Whether you're an amateur designer or a seasoned professional, you know firsthand the incredible impact of color.
Color evokes emotion. It has an influence on our perception — inspiring responses, subconscious or conscious, in the human brain. The types of colors you use can even impact which generations your designs appeal to. And due to its influential and communicative nature, color is perhaps the most powerful tool at your disposal as a designer.
With 16.8 million colors to choose from, the color scheme options for your next logo, web, or brand identity design are just about infinite. Luckily for you, we got you covered. Down below features 26 of the best color combinations that'll inspire your next design — classic and trending color combos alike.
But first, let’s look at color theory and the color wheel
Being knowledgeable of both color theory and the color wheel helps you understand why certain color combinations work so well together. Color theory feeds into color psychology, which digs into how our brains perceive color.
Color theory
Color theory is the art and science of using color. Research has shown that color has a psychological impact on human behavior and thought. For artists and designers, color theory is a collection of rules and guidelines which designers use to communicate with users through appealing color schemes.”
Color wheel
Part of these rules and guidelines make up the color wheel — designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666. Newton intimately understood how color was defined by human perception and how it came together to create eye-catching combinations, resulting in him creating the primary, secondary, and tertiary color categorizations:
- Primary colors: red, yellow, blue
- Secondary colors: orange, green, violet (created by mixing primary colors)
- Tertiary colors: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, red-violet (created by mixing both primary and secondary colors)
Our relationship with colors psychologically and collectively throughout society is what gives meaning to color. And it's that meaning that accounts for iconic and successful branding — like red and white as the logo colors for Coca-Cola. Coca.
To get started, draw a line through the center of the wheel. When you do so, you’ll notice that there is a distinction between warm colors (reds, oranges, and yellows) and cool colors (blues, greens, and violets). Warm colors typically convey sentiments of energy, brightness, or life whereas cool colors convey sentiments of calmness, grounding, or serenity.
- Complementary color combinations are the colors that sit on opposite sides of the color wheel. Combining these colors creates an effect of high contrast, catching the eye and leaving quite an impact.Examples: red and green, yellow and purple, orange and blue.
- Analogous color combinations are every two to five colors that sit beside each other on the color wheel. These color combinations create a sensation of balance and harmony. Typically one of these colors sits in the background, while the other more dominant color sits in the foreground.Examples: yellow, yellow-green, and green; violet, red-violet, and red; red, red-orange, and orange; blue, blue-violet, and violet.
- Triadic color combinations are spaced evenly throughout the color wheel and tend to be more rich or vibrant in color. This color combination is typically dynamic, creating a harmonious visual contrast that pops when combined. Create a triangle on the color wheel and you'll find your 3 triadic colors.Examples: red, yellow, and blue; green, orange, and blue-violet; red-orange, yellow-green, and blue-violet.
- Tetradic color combinations are made of four colors that sit equidistant from each other on the color wheel, forming a square or rectangle. Examples: Red, yellow-green, light blue, purple; magenta, green-yellow, blue-green, indigo
Understanding the universal perceptions and relationships of colors is key to being a great artist or designer. It's worth exploring color palette generators and doing more research on the color wheel to further cement your understanding of both the art and science of color.
Pro Tip: See our beginner's guide on color theory for a more in-depth dive into color theory.
26 beautiful color combinations that'll inspire your next design
Here are 26 of the best color combinations to find the right colors for your next project.
1. Royal blue & peach (trending)
To start our list, we'll go for a trendy color combination, royal blue and peach. These two colors form a triadic combination, with the royal blue creating a bold sensation, balanced perfectly with peach's playfulness. This color combo is ideal for logo design or as accent colors for a web template or design.
Hex codes: Royal Blue #00539C, Peach #EEA47F
2. Blue& pink (classic)
Combining blue and pink creates a nice balance. Where pink often has a softer, spring-like pastel aesthetic, blue has hints of maturity — creating duality in the color combination.
