In the context of a discussion of light, complementary colours are pairs of colours that, when mixed together, produce white and when placed next to each other appear to create the strongest possible contrast.
In the context of a discussion of paints and inks, complementary colours are pairs of colours that, when mixed together, produce a brown-purple-black colour and when placed next to each other appear to create the strongest possible contrast.
- Complementary colours are colours that when compared with one another appear to be in complete contrast with one another when viewed by an observer.
- Pairs of complementary colours always involve one primary colour and a secondary colour that are opposite one another on a colour wheel. The secondary colour can always be produced by mixing the other two primaries.
- Complementary colours always juxtapose one cool colour with a warm colour. Reds, oranges and yellows are the warm colours, while blues, greens, and purples are the cool colours.
- In the context of light, complementary colours result from the additive colour mixing of light, where different wavelengths combine to produce white light.
- In the context of paints and inks, complementary colours result from the subtractive colour mixing of pigments, where different hues are absorbed, and the remaining wavelengths combine as they are reflected back towards an observer and produce the perceived colour.
- The mixing of pigments is often more complex than light. When all three primary colours (cyan, magenta, and yellow) are mixed together they can easily result in brown, purple or muddy colours.
Related diagrams
Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.
