Complementary Color of Red: Opposite & Usage in Design

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Designers, artists, and color enthusiasts alike can appreciate the power of a complementary color scheme. Especially when it comes to the color red—a hue that's as bold as it is beautiful. But what is the opposite color of red, and how can it be used effectively in design? Let's dive into the world of complementary colors and explore the opposite color of red, how it enhances visual appeal, and how to strategically apply it in design.

Define Complementary Colors

Before we delve into the core of our discussion—red and its complementary color—it's important to understand what we mean by 'complementary colors'.

What are Complementary Colors?

Simply put, complementary colors are pairs of colors which, when combined in the right proportions, produce a neutral color (white, grey, or black). They're called 'complementary' because they complete each other in terms of color spectrum. If you're thinking about a rainbow or a color wheel, complementary colors are positioned directly opposite each other.

Complementary Colors in the Color Wheel

Imagine a traditional color wheel—this is a circular diagram of colors arranged by their chromatic relationship. On this wheel, you'll notice that certain colors are directly opposite each other. These are your complementary colors. For instance, blue sits across from orange, yellow stands opposite violet, and red—you guessed it—is directly across from green. This is the basis of understanding what the opposite color of red is. But there's more to it than just knowing that green is the complementary color of red. Let's find out why.

Dive into Red

Red—an intense, fiery color that symbolizes passion, love, and power—is more than just a primary color. Its significance and usage range from cultural customs to psychological effects. So, let's take a closer look at this vibrant hue.

Symbolism of Red

Red is a color of extremes. It's the color of love and anger, of fire and danger, but also of warmth and celebration. In different cultures, red carries various meanings. For example, in China, red represents luck and prosperity, while in South Africa, it stands for mourning. The symbolism of red in design can be just as dynamic, depending on its usage and context.

Shades and Tints of Red

From cherry red to brick red, the numerous shades and tints of red can evoke different emotions and reactions. Darker shades, like burgundy, often represent elegance and sophistication, while lighter tints, like salmon, can suggest softness and warmth. By understanding these variations, you can better appreciate the versatility of red and how it can be complemented by its opposite color.

Complementary Color of Red

Now that we've dived into the world of red, let's answer the burning question: what is the opposite color of red? In the world of color theory, the answer lies in the color wheel.

Finding Red's Opposite

Imagine a color wheel in your mind. This wheel, a tool used by artists and designers, is organized with red, blue, and yellow evenly spaced apart. Between these primary colors, you find your secondary colors—orange, green, and purple—created by mixing two primaries. Directly across red, you find its complementary color—green. So, the answer to "what is the opposite color of red?" is indeed green.

Why Green is Red's Complement

But why is green the opposite color of red? It's all about contrast. Red is a warm color, while green is a cool color. These two colors are on opposite ends of the color spectrum, providing the most visual contrast. This contrast can create a vibrant look when used at full saturation. So, green's position as the complement—or opposite—of red is based on its ability to provide this balance.

Usage in Design

Now that we've established that green is the opposite color of red, let's dive into how these complementary colors can be used in design. When used correctly, the combination of red and green can create stunning designs.

Using Red and Green in Design

Using red and green together in design can be a powerful tool. As we've learned, these colors are opposites, and when placed next to each other, they create a strong visual contrast that can make your design pop. For instance, imagine a poster for a Christmas sale in a department store. The use of red and green not only invokes the holiday spirit but also highlights the important details—like sale percentages or dates.

Impact of Red and Green Combination

So, what's the impact of using the opposite color of red, i.e., green, in combination with red itself? It's all about balance. Red, being a warm and attention-grabbing color, can sometimes be visually intense. Green, being cool and calming, can balance out the intensity of red. This ensures that your design is dynamic but not overwhelming.

Color Scheme Ideas with Red and Green

Need some inspiration? Try these color scheme ideas using red and its opposite, green.

Christmas theme: Bright red with a deep pine green
Modern and edgy: Crimson red with a muted sage green
Vibrant and youthful: Cherry red with a bright lime green

Remember, the key to successful design with complementary colors is balancing their usage. Experiment with different shades and tints to achieve the desired effect.

Strategies for Applying Complementary Colors

Now that we've gotten our feet wet with red and green, it's time to explore some strategies for applying complementary colors in your designs. Whether you're a professional designer or just experimenting with colors for your DIY project, these tips can help you use colors like red and its opposite, green, more effectively.

Balance Use of Complementary Colors

Firstly, balance is key. Using equal amounts of red and green might cause a visual clash. Instead, you might want to use one color as the dominant hue and the other as an accent. For instance, if you're designing a poster, you could use red as the main background color and green for the details or vice versa. The goal is to make your design visually interesting, but not overly busy or chaotic.

Experiment with Color Values

Don't be afraid to play with color values. For instance, if you find that green—the opposite color of red—is too bright or bold for your design, consider using a darker shade or a lighter tint of green to soften the effect. Similarly, if red feels too overpowering, try using a softer, more muted shade of red. The possibilities are endless when you start experimenting with different shades, tints, and tones.

Consider the Psychological Impact

Last but not least, consider the psychological impact of the colors you choose. Colors can evoke emotions and set the mood for your design. Red, for example, is often associated with passion, excitement, and urgency, making it a good choice for designs that need to grab attention. Green, on the other hand, is often linked with peace, growth, and stability, which can help create a calming and balanced atmosphere. By understanding the emotions that each color can evoke, you can use them to create designs that not only look good, but also communicate your message effectively.

If you found our blog post on the complementary color of red and its usage in design intriguing, you'll definitely want to explore Matt Herbert's workshop, 'Intro to Colour Theory'. This workshop will dive deeper into the world of color, helping you understand the fundamentals of color theory and its practical applications in design. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your design skills!