Color Combination Samples...

The internet is full of websites that combine variations of black and white and blue all over. Why? Because those colors are universally seen as being dependable, strong and trustworthy. While this is a safe bet for just about any website, including your own, consider your target audience and what colors might get the best response from them.

Color Combination Tips | Color Theory | Color Mood | Web Safe Color Combinations

Websites with Color Schemes worth checking out:

Adobe.com	Barbie.com
CitizenWatch.com	GirlsInc.org
Hermitage.ru	Jordan.Sportsline.com
JoshuaTree.org	Macromedia.com
REI.com	Sauder.com
SkateCanada.ca	Tate.org.uk
VisitDublin.com	Weather.com

Choosing Your Website Colors

Stick to 3-5 colors when planning your website:

1. Background Color (When in doubt, use white.)
2. Body Text Color (When in doubt, use black.)
3. Dominant Contrast Color (Headings, borders, predominent color used in design.)
4. Secondary Contrast Color (Provides visual interest or contrast.)
5. Tertiary Contrast Color (Attention grabber color, used sparingly.

Tip: Look to nature for examples of color combinations. Colors found in nature are often less saturated and more pleasing to the eye.

Tip: Take pieces of construction paper and lay them out on a neutral grey background to see how you like different colors together. Or color splotches with crayons on white paper. Then, you can share your color ideas with your web designer.

Helpful Links:

• The Color Schemer - A color scheme generator that shows you options for color combinations based on a primary color and variations. Choose 4 across or down.
• Color Match - A utility that creates a matching 6-color palette for your website.
  Define a single color that you like. Matching colors are then calculated.
• Color Match Remix - Base on Color Match with a 9-color palette and samples of how the colors might look on a website.
• Web Site Tips - A resource page with links to charts, articles and tips on color and design, color psychology and meanings.
  

Note: Most clients use PC based browsers on computers with monitors that can process millions of colors. If you are concerned that your clients use older monitors, "accelerated browsing", or hand-held devices to visit your site, then you might want to consider sticking to "web-safe" color combinations (colors that look the same on most computer monitors).

Where to next?