We all remember the colour wheel and the wisdom that came with it – and now there’s actually scientific proof to show that some colours look better together than they do with others. So, with that in mind, we thought we’d give you a quick guide on complementary colours and how this simple chart (shown below) can help you to furnish your home.
Colour Theory
In terms of understanding colour theory, there are three traditional sets of complementary colours – these being derived from the Red-Yellow-Blue colour model that predates modern scientific colour theory (but we’ll come onto that later).
The three sets of colours are red and green, yellow and purple, and orange and blue.
Over time, these colours have come to be represented in the colour wheel that you’re likely to remember from school. Colours opposite one another on the wheel are considered to be complementary colours – but there are a number of colour models that show different complements.
Modern Scientific Colour Theory
The idea is that you can mix primary colours to create more. And while for a long time red, yellow and blue were considered to be the best three colourants for mixing, modern scientific colour theory has in fact determined the best set of colourants are cyan, magenta and yellow (the CMYK colour model).
So, How Can I Use Complementary Colours in My Home?
You may be wondering why all of this works – but there’s a quick test you can try to see what we mean, and with this you can start to better understand why complementary colours can give your home a more dynamic feel.
In the example we’ve linked through to there’s a coloured square. Now if you’re staring at the blue square, then after a while the cells in your eye that process blue light will become fatigued – making the signal they send to your brain weaker. Now when you stare at a white wall after looking at the blue square you’ll see a faint orange afterimage. The reason this happens is because your eye is seeing the full spectrum of light from the white wall – but the cells in your eye that process blue are slightly supressed (due to fatigue), so what you see is the white spectrum of light minus a bit of blue; which creates orange.
Decorator’s Rejoice
You’ll notice that blue and orange sit opposite one another on the colour wheel – and this means decorators can combine complementary colours that play up each colour’s intensity.
Ultimately, the reason orange accessories will appear to pop when placed in a blue room is because your eye “wants” to see that colour. What’s happening is different parts of your eye are being stimulated when looking at the colours – creating a more harmonious appearance.
Examples of Colours Complementing One Another in Interior Design
Don’t believe us? We’ve got some examples below that might help to inspire your inner design guru.
