Choose a Color Scheme Like a Pro

The Color Wheel

The color wheel identifies color families and how they relate.

Primary Colors

All colors, with the exception of white, come from primary colors. Blue, yellow and red are the primary colors. Combinations of these three colors produce other colors. Mix all three together in equal amounts to produce brown.

Secondary Colors

Mix equal amounts of two primary colors to create secondary colors. The results are violet (red and blue), green (blue and yellow) and orange (red and yellow).

Tertiary Colors

Mix one primary color with larger amounts of another primary color to create tertiary colors. For example, mix one part blue with two parts red to make red-violet.

Basic Color Terms

• The hue of a color is the basic color. For example, blue is the hue in light blue and dark blue.
• Tone describes the color's density and reflective quality. Tone is important when choosing a color scheme.
• The value of a color describes the amount of white or black in the color. The value ranges from light to dark on a gray scale.
• The saturation of a color refers to its pureness and boldness.

More Hot Color Tips:

• Color Combinations
• Color Schemes
• Color Selection Tips
• Planning Your Room
• Special Color Effects