What do you call colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel?

Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are referred to as complementary colors. This term is used in color theory to describe pairs of colors that create a high contrast and vibrant look when used together. Complementary colors, such as blue and orange or red and green, enhance each other’s intensity and can bring a dynamic energy to a design.

This principle is essential in interior design as it can be applied to create focal points, emphasize particular features in a space, or evoke specific moods through color combinations. By using complementary colors, designers can achieve a balanced yet visually stimulating environment.

Other color terms like analogous colors refer to colors that are next to each other on the color wheel and create a serene and harmonious look when used in design. Monochromatic colors consist of variations in lightness and saturation of a single color, resulting in a cohesive scheme but lacking the vibrancy and contrast of complementary pairings. Split-complementary colors involve a base color and the two colors adjacent to its complementary color, offering a balanced yet varied palette, but it does not adhere strictly to the concept of direct opposition. Thus, while all these color concepts are important, the term that specifically describes colors opposite each other is complementary colors.