Color Ideas to Sponge

Analogous Colors

• Analogous colors are colors that are within three spots of each other on the color wheel. When sponging faux finishes, analogous colors make a calm statement because of their closeness on the color wheel. Sponge analogous colors for understated pieces of furniture or bedroom walls.

Complementary Colors

• Complementary colors are colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel. These colors provide the most amount of contrast and work very well together. When sponging with complementary colors, use the darkest color first and sponge the lighter color over the top of it. Sponge complementary colors on focal points or on walls where you want to make a strong statement.

Monochromatic Colors

• Monochromatic colors are different tones of the same color, like khaki and ivory. When sponging with monochromatic colors, the appearance is more subtle and sophisticated. Sponge this color combination in bedrooms and formal rooms like dining rooms or formal living rooms, as well as on accessories like lamps, vases and frames.

Metallic Colors

• Metallic paint bring a richness to sponging that is difficult to achieve with nonmetallic paint colors. Sponge metallic paint over a base paint coat to add dimension to a piece, or sponge one metallic paint color over another, such as gold over bronze, to create depth shadowing to the piece. Choose this sponge technique to highlight features like a fireplace wall.