Triadic colors are three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel, forming a triangle when connected. This arrangement is often favored in design because it brings a sense of both harmony and lively contrast without being jarring.

Think of the classic primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. They form a perfect triadic set. You can also create triadic schemes using secondary colors like green, orange, and purple, which are equally spaced around the color wheel and offer similarly vibrant combinations.

When you thoughtfully weave these kinds of color combinations into a website's design, they can inject energy and create a sense of balance, helping important elements grab attention while still feeling like they belong together.

How triadic colors work in web design

The magic of a triadic color scheme in web design lies in its ability to strike a balance between visual interest and cohesion. You get three distinct colors that naturally complement each other, providing a rich palette without the risk of a chaotic look.

Here's a practical approach to using them on your website.

• Choose a dominant color for main backgrounds or brand identity.
• Use the second color for call-to-actions, buttons, or icons.
• Use the third color for accents like hover states, links, or illustrations.

Triadic color scheme examples

Let's say your brand's main color is a refreshing teal. On the traditional color wheel, the colors that form a triadic harmony with teal are orange and magenta. Here’s how you might see this play out on a website.

• Teal as the base for headers and navigation
• Orange for “Buy Now” buttons or CTAs
• Magenta for subtle accents like link colors or custom icons

Another example: if you start with yellow green, its triadic partners would be blue violet and red orange, creating a playful yet balanced palette. You can even build triadic color combinations with tertiary colors. For instance, using yellow orange as your base color, its triadic partners on the color wheel would be blue green and red violet – a vibrant, energetic mix that can bring warmth and creativity to your website’s palette.

You can even see the principles of triadic color combination at play (sometimes with slight variations) in the branding of well-known names like Google and Burger King. They leverage strong color contrast to be memorable and user-friendly.

How to create a triadic color palette

You don't have to guess when it comes to finding the perfect triadic combination. Here’s a simple way to do it.

1. Use a color wheel tool (many are free online).
2. Select your main brand color. This could be a primary color or otherwise.
3. Look for the two colors spaced evenly (120° apart) on the wheel.
4. Test different shades or tints of each color to keep the contrast comfortable on screens.

User-friendly design tools such as Figma, Adobe Color, and Coolors offer features that make it incredibly easy to build and preview triadic color palettes.

FAQs about triadic colors

What’s the difference between triadic and analogous colors?

Triadic colors are like the points of a triangle on the color wheel, evenly spaced to create high contrast and a dynamic feel. Analogous colors, on the other hand, are neighbors on the wheel, offering a more subtle and harmonious look. Triadic schemes are great for making a bold statement, while analogous schemes are softer and more unified.

Why use triadic colors in website design?

Triadic color schemes provide a balance of contrast and harmony. They help important elements on your page pop (like those crucial buttons and links) while ensuring the overall design feels visually balanced and appealing. When implemented effectively, they can make your website feel both cohesive and lively.

Can triadic color schemes hurt accessibility?

Yes, if all three colors are highly saturated and used in equal measure, it can create a visually overwhelming experience. The trick is to select one dominant color and use the other two as supporting accents. It's also crucial to check the color contrast ratios to meet accessibility guidelines and ensure readability for everyone.

Are triadic colors better than complementary colors?

Neither is inherently "better" – they simply serve different purposes. Complementary colors (those directly opposite each other on the wheel) offer very strong contrast and visual tension. Triadic schemes provide more versatility and a more balanced feel. The best choice depends on the specific mood and aesthetic you want to achieve for your site.

Build a visually stunning website with B12

Design a stunning, on-brand site that stands out. B12’s AI-powered builder takes the guesswork out of color choices – whether you’re using triadic, complementary, or any other scheme. Create your site today and see how smart design can boost your brand’s look and feel.