In almost all visual art forms, the proper use of colors is crucial in creating pieces. Floral design is no different! Using color theory is the first step in designing amazing floral arrangements.

Before this, we talked about the origins and styles of different flower arrangements.

Now, we'll take on the basics of color and design in the art of floristry. We'll go deeper into easy concepts like ROYGBIV. From there, we'll go over more complex principles of color combination.

Here's the brief rundown of the color theory that every florist in the industry needs!

Floral Color Wheel

Depending on how you want to use them, colors can be soft and gentle, bright and vibrant, or quiet and serious.

But no matter what combination you use, it's important to refer to the color wheel! This will help your floral pieces look more lovely and exquisite.

There are three basic terms in color theory: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Primary colors are the three main parts of the color wheel - red, yellow, and blue. These are the only colors that aren't made from the mix of other colors.

Secondary colors are combinations of any two primary colors. Orange is the mix of red and yellow. Green is the mix of yellow and blue. Purple is the mix of blue and red.

Tertiary colors are blends of any primary color with any secondary color. Red orange, yellow orange, red violet, blue violet (indigo), and blue green (teal), are examples of this.

Color Styles You Need To Know To Make Harmonious Arrangements

It's vital to use the color wheel in proper and artistic ways. It can help speed up the process of selecting flowers, foliage and accessories. With this, you can create lovely, harmonious arrangements and decoration with ease.

There are a million and one ways to mix your colors and styles to go with the theme and occasion!

To kick off your fresh flow of ideas, you can use these four basic color harmonies. (Tip: Keep that color wheel in view for an easy reference point with these combinations.).

Complementary

These are pairs of colors right across from each other on the color wheel. Examples include red and green, yellow and violet, and blue and orange.

They create an interesting palette thanks to their sharp contrast to each other. This is perfect for designing intense or lively floral arrangements!

Analogous

These schemes consist of three colors beside each other on the wheel. It produces the two most common divisions of colors: warm (red, orange, and yellow) and cool (blue, green, purple).

Florists match these color harmonies to different themes! Whether for soothing moods or fun motifs, they mix well to yield a flowing look.

Monochromatic

On a tight budget? These arrangements are easy on the pocket but enchanting to the eye! Simple yet refined, they suit any theme or celebration with ease. Known as "greenery", they add the charm of nature's touch to any arrangement.

Triadic

This scheme uses three colors in equal distance from each other on the color wheel. In floral arrangements, this appears in groups of the primaries and secondaries.

Florists often select subtler or lighter shades of the triad. They also go with a mix of rich and soft shades for a pleasing, balanced aesthetic.

Want a more thorough guide on making floral designs for specific containers or occasions? Check out our two-part series on how to make floral arrangements!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse