Split Complementary Colors

Color schemes using a base hue and the two hues adjacent to its complement. Split complementary colors create vibrant designs with less tension than pure complementary schemes.

Split Complementary Colors: Balanced Contrast in Design

Split complementary color schemes use a base color and the two colors adjacent to its complement on the color wheel. This creates high visual interest with less tension than pure complementary schemes.

In web design, split complementary schemes offer a good balance of contrast and harmony. They're perfect for designs that need visual impact without the stark opposition of complementary colors, creating a more sophisticated and nuanced look.

How to Use Split Complementary Colors in Your Designs

When incorporating split complementary colors into your designs, consider color psychology, accessibility, and the overall message you want to convey. These colors can be used as primary brand colors, accent colors, or part of a broader color scheme depending on your project needs.

For web design, it's important to maintain sufficient contrast between text and background colors to ensure readability. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Color Harmonies and Combinations

Creating effective color schemes involves understanding color harmonies such as complementary, analogous, triadic, and monochromatic combinations. Split complementary schemes use a base color and the two colors adjacent to its complement, creating high visual interest with less tension than pure complementary combinations.