Well-chosen color palettes make visitors stay on your website longer and stimulate consumers to build associations with your brand. Recent scientific research reveals that the human brain establishes deep correlations between colors and social or cultural messages. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Business Research found that customers are 15% more likely to return to stores with blue color schemes rather than orange ones. This evidence highlights the significant impact colors have on both emotions and actions.
Web designers utilize colors as a major weapon in attracting customers and influencing purchasing behavior. Keep reading this article to uncover the secrets of using colors in web design, master the art of blending specific hues in harmonious palettes, and discover trendy color combinations.
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The color wheel combination theory
To identify perfectly matching colors, professional designers use the color wheel. It is a color cycle that presents all available shades and hues, allowing creators to explore their relationships. The colors on a wheel are strategically arranged, with closely spaced hues harmoniously complementing each other, while opposite shades create striking contrasts.
There are several ways you can mix hues using the color wheel:
- Monochromatic—combining one specific color with its tints, shades, and tones.
- Analogous—opting for adjacent colors.
- Complementary—mixing diametrically opposed colors. For example, the complementary color of gold is blue.
- Triadic—combining three colors that stand on opposite sides of the color wheel.
- Square—mixing four colors spaced evenly on the color wheel.
Certain colors may not harmonize well together due to their conflicting temperatures. Mixing cool and warm shades, such as green/yellow and red/blue, is generally not recommended as it can create visual dissonance. If you’re unsure what colors to choose for your design project, use different online tools. For instance, platforms like Paletton or Adobe Color can help you explore and select complementary color schemes that enhance the overall appeal and coherence of your design.
Stunning color combinations with black
Black is a timeless and versatile color that blends well with other hues, making it a staple in nearly all design projects due to its practicality. It allows you to create shadows, add depth, and define shapes in your designs. However, using pure black (HEX #000000) is not advisable, as it can lead to high-contrast compositions that strain the eye. To achieve a more balanced and visually pleasing result, you can opt for slightly desaturated blacks or dark grays to maintain a desired effect without causing discomfort to viewers.
Red, White, Gray, & Black
White and black are powerful colors that exude a sense of authority, energy, and elegance. When paired with neutral shades of gray, they create a harmonious color scheme that evokes a feeling of accomplishment, resilience, and focus. This combination is an excellent choice for marketing and gym website design projects, as it conveys a strong sense of determination, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Colors used in this scheme:
- Watermelon Red
- HEX: #BD4242
- RGB: 189, 66, 66
- CMYK: 0, 0.650, 0.650, 0.258
- Bright Gray
HEX: #EBEBEB
RGB: 235, 235, 235
CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0.078
- Dim Gray
- HEX: #6B6B6B
- RGB: 107, 107, 107
- CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0.580
- Chinese Black
HEX: #141414
RGB: 20, 20, 20
CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0.921
Green, Black, & Blue
This vivid color scheme reminds people of environmental concerns. At the same time, the black shade serves as a practical element that delivers high contrast and elegance. This color scheme is an ideal fit for logistics companies, as it allows them to highlight their eco-consciousness and professional approach to communication, showing their commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
Colors used in this scheme:
- May Green
- HEX: #438C3E
- RGB: 67, 140, 62
- CMYK: 0.521, 0, 0.557, 0.450
- Dartmouth Green
- HEX: #007536
- RGB: 0, 117, 54
- CMYK: 1, 0, 0.538, 0.541
- Chinese Black
- HEX: #141414
- RGB: 20, 20, 20
- CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0.921
- Palatinate Blue
- HEX: #2356E8
- RGB: 35, 86, 232
- CMYK: 0.849, 0.629, 0, 0.090
Black, White, & Blue
This color palette featuring various shades of blue evokes a strong feeling of mystery, calmness, and enthusiasm. White and black serve as contrasting colors, making the scheme more deep and extraordinary. You can utilize these classic colors in designing interface elements. The black, white, and blue combination can be used in various projects. For example, when developing websites for IT companies to convey trustworthiness and reliability. It also can be a good choice for travel, tourism, and nautical brands, as it reflects a sense of exploration, tranquility, and adventure.
Colors used in this scheme:
- Chinese Black
- HEX: #121212
- RGB: 18, 18, 18
- CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0.921
- Anti-Flash White
- HEX: #F0F1F2
- RGB: 240, 241, 242
- CMYK: 0.008, 0.004, 0, 0.050
- Moonstone Blue
- HEX: #70A6C1
- RGB: 112, 166, 193
- CMYK: 0.419, 0.139, 0, 0.243
- B’dazzled Blue
- HEX: #315594
- RGB: 49, 85, 148
- CMYK: 0.668, 0.425, 0, 0.419
- American Blue
- HEX: #2F3675
- RGB: 47, 54, 117
- CMYK: 0.598, 0.538, 0, 0.541
5 aesthetic color palettes to complement your designs
#1 Gold Blue
This palette is based on three shades, where the color gold serves as a major accent. The color gold meaning is extensive; it can be associated with notions of luxury, refined style, success, and triumph. Moreover, gold symbolizes opulence, prosperity, and abundance, harmoniously complemented by deep shades of blue. An added creamy color creates contrast between these rich hues. Designers can utilize this color palette to develop projects related to beauty and jewelry.
