Color Theory
Color Theory: Complementary colors are more than appealing, they’re used to maximize visibility.
Complementary colors are designed to look good together but they’re also very practical because they maximize visibility.
Think of road signs, they use the colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel to make sure they’re seen. A stop sign in America is red and white for this reason. A yield sign is yellow and black.
Road signs are designed to be seen from a distance and in all kinds of weather so they use the most visible color combinations.
This also applies to website design and other areas where you want your text or product to stand out. If you have a light background, using a dark color for your text will make it easier to read. The same is true if you have a dark background and use a light color for your text.
There are other benefits to using complementary colors. They can create a sense of harmony and balance in your design. They can also make a bold statement or add intrigue.
Example of Complementary Color Combinations
Red and green
Blue and orange
Yellow and purple
