Owens Corning

Balance is Key to Color Success

Balancing Color
Successful use of color is achieved by a balance of colors of different intensities and values. A room in which all the colors are light and grayed is often bland and uninteresting. A room in which the predominant areas of color are pure (either light or dark) is usually harsh, and will soon become tiresome.

Walls, ceilings, and floor coverings are large areas, which form the basis of any color scheme. Generally, these large areas should be soft and light in value.

They are easier to live with and form a background, which complements the stronger colors of the furnishings and accessories. The pure colors form the accents in a room because a small amount of pure, strong color will balance a large area of soft, light-valued color. Notice how occasional chairs, vases, flowers, pictures, and small accessories can be brilliant in color, and much lighter or darker, without destroying the unity of a color scheme.

There are three types of color schemes:

  • contrasting;
  • analogous, or similar; and
  • monochromatic, meaning various
values and hues of one color. All can be used successfully. Their use depends upon you and the mood you want the room to express.

Published by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.

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