Colors used in this scheme:
- Chinese Gold
- HEX: #CA9703
- RGB: 202, 151, 3
- CMYK: 0, 0.252, 0.985, 0.207
- American Gold
- HEX: #D5AD36
- RGB: 213, 173, 54
- CMYK: 0, 0.187, 0.746, 0.164
- Champagne
- HEX: #F4F2C9
- RGB: 244, 242, 201
- CMYK: 0, 0.008, 0.176, 0.043
- Cyan-Blue Azure
- HEX: #4488BF
- RGB: 68, 136, 191
- CMYK: 0.643, 0.287, 0, 0.250
- Cyan Cobalt Blue
- HEX: #265999
- RGB: 38, 89, 153
- CMYK: 0.751, 0.418, 0, 0.4
#2 Yellow Tellow
In this scheme, the color gold reveals itself in all its glory—the palette forms a vivid gradient from different shades of gold and yellow. Additionally, a soft and gentle light shade adds a contrasting touch. By looking at this palette, you can understand what colors make up gold. With its playful and joyful hues, this scheme is an excellent choice for marketing children’s products, accessories, and wedding brands.
Colors used in this scheme:
- Crayola’s Maize
- HEX: #F6C64E
- RGB: 246, 198, 78
- CMYK: 0, 0.195, 0.682, 0.035
- Buff
- HEX: #F9DC8B
- RGB: 249, 220, 139
- CMYK: 0, 0.116, 0.441, 0.023
- Banana Mania
- HEX: #FFEFB6
- RGB: 255, 239, 182
- CMYK: 0, 0.062, 0.286, 0
- Light Yellow
- HEX: #FFFFDE
- RGB: 255, 255, 222
- CMYK: 0, 0, 0.129, 0
- Mikado Yellow
- HEX: #FFC40E
- RGB: 255, 196, 14
- CMYK: 0, 0.231, 0.945, 0
- Gargoyle Gas
- HEX: #FEDC48
- RGB: 254, 220, 72
- CMYK: 0, 0.133, 0.716, 0.003
#3 Forest Green & Orange
This striking color palette showcases exquisite green combinations blended with soft pastel orange and yellow hues, radiating a sense of tranquility and balance. The scheme is a perfect match for educational design projects dedicated to nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation.
Colors used in this scheme:
- Royal Orange
- HEX: #ED904C
- RGB: 237, 144, 76
- CMYK: 0, 0.392, 0.679, 0.070
- Deep Space Sparkle
- HEX: #3D6160
- RGB: 61, 97, 96
- CMYK: 0.371, 0, 0.010, 0.619
- City of Green
- HEX: #5D966D
- RGB: 93, 150, 109
- CMYK: 0.38, 0, 0.273, 0.411
- Crayola Yellow-Green
- HEX: #BCD980
- RGB: 188, 217, 128
- CMYK: 0.133, 0, 0.410, 0.149
- Calamansi
- HEX: #FAFFA1
- RGB: 250, 255, 161
- CMYK: 0.019, 0, 0.368, 0
#4 Blue Fog
This color palette captures the essence of the boundless sea with its harmonious blue color combinations, merging into an exciting gradient. The scheme can fit designs related to marine life, water conservation, and beach destinations. Moreover, it can be suitable for serene and peaceful spa and wellness projects, creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
Colors used in this scheme:
- Anti-Flash White
- HEX: #F3F3F3
- RGB: 243, 243, 243
- CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0.047
- Water
- HEX: #CEF1F6
- RGB: 206, 241, 246
- CMYK: 0.162, 0.020, 0, 0.035
- Medium Sky Blue
- HEX: #8FDDE9
- RGB: 143, 221, 233
- CMYK: 0.386, 0.051, 0, 0.086
- Sea Serpent
- HEX: #53BBCA
- RGB: 83, 187, 202
- CMYK: 0.589, 0.074, 0, 0.207
- Cyan Cornflower Blue
- HEX: #288CBC
- RGB: 40, 140, 188
- CMYK: 0.787, 0.255, 0, 0.262
#5 Red Color Of Valentine
This passionate red color combination exudes energy, power, and a touch of drama, making it a go-to choice for designs associated with love and romance. It can be applied to the marketing promotions of relationship-related brands, such as wedding planners and dating services.
Colors used in this scheme:
- Mordant Red 19
- HEX: #B40800
- RGB: 180, 8, 0
- CMYK: 0, 0.955, 1, 0.294
- CG Red
- HEX: #DC362D
- RGB: 220, 54, 45
- CMYK: 0, 0.754, 0.795, 0.137
- Engineering International Orange
- HEX: #C21912
- RGB: 194, 25, 18
- CMYK: 0, 0.871, 0.907, 0.239
- Blood
- HEX: #8F0700
- RGB: 143, 7, 0
- CMYK: 0, 0.951, 1, 0.439
To wrap up
It’s crucial for creators to pay special attention to colors and their combinations. A chosen palette can profoundly impact the overall impression of a design and contribute to brand recognition. To find harmonious shade pairings, explore the color wheel basics. Also, you can study the color schemes in this article to find the perfect match for your next creative project.