Hex codes: Blue #2F3C7E, Pink #FBEAEB
3. Charcoal & yellow (classic)
Charcoal and yellow (or black and yellow) is one of the most frequently used color combinations. These two colors wonderfully complement one another because they are contrasting colors. This combination would work well for logo design or a branded product label.
Hex codes: Charcoal #101820, Yellow #FEE715
4. Red & yellow(classic)
Next on the list is the bold and vibrant color combination, red and yellow. This complementary color combo is the embodiment of cheer. Reimagine this classic ketchup and mustard color pairing with a modern, pastel take by changing the tints from red to coral.
Hex codes: Coral #F96167, Yellow #F9E795
5. Lime green & electric blue (trending)
Lime green and electric blue convey energy and youth. When combined, these two bright colors work particularly well for logos and in fashion design.
Hex codes: Lime Green #CCF381, Electric Blue #4831D4
6. Lavender & teal (trending)
Lavender and teal is the quintessential color combo for all things aesthetically pleasing. This mature yet playful combination is often used in baby products marketed to parents due in part to the clear color harmony.
Hex codes: Lavender #E2D1F9, Teal #317773
7. Cherry red & off-white (classic)
Cherry red and off-white is truly classic and versatile.This color combo gives you a fantastic duality and works well in both digital and print mediums.
Hex codes: Cherry Red #990011, Off-White #FCF6F5
8. Baby blue & white (classic)
Another classic color combo known for its duality is baby blue and white. This serene combo communicates ease and trustworthiness, invoking the feeling of looking up at the sky on a sunny morning. Baby blue and white are the perfect color combo for brand colors in the healthcare, childcare, or non-profit industries.
Hex codes: Baby Blue #8AAAE5, White #FFFFFF
9. Hot pink & cyan (trending)
Cyan can be a tricky shade of blue to pair, but the hot pink and cyan color combination really works. It’s bubblegum pop meets cyberpunk dystopia — a twist on the classic baby pink and baby blue. These bright, high contrast colors embody an excitement that is ideal for an alternative take on more playful brands. Think vape juice labels or scene/punk branding that calls for bright color palettes.
Hex codes: Hot Pink #FF69B4, Neon Blue #00FFFF
10. Peach & burnt orange (trending)
Peach and burnt orange create an analogous color combination. The balance of these two colors is perhaps their best quality — making them ideal colors for lifestyle, event, or interior design brands.
Hex codes: Peach #FCEDDA, Burnt Orange #EE4E34
11. Light blue & dark blue (classic)
While muted to some, the light blue and dark blue color combination isn't to be overlooked. This monochrome pairing inspires professionalism and trust — making the combo great for insurance agencies or banking.
Hex codes: Light Blue #ADD8E6, Dark Blue #00008B
12. Sky blue & bubblegum pink (classic)
Next, we have a beloved classic— sky blue and bubblegum pink. The playful and bright bubblegum pink paired with a cooling and cheerful baby blue communicates a wholesome adolescent joy. This color pairing is ideal for parenting brands, childcare logos, or children's fashion, products, or toys.
Hex codes: Sky Blue #89ABE3, Bubblegum Pink #EA738D
13. Mustard, sage, & forest green (trending)
In stark contrast to the above-mentioned cotton candy colors are the rugged and earthy mustard, sage, and forest green. These three colors come together to form the ultimate earth-tone aesthetic color palette. These colors are perfect for natural brands and suitable for logo design, web design, product design, and packaging.
Hex codes: Mustard #E3B448, Sage #CBD18F, Forest Green #3A6B35
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14. Fuchsia & neon green (trending)
Another high-energy color combo for the list is the bright, bold, and brazen fuchsia and neon green pairing. Similar to hot pink and cyan, fuchsia and neon green create a energetic vibe, making this vibrant color palette ideal for fashion or the avant-garde.
Hex codes: Fuchsia #EC449B, Neon Green #99F443
15. Pastel orange, peach, & custard (trending)
Together, pastel orange, peach, and custard create a creamy orange gradient dreamsicle. This combination is ideal for background colors for cosmetic or fashion brands who want a fun, yet ethereal feel.
