what-are-complementary-colors

What Are Complementary Colors? Guide For Your Home Decor

When decorating your home or setting up your dinner table, the right color combinations can make all the difference. Complementary colors—those opposite each other on the color wheel—create bold contrasts that add elegance and vibrancy to any space. Using these colors strategically can help highlight key elements in your decor. They also allow you to create a balanced and visually appealing ambiance. Experimenting with different shades within a complementary pair can bring a unique depth to your setup. You can also use accent pieces in complementary colors to create a well-coordinated theme.

How to Find Complementary Colors

The easiest way to identify complementary colors is by using a color wheel. Each color has an opposite hue that enhances its visual impact. For example, red and green, blue and orange, or purple and yellow create striking contrasts. When selecting table settings like placemats or tablecloths, pairing these hues can create a dynamic and eye-catching effect. 

complementary-colors

Purple Complementary Colors

Purple pairs beautifully with yellow, creating a regal and elegant feel. A deep purple tablecloth with soft yellow napkins can bring a luxurious ambiance to your dining table. Adding gold accents can further enhance the richness of this color combination. Pairing different textures like velvet and silk can make the setting even more sophisticated.

yellow-napkin

Complementary Colors To Blue

Blue and orange make a vibrant pair. If you’re using a navy blue tablecloth, consider adding burnt-orange napkins for a sophisticated yet lively dining experience. Using different shades of blue, from sky blue to deep navy, can add variety to the arrangement. Orange-hued centerpieces or candles can further highlight this color scheme.

burnt-orange-linen-napkin

Yellow Complementary Colors

Yellow pairs with purple to create a bold yet balanced look. A mustard yellow table runner with lavender napkins can create a warm and inviting table setup. Adding white or neutral tones can soften the contrast while maintaining its vibrancy. You can also experiment with gold details to enhance the elegance of the combination.

Know About: Who Wears Crop Tops to the Office?

Complementary Colors To Red

Red’s complement is green. A deep red table setting with olive green napkins brings a festive and rich appearance, perfect for holiday gatherings. Using floral or botanical patterns in these colors can add a natural and fresh touch. Incorporating gold or bronze cutlery can further elevate the luxurious feel.

Pink Complementary Colors

Pink and green create a fresh and modern contrast. Pairing soft pink table linens with sage green placemats can give a spring-like, airy feel to your dining space. Adding floral elements in similar tones can enhance the overall aesthetic. You can also mix pastel and vibrant shades to create a layered look.

green-placemats

Orange Complementary Colors

Orange complements blue, making it a great choice for bold and lively decor. A terracotta-hued tablecloth with sky-blue napkins will make your dining setup feel energetic and inviting. Including metallic accents like copper or bronze can add warmth to the combination. Softening the contrast with neutral tones can create a more balanced look.

table-cloth-strips-terrakota

Maroon Complementary Colors

Maroon pairs well with teal for a sophisticated yet striking contrast. A maroon table runner with teal placemats can add a touch of elegance to any dinner table. Adding dark wood elements can further enhance the richness of the setup. Playing with different patterns within the same color scheme can add an artistic flair.

Black Complementary Colors

Black pairs well with white and other high-contrast colors. A black tablecloth with white napkins and gold placemats adds a classic and chic look. Incorporating textures like lace or satin can add depth and interest. A pop of color, like red or emerald green, can provide a dramatic effect.

linen-complementary-colors

Complementary Colors To Green

Green is complemented by soft pink. A pastel green table setting with blush pink napkins creates a serene and calming atmosphere. Adding wooden elements can enhance the earthy feel of this combination. Soft lighting can further amplify the gentle and relaxing mood.

Lavender Complementary Colors

Lavender’s complement is pale yellow. A lavender tablecloth with buttery yellow placemats creates a delicate and soothing color combination. Incorporating floral arrangements in these colors can add a natural and fresh touch. Pairing with silver or white accents can maintain the softness of the look.

Hermstitched-napkins

Read Related: Styling Your Home with Autumn Color Palette

What is Split Complementary Colors?

A split complementary color scheme involves one base color and two adjacent colors from the complement’s side. This approach creates a balanced yet vibrant look. If you’re using a blue tablecloth, consider adding orange-yellow and orange-red napkins for a more harmonious and engaging table setting.

This method is a great way to incorporate more color variety while maintaining contrast. It also provides flexibility in mixing and matching different elements in your decor.

find-complementary-colors

Read On: How to Clean Jewelry - Tips and Tricks

How Do Complementary Colors Affect Each Other?

Complementary colors enhance each other’s brightness, creating a lively and dynamic effect. This is why a red table runner over a green tablecloth looks more vivid. The same principle applies to home decor; combining opposite hues can make a space feel more energetic or sophisticated, depending on the shades you choose.

Using them in different textures, such as matte and glossy finishes, can add even more visual interest. Proper lighting can also affect how these colors interact, influencing the mood of the space.

What Are the Double Complementary Colors?

Double complementary colors involve two sets of complementary pairs. For example, blue and orange paired with yellow and purple create a high-contrast, vibrant setting. This approach is perfect for layering colors in your dining setup—such as using blue placemats, orange napkins, yellow candles, and a purple floral centerpiece.

It offers more variety and depth in your design. Mixing different textures and patterns within these colors can further enhance the visual appeal.

How to Shade with Complementary Colors?

Shading with complementary colors involves using tints and tones to create depth. For instance, a light blue tablecloth can be complemented with deep orange placemats. Mixing different intensities of complementary colors prevents overpowering contrasts and ensures a balanced look.

You can also use gradient effects to make the transition between colors smoother. Layering light and dark shades can add dimension and character to your decor.

Using complementary colors in home decor and table settings can transform an ordinary space into a visually stunning masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to mix textures and patterns to add more depth. Personalizing your decor with complementary colors can make your setup feel unique and stylish.

FAQs

A complementary color is the opposite hue on the color wheel, creating strong contrast. For example, red and green are complementary colors.

In art, complementary colors are used to create contrast, depth, and harmony in compositions by pairing opposite colors like blue and orange.

The six main complementary color pairs are red & green, blue & orange, yellow & purple, red-orange & blue-green, yellow-orange & blue-violet, and yellow-green & red-violet.

The 12 complementary colors come from the color wheel, where each primary, secondary, and tertiary color has an opposite counterpart to create contrast.

The four pure colors are red, blue, yellow (primary colors), and green (a secondary color that maintains high purity in color mixing).

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.