When in doubt, turn to the color wheel. This is a rule that even pro designers follow, and can be used to guide the design of your interiors. While monochrome may be the latest obsession, we’re turning to new pairings for a fresh use of color. Enter: the analogous color scheme. This scheme involves three hues, all of which are positioned next to each other on the color wheel. Let’s break it down in more detail below:
WHAT IS AN ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEME?
Speaking technically, analogous colors are three colors next to each other on the color wheel, composed of one dominant color (usually a primary or secondary color), then a supporting color (a secondary or tertiary color), and a third color that is either a mix of the two first colors, or an accent color that pops. “A succulent is an example of analogous colors in nature, with its blue, green, and blue/green leaves,” says designer Kristen Peña of K Interiors. “Another is the setting sun with hints of red, orange and yellow.”
Take a look at these color wheels to better understand how the analogous color scheme works:
Analogous color scheme chart.
TIPS FOR USING AN ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEME
Peña's main caution is that you are careful not to overdo it. Look to nature to inspire your palette, and understand that smaller touches of this color scheme, with neutrals as a base, can go a long way. "Selecting shades of the colors that are more muted can be a successful way to pull off a design with analogous colors," Peña says. "Also using the analogous colors as the accent colors in an otherwise more neutral palette can be a great way to design a space that is not overwhelming with color."
Many designers apply the 60-30-10 rule, which is used ensure a peaceful, visually appealing balance. Under this rule, 60% of your space will be the base color, 30% will be your accent color, and 10% will be you pop of color. To simplify this rule even further, here are the areas in which you should focus on using each of these colors:
60%: Walls, area rugs, large furniture.
30%: Accent chairs, window treatments, bedding, rugs.
10%: Throw pillows, art, accessories.
OUR FAVORITE ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEME IDEAS
BLUE, GREEN, AND BLUE-GREEN:
Blue, green, and blue-green.
"What I love about this color scheme is often plants can be used for the green," says Peña. "It’s a fun way to work in the colors in a subtle natural and organic way. Use it with a neutral background for a calm cozy inviting space. Use it in a dark way to create mood and vibe in a space."
VIOLET, RED-VIOLET, AND RED:
Violet, red-violet, and red.
If you're looking to try something a little more daring, shades of purple and red can be extremely sultry and versatile. "What I like about this color scheme, especially at the moment, is the boho vibe it can create," Peña says. "It’s a nod to the style and fashion of the 80s— I love to use it in a teen bedroom or hang out space."
YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE:
"Who doesn’t love to bring the outside in?" Peña says. "This color scheme works overtime in bringing the sunshine, greenery and happiness into a living space. Using this color scheme in a main space or even a bedroom promotes smiles and good times. I’m sure of it."
Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.
FAQs
The simple answer is that analogous hues are three color families that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Taking a closer look, an analogous color scheme combines a primary color, a secondary color and a tertiary color: Primary colors: Red, blue and yellow—the primary source of all colors.
What is analogous monochromatic color scheme? ›
Monochromatic color schemes are comprised of tints, tones and shades of a single hue. Analogous color schemes are a group of 3 colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel.
What is an example of an analogous color? ›
Analogous colors examples
Here are a few examples of analogous color schemes: Yellow, yellow-green, green. Violet, red-violet, and red. Red, red-orange, orange.
Why is analogous color scheme important? ›
Well, the main purpose of using analogous colors in graphic design is to provide a seamless flow to the design that creates a soothing effect on the eyes. This color concept can be used for designs that are aiming to instill a sense of calmness, peace, and tranquility.
What is monochromatic color? ›
Monochrome colors are all the varieties of a single hue—the tints, shades, and tones. A monochromatic color scheme will range between lighter, darker, and more or less saturated versions of the base color or hue.
What does monochromatic mean in art? ›
Monochromatic art is a type of art in which only one color or hue is used. Monochrome, which literally means "one color," pieces can be in black and white or feature various shades of the same color.
What are the 4 monochromatic color schemes? ›
There are four components to a monochromatic color scheme: hue; tone; shade; and tint. Each has an important role to play. Hue is your base – or dominant – color, such as yellow. Tones are the more muted versions of your base color.
What is considered a monochromatic color scheme? ›
What Is a Monochromatic Color Scheme? A monochromatic color scheme means that you base your room's design on one simple dominant color while adding its various shades and tones throughout the space to create interest and texture.
What is the best example of a monochromatic color scheme? ›
Let's take red as an example, working our way along each of its iterations. By adding white, you get pink, a 'tint' of red. Add black, and you get maroon, a 'shade' of red. And there you have it: a monochromatic color scheme of pink, red, and maroon.
What are 4 examples of analogous? ›
They have a different ancestral origin and hence do not have a shared common ancestor. Examples of analogous organs are wings of birds and butterflies, flippers of Penguins and Dolphins, eyes of the octopus and of mammals, sweet potato and potato.
Analogous colors are among the easiest to find on the color wheel. Pick any color at any point on the wheel. Then, note the colors on either side of your chosen color or any three colors directly to the left or right. Together, those three or four are a group of analogous colors.
What is another name for analogous colors? ›
An analogous color is also called an analogous hue. The term analogous color is used in art when discussing the relationships of colors, especially in contrast to complementary colors, which are located in opposite positions on a color wheel.
What two colors make green? ›
The basic answer for what colors make green is blue and yellow. However, color theory is a little more complex. Yellow and blue are primary colors, meaning they are the starting point for mixing secondary colors, such as green.
What is the difference between shade and tint? ›
In color theory, a tint is a mixture of a color with white, which increases lightness, while a shade is a mixture with black, which increases darkness. Both processes affect the resulting color mixture's relative saturation. A tone is produced either by mixing a color with gray, or by both tinting and shading.
Why is analogous important? ›
Importance of Analogous Structures
Convergent Evolution: Analogous structures provide evidence for convergent evolution, where unrelated species independently evolve similar traits or functions due to similar environmental challenges.
What is an analogous color scheme quizlet? ›
An analogous color scheme is any three adjacent primary, secondary, or tertiary colors on the color wheel. These schemes can be warm or cool. Each can be neutralized by use of its complement, and black and white can be used.
What is an analogous color scheme in psychology? ›
Similar to monochromatic harmonies, analogous schemes evoke serenity and peace. Some say this is because these combinations exist in nature — like the colors of a sunset. While quite harmonious, analogous color palettes feel more dynamic than monochromatic ones.
What is an analogous color scheme in nature? ›
“A succulent is an example of analogous colors in nature, with its blue, green, and blue/green leaves,” says designer Kristen Peña of K Interiors. “Another is the setting sun with hints of red, orange and yellow.” Analogous color scheme chart.
What is an analogous color scheme in film? ›
Analogous colors neighbor each other on the color wheel (i.e. red / violet or yellow / lime green). Since the colors don't have the contrast and tension of the complementary colors, they create an overall harmonious and soothing viewing experience.