Hex codes: Pastel Orange #FFA351, Peach #FFBE7B, Custard #EED971
16. Raspberry & shades of blue (trending)
Raspberry and certain shades of blue create a cyberpunk, futuristic sentiment, without getting too loud. This muted take on a cyberpunk dystopia is more mature and luxurious, ideal for lifestyle brands, logo design, product design, and packaging.
Hex codes: Raspberry #8A307F, Blues #79A7D3 #6883BC
17. Cherry red & bubblegum pink (classic)
Cherry red and bubblegum pink, like cherry red and off-white, form a fun analogous color pairing. This combo creates a surprising and gorgeous high contrast, which is great for bold product or logo design.
Hex codes: Cherry Red #CC313D, Bubblegum Pink #F7C5CC
18. Coral, spiced apple & peach (trending)
Coral, spiced apple, and peach come together to form a beautiful, warm color palette. These neutral colors serve as a perfect palette for interior design, graphic design, and illustrations seeking to use warm undertones. Together, they communicate a cozy, feminine sentiment to the viewer.
Hex codes: Coral #FC766A, Spiced Apple #783937, Peach #F1AC88
19. Light purple, mint, & butter (trending)
Together, these triadic pastel colors create a soft and inviting look. Both alone and combined, light purple, mint, and butter embody all things spring. This color scheme works best for logo design or product and packaging design.
Hex codes: Light Purple #AA96DA, Mint #C5FAD5, Butter #FFFFD2
20. Forest green & moss green (classic)
These two different shades of green, forest and moss green, form a monochromatic color scheme ideal for sustainable nonprofits, cooperatives, and startups. These two different colors are natural and grounding, reflecting our relationship and perception of the outdoors and nature.
Hex codes: Forest Green #2C5F2D, Moss Green #97BC62
21. Island green & white (trending)
Similar to forest and moss green, island green and white invoke a natural and grounding sentiment, but with a fresh and crisp take. They serve as good background colors for more holistic, minimalistic, or natural brands.
Hex codes: Island Green #2BAE66, White #FCF6F5
22. Yellow & verdant green (trending)
Yellow and verdant green is a tasteful color combination. This color combo is great for logo, branding, and packaging for nature-focused companies like a plant nursery.
Hex codes: Yellow #FFE77A, Verdant Green #2C5F2D
23. Beige, black-brown, & tan (trending)
Beige, black-brown, and tan create a vintage Victorian aesthetic, perfect for standout coffee brands, craft beer packaging, or alternative food brands. When put together, these colors communicate a seriousness from the black-brown with hints of warmth and closeness from the beige and tan.
Hex codes: Beige #DDC3A5, Black-brown #201E20, Tan #E0A96D
24. Royal blue & pale yellow (trending)
Royal blue and pale yellow pair gorgeously together to create a color combination that is both professional and inviting. The deep and robust blue partnered with a merry pastel yellow communicates stability, security, and trustworthiness — making them the ideal brand colors for the banking, fintech, and insurance industries.
Hex codes: Royal Blue #234E70, Pale Yellow #FBF8BE
25. Blue, maroon, & indigo (classic)
Blue, maroon, and indigo form another gorgeous futuristic analogous color scheme. These shades of blue paired with maroon communicate the same serenity and trustworthiness found in the color blue, with a twist from the inclusion of maroon. Consider this color scheme for any product or brand in the tech industry.
Hex codes: Blue #408EC6, Maroon #7A2048, Indigo #1E2761
26. Scarlet, light olive, & light teal (classic)
To conclude our list, we bring you the highly muted and profoundly subdued scarlet, light olive, and light teal. This classic color palette mixes shades of green with a deep, enticing scarlet red that captivates any onlooker. These colors combined create a mesmerizing, yet mysterious effect, perfect for more mature and subdued graphic designs or illustrations.
Hex codes: Scarlet #B85042, Light Olive #E7E8D1, Light Teal #A7BEAE
The best color combos for the best web designs
So there you have it, 26 amazing color combinations we hope will help you effectively use color in design. For a more detailed post on color and color theory, check out our beginner's guide on color theory. And if you're already feeling the inspiration, why not give these color combos a go by getting started in Webflow!
