When considering color combinations we need to first learn a bit more about color itself. The spectrum of color is made up of the three primary colors, blue, red and yellow. Using these three primary colors we are able to develop variations in color combinations.
The colors can then be broken down into further categories.
Two Primary colors combined make secondary colors. Secondary colors are: green, orange and violet
- Green results from combining blue and yellow
- Orange results from combining red and yellow
- Violet results from combining blue and red
Two Secondary colors are combined to make tertiary colors. Tertiary colors are: slate, citrine, and russet
- Slate is a result of combining violet and green
- Citrine is a result of combining green and orange
- Russet is a result of combining orange and violet
Two Tertiary colors combine to make quaternary colors. Quaternary colors are: sage, buff and plum
- Sage results from combining citrine and slate
- Buff results from combining citrine and russet
- Plum results from combining russet and slate
photo credit: Yvonne (bijoux & crafts)
It is amazing to see where the true colors derived from. When looking at colors it is nice to understand what others colors may have been combined to make a specific shade. That is why you will see colors put in to categories of blue hues, red hues and yellow hues. Understanding those simple combinations will help in determining the colors that will match best in your home along with your personality. If you tend to enjoy more vibrant colors you may lean to the secondary color combinations. Whereas if you enjoy more natural tones, you may be attracted more to the tertiary colors. To obtain the best combinations painting the walls is only one way to achieve the color combination, accessories, wall fixtures, furniture and lighting place an important role as well.
