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Triadic Colour Scheme: What Is It And How Is It Used?

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With three contrasting colours picked from different sides of the colour wheel, triadic colours are vibrant and evocative. While monochrome seems to be the latest trend in home design, it cannot be pitted against the power of triadic colours. These colours when combined rightly, create a harmonious balance in homes.

In this blog, we navigate through the meaning of Triadic Colour Schemes, its uses, triadic colour examples and more.

What are Triadic Colours?

Triadic colours are picked from the colour wheel, where all three colours are equally spaced around the wheel, contrasting each other. The most common example of a successful triadic colour scheme is the primary colour trio - red, blue and yellow and the secondary trio - orange, purple and green. Most designers aim to achieve triadic colour harmony, which is a balance of all triadic colours where one colour dominates the background and the other two are used as accents and highlights.

Triadic colours are not as jarring and bold as complementary colours and they’re not as calming and dull as analogous colour schemes. Triadic colours are a union of three different sides of the wheel coming together to create wonders.

Perfect Examples of Triadic Colour Schemes or Colour Combinations

Red, Yellow and Blue :

The primary colour trinity is a simple yet vibrant take on how triadic colour schemes can balance each other out.
Purple, Green and Orange :

This secondary colour trio is mostly found in modern homes, fashion boutiques and lounges because of its vibrant yet sultry look.
Yellow-Orange, Blue-Green and Red-Violet :

A rare but harmonious trio, these triadic colours have a certain understated charm and can be used as highlights and accents in living rooms through wall art, wall paint, furnishings and decor.
Blue-Violet, Red-Orange and Yellow-Green :

Another striking trio, this colour scheme is often used in pop themes and youthful spaces for a spark of energy.

How to Choose a Triadic Colour Scheme for Your Stylish Home?

A triadic colour scheme is bold, striking and thrives on contrast so it may be a little too dramatic for most people’s taste. However, apart from the common triadic colour schemes, you can go ahead and choose subdued and saturated shades to maintain the colour family and tone down the drama. To choose the right triadic colour scheme, it is important to understand the colour wheel, primary and secondary colours, and tertiary colours as alternatives. Whether you’re a homeowner or a designer, if you get the triadic mantra right and follow the rules, you are on the road to success.

Pro-tip: If you have only a single colour in mind and need two other shades, just draw a triangle with the single shade on the colour wheel to create a triadic colour scheme.

A helpful guide to choosing the right Triadic Colour Scheme

To create a successful and harmonious triadic colour scheme, pair one vibrant and dominant colour with two other subdued shades in the supporting role

You can begin with the purpose of your palette, whether it’s energy you want to invoke, calmness or creativity. Based on that proceed with a trio that evokes these feelings.

A triad of primary colours will bring in vibrancy and drama and a triad of secondary colours will be saturated and subdued. Instead, choose one lead colour with two subdued shades to create a balance and cohesive scheme.

You can also choose tertiary triadic colour schemes for a unique and calming outcome

How to Use Triadic Colour Schemes?

The triadic colour scheme is vibrant and powerful in its might. So, you must carefully and thoughtfully choose your triad, keeping in mind the colour wheel. Selecting three colours that are equally distanced is easy, but making sure they’re in the right tones and not too loud is what is complicated.

The most common triad is red, blue and yellow. Although this is a vibrant and loud choice, you can use subdued and saturated secondary or tertiary triads. The best combination is to have one dominant colour and two accent colours to create harmony.

Did you know? Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ captures the triadic colour scheme of blue, yellow and red.