Published
May 1, 2023
Category
Design processFAQs
26 best color combinations for your next design | Webflow Blog? ›
Stick to a 3-Color Palette
In general, it's best to keep to a 3 color palette for your website aside from black, grey and white. Any more than this and your site may start to look chaotic. Start by picking 2 colors that go well together, then pick a third color as your accent color (more on this in a bit…)
Stick to a 3-Color Palette
In general, it's best to keep to a 3 color palette for your website aside from black, grey and white. Any more than this and your site may start to look chaotic. Start by picking 2 colors that go well together, then pick a third color as your accent color (more on this in a bit…)
- Red and green.
- Blue and orange.
- Yellow and purple.
- Yellow-green and red-purple.
- Red-orange and blue-green.
- Yellow, red, and blue.
- Green, orange, and purple.
- Teal, magenta, and gold.
To start, I recommend choosing three colors for your palette: a main (or primary) color, secondary color, and accent color. Then, use the 60/30/10 rule to apply these colors in your website design. According to this rule, 60% of the color used should be the main color, 30% the secondary color, and 10% the accent color.
What color attracts more attention? ›Red is the color of power. It gets people's attention and holds it. It is the most popular color for marketing. The color red tends to increase the heart rate and create a sense of urgency.
What colors attract attention the best? ›Red is the color of power. It gets people's attention and it holds it, which is why it's the most popular color for marketing. The word SALE is always red, and you'll often find red a common tie color for professionals. When you want to be viewed as trustworthy and cool, blue is the color for you.
What are 2 colors that don't look good together? ›- Yellow and green. Yellow and green are two of the most popular colors in the world. ...
- Brown and orange. ...
- Red and green. ...
- Neon and Neon. ...
- Purple and yellow. ...
- Red and purple. ...
- Black and Navy.
The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.
What 3 colors Cannot be mixed together? ›Primary colors - The most basic colors on the color wheel, red, yellow and blue. These colors cannot be made by mixing.
What 3 colors are complementary? ›
Examples of complementary color combinations are: Red and green; yellow and purple; orange and blue; green and magenta. Complementary color combos tend to be bold, which is why sports teams often use this formula for their colors.
What are the 3 most important colours? ›Three Primary Colors (Ps): Red, Yellow, Blue. Three Secondary Colors (S'): Orange, Green, Violet. Six Tertiary Colors (Ts): Red-Orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Blue-Violet, Red-Violet, which are formed by mixing a primary with a secondary.
What is the 3 color rule combination? ›The premise of the 3-color rule is not combine more than three colors in your outfit at any one time. The exceptions are black and white — they don't count, as they aren't technically colors, so they can be intermixed without actually adding a color to your outfit.
What color turns you on the most? ›Scientists have revealed that wearing the colour red will make you more attractive to the opposite sex. Studies reveal that red is the most attractive colour to both men and women but, curiously, the two genders are attracted to the same colour for different reasons.
What is the most relaxing color? ›New research claims that dark blue is the world's most relaxing colour. Research carried out by the University of Sussex and paper company G.F Smith, draws on a survey of 26,596 people, from more than 100 countries.
What color makes people happy? ›Happy colors are usually thought to be bright, warm shades, like yellow, orange, pink and red, or pastels, like peach, light pink and lilac. The brighter and lighter the color, the happier and more optimistic it can make you feel.
What color attracts intelligence? ›Blue is for calm, trust and intelligence
Although they aren't actually opposite each other on the color wheel, many people think of blue and red as opposite colors. That extends to their associations—while red is brash and bold, blue is calm and cool.
Every year, new studies find new associations between specific colors and specific judgments or actions. Here's an important one for you: Red clothing has been shown to make the wearer more persuasive. It's like a Jedi mind trick built into your wardrobe.
What is the second most attractive color? ›The second most attractive color is pink, followed by the color yellow. On the other hand, the two least attractive colors someone can wear were determined to be gray, followed by brown as the "most unattractive color," the researchers said.
