Spin the Colour Wheel in Your Home

You’ve finally hung the last frame and placed the final piece of art on the wall. But something doesn’t look quite right, and the artwork seems disconnected, as if it doesn’t go together. This might have something to do with the combinations of colours. Here’s some insight into colour theory 101 and how to apply it.

If you’re unsure how to perfectly pair artwork in your home, using the colour wheel is a great place to start. It turns out that the colour theory for artists is not just for artists. By understanding colour theory in art and using the colour wheel, you can create the gallery-worthy look you’ve always wanted. Here it is, colour theory 101:

What Is Colour Theory In Art?

A colour wheel is a helpful tool that artists and designers use to understand and create harmonious colour combinations. The wheel is made up of 12 colours: three primary colours, three secondary colours, and six tertiary colours. Artists and designers know the colour wheel by heart, but you can always look it up online when you need it.

Primary colours are the building blocks of all other colours and cannot be created by mixing other colours. And they are red, yellow, and blue.

Secondary colours are created by mixing two primary colours. They are orange, green, and purple.

A tertiary colour is created by putting primary colour with secondary colour which will be yellow-orange, orange-red, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green, and yellow-green.

The colour wheel can be used in various ways to create pleasing colour combinations.

• Analogous colours

Analogous colours are adjacent on the colour wheel. Together, they create visual harmony. To use this method, choose one colour as your base or dominant hue and select artwork with colours adjacent to it on the wheel.

For example, if you have a blue sofa, you could hang an abstract painting with shades of blue, purple, and pink. Or, if you have a green rug, you could display artwork with greens, yellows, and blues.

• Complementary colours

Complementary colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel, and they create a high-contrast design that can be eye-catching and stylish. To use this method, choose one colour as your base or dominant hue and then select artworks with colours opposite it on the wheel.

For example, if you have a red sofa, you could hang an abstract painting with shades of green. Or, if you have a purple rug, you could display artwork with yellow tones.

• Monochromatic colours

Monochromatic colours are different shades, tints, and tones of the same colour. This method is perfect for creating a cohesive and stylish design. To use this method, choose one colour as your base or dominant hue, and then select artworks with different shades, tints, and tones of that colour.

For example, if you have a beige sofa, you could hang an abstract painting with shades of brown and tan. Or, if you have a white rug, you could display artwork in different shades of white.

• Tetradic colours

Tetradic colours are two sets of complementary colours, and this method can be used to create a bold and dramatic design. To use this method, choose two colours opposite each other on the colour wheel and select artworks with those colours.

For example, if you have a red sofa, you could hang an abstract painting with shades of green and blue. Or, if you have a purple rug, you could display artwork with yellow and orange tones.

• Triadic colours

Triadic colours are three colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel. This method can be used to create a bold and eye-catching design. To use this method, choose three evenly spaced colours around the colour wheel and select artworks with those colours.

For example, if you have a red sofa, you could hang an abstract painting with shades of yellow and blue. Or, if you have a purple rug, you could display artwork with green and orange tones.

A colour wheel is a great tool when selecting artwork for your home. Putting together a selection of colour wheel-based paintings can be time-consuming, but it is well worth it if you want your wall to be a showstopper. By understanding colour theory and using the colour wheel, you can create a look that is sophisticated and visually appealing.

Factors to Consider When Picking Art for Your Wall Display

In addition to using the colour wheel, there are a few other factors to consider when picking artwork for your home. When selecting artwork for your home, consider the size, subject matter, and price, but also make sure you choose the right frame and mat. By considering all of these factors, you can create a cohesive, stylish, balanced yet creative design that is perfect for your home.

• Size

The artwork size should be in proportion to the room and furniture size. If the artwork is too small, it will get lost in the room, and if it’s too big, it will feel overwhelming.

• Subject Matter

The subject matter of the artwork should complement the style of the room. Although there are no rules to follow, some pointers might come in handy. If you have a modern space, look for abstract or geometric prints. If you have a traditional space, look for landscapes, still-lifes, or portraits.

• Frame

The frame of a painting should complement the style of the room. If you’re into a modern, minimalist look, a simple frame might be the best choice. Ornate frames work well in a more flamboyant, maximalist space.

• Mat

The mat is that thin, flat piece of paper-based material included within a frame. It serves as additional decoration and as such, it should complement the colours in the room. If you have a lot of earth tones in the space, look for a mat with green or brown tones. If you have a lot of blue tones in the space, look for a mat with colder hues, like blue or purple tones.

• Price

The Price of the artwork should be in line with your budget. There is no need to spend much money on artwork if it doesn’t fit your budget. You can find great deals on artwork at yard sales, thrift stores, and online.

Why Use the Colour Wheel?

The colour wheel is a great tool to use when picking artwork for your home because it:

• Helps you create a cohesive design.

The colour wheel can help you choose colours that work well together to create a balanced wall display.

• Makes it easy to find complementary colours.

The colour wheel makes it easy to find complementary colours, and this can be helpful when trying to create a bold, eye-catching design that looks and feels spontaneous.

• Helps you find colours that match your furniture.

The colour wheel can help you find colours that match your furniture, which is much easier than doing things the other way around.

• Makes it easy to experiment with different colour schemes.

The colour wheel makes it easy to experiment with different colour schemes, which is just what you need if you’re trying to create a unique, different look and add a pop of colour to your space.

The Takeaway

Picking the right artwork for your home can be a daunting task for the perfectionist in you. But by following the colour wheel and considering size, subject matter, and price, as well as the frame and mat, you can easily find the perfect piece of art to complement your space. If you want to get it right, it might take some time, but your perfect piece of art is most certainly waiting for you.