What is a color wheel?
Posted on: July 30th, 2015
Soho sofa by Gamma
When we are planning a new décor, choosing a nice color combination can be overwhelming. There are so many hues, tints and tones that our minds go crazy with questions about which one is the right option.
That is why the color wheel is a powerful tool to help you choose the perfect color scheme for your décor. In this post will show you a glimpse of the color wheel and how it works so in your next décor project you will be more confident when choosing a new color combination.
Understanding the basic concept
In the 17th century, Sir Isaac Newton discovered that pure white light contains the full spectrum of colors, which lead him to the color wheel. Newton’s wheel contains 12 colors, classified into three categories:
1) Primary colors: red, yellow and blue.
2) Secondary colors: orange, green, and violet. Created by mixing primary colors.
3) Tertiary colors: yellow-orange, red-orange, red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green, and yellow-green. Created by mixing a secondary color and a primary color next to it.
Color Schemes
Now that you know the basic of the color concept, we will show you the four most common color schemes to use in your décor.
1) Monochromatic (one color) – you choose one color and use it in different intensities from light to dark.
2) Complementary (two colors) – you use hues that are opposed from each other on the wheel.
3) Triad (three colors) – pick any three colors that form a triangle in the center of the wheel.
4) Analogous (two to six colors) – you can work with two to six colors that are next to each other on the wheel.
Color Parts
Hue: It is the purest or brightest form of a color. Hues are colors that have not been mixed with white, gray, or black.
Tint: It is the hue mixed with white.
Tone: It is the hue mixed with true gray.
Shade: It is the hue mixed with black.
Color Harmony
It is important to get the perfect color harmony to create a décor that is pleasing to the eye. A harmonic color combination will engage you and your guests and it will create a balance in the visual experience.
Use the color wheel to help you choose the best color combination, and don’t be afraid to try something different. Now that you know the main concept of the color wheel, it will be easier mix and match hues and create a beautiful and pleasant décor for your space. And stay tuned to learn more about colors in future posts.