What is the second most popular color? ›Find out which colors are the world's favorite and the least liked. The most popular color in the world is blue. The second favorite colors are red and green, followed by orange, brown and purple. Yellow is the least favorite color, preferred by only five percent of people.
What is the second prettiest color? ›
- 1 Purple. Purple. ...
- 2 Blue. Blue is simply spectacular. ...
- 3 Red. I used to like red before now I like yellow but all the time am trying to see something red my mind says ooh cute! ...
- 4 Pink. Pink. ...
- 5 Cyan. Cyan is absolutely amazing. ...
- 6 Green. I love green. ...
- 7 Yellow. Yellow. ...
- 8 Gold.
Thus, the most attractive color is blue, the second most preferred is red, followed by green, while yellow was found to be the least preferred color (Figure 1).
What are the two happiest colors? ›In fact, the top two colors that tend to be associated with happiness — purple and yellow — are at the bottom of most people's preferences. Purple and yellow may not be the cool kids when it comes to paint, but you might want to consider them for your well-being.
What colors Cannot be mixed? ›Primary colors include red, blue and yellow. Primary colors cannot be mixed from other colors. They are the source of all other colors.
What colors are hard to see together? ›Red-green color blindness
The most common type of color blindness makes it hard to tell the difference between red and green. There are 4 types of red-green color blindness: Deuteranomaly is the most common type of red-green color blindness. It makes green look more red.
In mathematics, the four color theorem, or the four color map theorem, states that no more than four colors are required to color the regions of any map so that no two adjacent regions have the same color.
What color looks good on every color? ›White does amazing things for all colors. It multiplies the intensity of any shade and makes it stand out that much more.
What are the 7 color schemes? ›The seven major color schemes are monochromatic, analogous, complementary, split complementary, triadic, square, and rectangle (or tetradic).
What color is replacing gray 2023? ›Here, designers, decorators, and color experts reveal why beige is replacing gray for 2023, and how to decorate with beige for a beautiful scheme every time.
What is the color trend in 2023 2024? ›Overall, the chromatic trend for Autumn-Winter 2023/2024 presents great comebacks and confirmations, with a palette that ranges from red to gray, yellow to brown, and pink. Even the most delicate and subtle shades will have their space, inviting experimentation and rediscovery of classic nuances in an original key.
What is the color for 2025? ›
The aptly named Future Dusk, a deep shade of blue-purple that's celestial and mysterious, has been named their 2025 Color of the Year.
What are the 5 true primary colors? ›François d'Aguilon's notion of the five primary colors (white, yellow, red, blue, black) was influenced by Aristotle's idea of the chromatic colors being made of black and white. The 20th century philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein explored color-related ideas using red, green, blue, and yellow as primary colors.
What color to mix all colors? ›When all three colors overlap, they blend to make white.
What color compliments blue? ›Wondering what colors go with blue? Depending on the exact shade of blue, there are a few colors that complement blue well. These colors include green, red, brown, orange, yellow, cream, and white.
What color compliments purple? ›Gold, copper, and yellow are colors that go with dark purple, imparting a regal ambiance. And lilac, pink, and white are colors that go with light purple for a softer, delicate feel or a space for a child.
What color compliments green? ›Colors that Go with Green
It pairs well with a wide variety of colors including neutrals like brown and gray, as well as vibrant shades of yellow, blue, pink, and more.
The rule of 3 colors is simple: pick one primary color. Then, pick two other complementary colors. See the example below. We picked a main hue (a variation red), and complemented it with two different colors.
What is the most meaningful color? ›Red is the most powerful color amongst all. It has a tendency to stimulate mind and attract attention.
What is the 6 3 1 rule in colors? ›While using the 6:3:1 Rule, designers have to choose a dominant color and use it in 60% of the space, a secondary color in 30% and a final color in the remaining 10%. The 6:3:1 rule eases the eye of users to move from one point to another comfortably.
