Color Theory
Color Wheel
The color wheel is a circular diagram organizing colors by their chromatic relationships, invented by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666 and refined by artists and designers since. This fundamental tool shows how colors relate to each other—which harmonize, which contrast, and how to create balanced palettes.
Understanding the color wheel unlocks confident color selection for interiors. Primary colors (red, yellow, blue) combine to create secondary colors (orange, green, violet), which combine with primaries for tertiary colors. The wheel's structure reveals harmonious combinations: complementary, analogous, triadic, and more.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Circular arrangement of hues
- ✓Shows color relationships
- ✓Primary colors at core positions
- ✓Secondary and tertiary colors between
- ✓Reveals complementary pairs
- ✓Foundation of color theory
Types & Variations
12-color wheel (basic)
24-color wheel (more gradation)
Digital color wheel (expanded range)
Tint/shade wheel (includes values)
Color harmony wheel (shows schemes)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Use the color wheel when planning room palettes. Choose a main color, then use the wheel to identify complementary accents, analogous supporting colors, or triadic schemes for vibrant spaces.
💡 Pro Tip
Interior color schemes rarely use pure color wheel hues—those are too saturated for large surfaces. Use the wheel to identify relationships, then select muted, tinted, or shaded versions of those colors for livable spaces.
Related Terms
Complementary Colors
Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, creating high-contrast, vibrant combinations.
Analogous Colors
Colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious, natural-looking combinations.
Warm Colors
Colors associated with warmth and energy, including reds, oranges, yellows, and warm neutrals.