Color Matching Ideas

Online Color Scheme Generators

• The easiest way to develop a color scheme of matching colors is through an online color scheme generator such as ColorBlender.com or ColorsontheWeb.com. These sites allow you to choose a color, and then they generate a series of matching colors. The scheme includes your chosen color, a darker or lighter variation of that color, two hues of a complementary color, and one or two gray tints. If you don't have access to a color scheme generator, use a color wheel or paint swatches.

Monochromatic Colors

• Monochromatic colors are different shades of the same color formed by adding white or black. Monochromatic color schemes are simple and elegant. The different values always match because they are from the same base pigment. This is a good color scheme to use for a bathroom or kitchen but may be overwhelming in a large room. A single color swatch demonstrates a monochromatic color scheme.

Analogous Colors

• Analogous colors are those directly next to each other on the color wheel. For example, red, orange and yellow are a triad of analogous colors. They almost always match but provide very little contrast. Use analogous colors on their own as a color scheme, or use one as the secondary color in a more advanced design. Analogous colors in a home create a calming and serene mood.

Complementary Colors

• Colors opposite each other on the color wheel are called complementary colors, like blue and orange or yellow and purple. They do not necessarily match but provide contrast in a successful color scheme. When used together, complementary colors are very bold and make certain elements in a room stand out.

Tertiary Colors

• Tertiary colors are between primary and secondary colors on the color wheel. Blue-violet and red-orange are examples of tertiary colors. Find matching tertiary colors by doing a split complementary assessment on the color wheel. A split complementary assessment finds a color's complementary color as well as the two analogous colors of the complement. A color scheme based on split complementary tertiary colors rather than direct complements results in a less dramatic and more harmonious aesthetic.

Color Swatches

• Color swatches are another tool for finding matching colors, especially for interior design. Each paint swatch shows a monochromatic color scheme. Combine hues from different swatches following the analog and complement color theory. Paint swatches are displayed in a linear way unlike a color wheel, but the same principles for color matching apply.