What are the 3 general color categories? ›Colors can be broken down into three basic types—primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Categorizing by types makes it easier to understand the colors and their relationships. Using solely colors of one particular type is one way to create an easy color scheme.
How many 3 color combinations are there? ›
If we had 3 colors, we could make 27 combinations. Three colors can make 27 different combinations. If we had 4 colors, we could make 64 combinations. Each of these combinations gives a unique instruction to the cell.
What is the basic color rule? ›The 60-30-10 Rule
Interior designers created this rule as a way to easily achieve color harmony in any room. Using a 3-color combination, the main color is used at 60% in a room, add a second color at 30%, and a small accent color of 10%. The 60-30-10 is an easy way to get a professional look in your home.
A friendly, conversational tone is almost always preferable to a formal, technical one. Depending on your brand, you want to write in a consistent voice and make your customers feel like you're talking directly to them.
What is the best background color for a blog? ›Light grey offers a neutral, modern look that works well for a wide range of websites. It provides an excellent base for other design elements and color schemes. Soft pastel colors can create a warm, inviting atmosphere, making them suitable for personal blogs, creative portfolios, and lifestyle websites.
What color attracts the human eye most? ›Red and orange seem to be the clear winner when it comes to eye-catching colors. These colors tend to stand out and are therefore used on many warning signs or safety equipment. Yellow is another color that comes in a close second to red and orange in popularity.
What is the color code for blog? ›The hexadecimal color code #fc4f08 is a shade of red-orange. In the RGB color model #fc4f08 is comprised of 98.82% red, 30.98% green and 3.14% blue.
What makes a blog look good? ›- Focus Your Topic. Image via Unsplash by @glenncarstenpeters. ...
- Use Headers. When you have a lot of text on your blog it is very easy for readers to get overwhelmed and give up. ...
- Develop a Content Flow. ...
- Create List Posts. ...
- Use Images. ...
- Improve SEO. ...
- Use Attractive Headlines. ...
- Find Your Voice.
Great blog posts answer readers' questions as quickly and simply as possible, and your headings and subheadings can help accomplish that. Think of them as a continuation of the main idea of your post — use your subheaders to include keywords and topics that naturally follow your main topic and keyword.
How do I make my blog post attractive? ›- Use the Best Theme for Your Blog. ...
- Choose a Set of Attractive Color Schemes. ...
- Add Visually Appealing Featured Images to Your Blog Posts. ...
- Make Paragraphs Bite-Sized, Yet Full of Information. ...
- Leave Enough White Space.
Black text on a white background provides maximal value contrast and, therefore, optimal readability for body text. Black text on a white background provides maximal value contrast and, therefore, optimal readability for body text.
What color and background is most readable? ›
Their general findings were: 1) Black and white were consistently rated as the most readable; 2) Color combinations that included black were rated more readable than those that did not; and 3) Darker text on lighter backgrounds were rated higher than lighter text on darker backgrounds.
What colour background is easiest to read? ›Use dark coloured text on a light (not white) background. Avoid green and red/pink, as these colours are difficult for those who have colour vision deficiencies (colour blindness). Consider alternatives to white backgrounds for paper, computer and visual aids such as whiteboards.
What colors stand out the most? ›Red is the color for getting attention. It's bold, powerful, and energizing. Red color products immediately stand out from the rest on the shelves – it's the most intense color from the color wheel!
What color do people see first? ›Did you know that red is the first color that humans perceive, after black and white? It's the color that babies see first before any other, and the first that those suffering from temporary color blindness after a brain injury start to see again.
Why color theory matters for bloggers? ›Color communicates with your audience on an emotional level and sets the mood, attracts attention and makes a statement. Depending on the colors you choose, you could create a website that evokes youthfulness, stability, or elegance. The right colors will also help you stand out from other bloggers.
What is the color for content? ›Black used with bright colors and white with dark colors gives content balance, space, and drama. Often, designers will use a dark–gray instead of black for copy. The reader perceives the copy as black, but the gray increases readability.
What color is best for food blog? ›In a nutshell, warm colors—red, orange and yellow—work best for food branding.