A color scheme is a set of colors chosen to work together. Most schemes are built from relationships on the color wheel. Here are the ones worth knowing.
Monochromatic
One hue, varied by saturation and lightness. Clean, calm and almost impossible to get wrong — great for minimal interfaces where the content should stand out, not the colors.
Analogous
Three colors that sit next to each other on the wheel (like yellow, yellow-green and green). Naturally harmonious and pleasant — think sunsets and nature. Pick one to dominate and use the others as support.
Complementary
Two colors directly opposite on the wheel (like blue and orange). Maximum contrast and energy — perfect for a call-to-action that needs to pop against its background. Use one as the main color and the other as a small accent, or it becomes overwhelming.
Split-complementary
A base color plus the two colors either side of its complement. You keep the strong contrast but it's softer and easier to balance than a straight complementary pair.
Triadic
Three colors evenly spaced around the wheel. Vibrant and balanced, but bold — let one lead and keep the other two in supporting roles.
Tetradic (double complementary)
Two complementary pairs — four colors. Rich and versatile, but the hardest to balance. Lean on neutrals and let a single color dominate.
Try them instantly
The colors.li generator can build these harmonies for you — pick a mode, lock the colors you like, and press the spacebar to explore variations. It's the quickest way to see how each scheme feels.