Fluorescent colors are loud and can be tricky to use and combine: here’s how to do it gently

Don’t mariekondo your fluorescent yellow t-shirt yet

Fluorescent colors seem to be coming from a different, brighter planet, causing everything else to dull in comparison. That is because they absorb ultraviolet rays, invisible to humans, and convert them into visible light. In short, they emit an additional brightness on top of the “regular” light reflected off their surface.¹

This makes them the perfect candidates for safety-related accessories and attention-grabbing sticky notes, yet they are not difficult to spot within the more expressive spheres of art, fashion or even interiors, bringing along connotations ranging from danger and nonconformity to ebullience and joy.

I personally wasn’t clear on how fluorescent colors could be integrated into those areas without eventually tiring the eye. Then I started looking into two-color combinations, and — kind of collaterally — discovered I could use and combine fluorescent colors in a less stimulating — and actually enjoyable — way. At least in my delicate senses’ opinion.

1. Use a toned-down version of the fluorescent color

I know, this is cheating: for a softer effect, instead of maximum fluorescence, choose a toned-down one. For example, note how in the top image the first swatch is a lighter, less extreme version of the second “full-on” fluorescent pink.

2. Let the fluorescent color steal the spotlight

Rather than combining it with another color that fights for attention — such as another fluorescent color or a particularly intense non-fluorescent hue — partner it with a quieter, more muted friend.

The accompanying color of the fluorescent green has been desaturated, while the color next to the orange is a significantly lightened purple. They are both subdued so that the other two can shine undisturbed.

3. Use close hues

Related hues will generate less stimulation than contrasting ones: combine a fluorescent color with a non-fluorescent color of a similar hue — in other words, keep them close together in the color wheel. One can even take this to the extreme by combining a fluorescent color with a non-fluorescent version of itself, creating a subtle “monochrome”.

A subtle hue contrast is one of my preferred go-to techniques when working with fluorescent colors.

4. Avoid stacking up various types of contrasts

Light-dark contrast is another aspect to consider when integrating fluorescent colors into palettes, as a strong light-dark contrast will create additional excitement for the eye — which, with fluorescent colors, we already have plenty of. Therefore, for a less intense effect, either put emphasis on hue contrast or light-dark contrast. Tip: to get an idea of the amount of light-dark contrast present in a color combination, try visualising it in black and white.

If the hues are very different from each other, such as in the complementary scheme portrayed on the left, go for a softer light-dark contrast. In the case of a more visible light-dark contrast (right), select closer hues.

5. Watch out for sharp light-dark contrast

Don’t go, however, too strong on the light-dark contrast if you want to keep things gentle. Because of their extreme brightness, fluorescent colors will contrast even more violently with very dark ones. Think, for example, of the harshness of a fluorescent yellow and black combination.

6. Keep the fluorescent color area small

To conclude, an easy one: with fluorescent colors, a touch goes a long way!

Reduce the fluorescent area and create just a sparkle of stimulation.

Note: The colored swatches portrayed in the photographs are lighter and more vivid in real-life, and the surface they are placed on is actually white. Because of the difficulty of rendering fluorescence on a screen, they have been photographed in a slightly dark lighting setting in order to make the fluorescent colors’ unusual brightness visible.

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[1] Dr. Christopher S. Baird. “What Makes a “Fluorescent” Highlighter Marker So Bright?”