfect for designs that need both contrast and warmth.
Red and green
While often associated with festive designs, this bold pairing can work beautifully in everyday contexts when done subtly. Darker shades of each color can create a sleek, modern appeal.
Yellow and purple
This pair brings together the brightness of yellow and the majesty of purple. It’s a favorite for evoking a sense of luxury while staying playful.
How to use complementary colors
Using complementary colors isn’t just about picking two hues and running with them; it’s about knowing how to apply them strategically for the best effect.
Use them as accents
Complementary colors work well as accents in your designs. For example, you can use one color as the dominant shade and the other as a secondary or accent color. A deep blue body text paired with small orange call-to-action buttons might strike just the right visual balance.
Create focal points
If you want to draw attention to a particular element—like a title, a button or a subject in a photograph—use complementary colors to highlight it. The high contrast of complementary pairs naturally leads the viewer’s eye to the emphasized area.
Work with gradients and tones
If stark contrasts feel overwhelming, use gradients or paler shades of complementary colors. A gradient that transitions from blue to orange can create a sophisticated effect, while pastel tones of green and red can bring subtlety to your design.
Apply complementary colors to your:
Tips to make your complementary color combination stand out
Don’t overuse contrast
Complementary colors are inherently high in contrast, so use them wisely. Overloading a design with entirely complementary tones can result in visual tension. Aim for balance, pairing bold accents with neutral backgrounds or muted tones.
Experiment with proportions
Your colors don’t have to be an even 50/50 split. Experiment by using one color predominantly and the other sparingly. For instance, you might pair a rich blue as the background with pops of orange for text or smaller design elements.
Use textures and patterns
Textures and patterns can make complementary colors feel more cohesive. For example, a striped background combining soft purple and yellow can break up large areas of color and add interest without overwhelming the viewer.
Consider the emotional impact
Keep in mind the emotions and feelings you want to evoke when choosing your complementary color pair. Brighter, more saturated tones can create an energetic or playful mood, while softer or muted shades can elicit a sense of calmness or sophistication.
Selective applications
Not all elements in your design need to use complementary colors. In fact, sometimes it’s more effective to have one area that stands out while the rest of the design remains neutral or monochromatic.
Test for accessibility
While complementary colors can create visually striking designs, it's important to also consider accessibility for individuals with color blindness. Make sure to test your design using a color contrast tool to ensure that the colors are easily distinguishable for everyone.
Looking for color inspiration for your next project? Check out these Wixel guides:
Complementary colors FAQ
Are complementary colors always bright?
No, complementary colors can be muted or pastel just as easily as they can be bold and vibrant. Adjusting the brightness and saturation allows you to customize the mood of your design.