Blue and yellow are primary colors that can be combined to create secondary colors. When mixed together, blue and yellow make green. Understanding the names and properties of these colors can help us better use them for painting, graphic design, decorating, and more. In this article, we’ll explore what blue and yellow colors are called, how they are made, and how they can be used together.
The Color Wheel
The color wheel is a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. It can help us understand the interplay between different colors. The basic color wheel uses red, yellow, and blue as primary colors. When two primary colors are mixed, they make secondary colors – green, orange, and purple.
Here is an example color wheel:
| Red | Orange | Yellow |
| Green | Blue | Purple |
On the color wheel, yellow and blue are positioned across from each other. When mixed, they make the secondary color green.
The Color Yellow
Yellow is one of the three primary colors. On the light spectrum, yellow has a wavelength between 570–590 nm. It is a bright, warm color that is associated with sunshine, happiness, and optimism.
Some common names for shades of yellow include:
- Lemon yellow
- Golden yellow
- Canary yellow
- Sunflower yellow
- Maize
In print design and web design, yellow commands attention without being as overpowering as red. Soft yellows are calming while bright yellows are energetic. Some of the psychological associations with yellow include:
- Optimism
- Happiness
- Creativity
- Intellect
- Energy
The Color Blue
Blue is also a primary color. It has a wavelength between 450–495 nm. Blue is associated with depth, stability, tranquility, and intelligence. It is considered a cool, calming color.
Some common names for shades of blue include:
- Navy blue
- Royal blue
- Sky blue
- Aqua
- Baby blue
- Azure
- Cobalt blue
In designs, light blues can create a sense of calm and trust. Darker blues are excellent for corporate sites. Some symbolic meanings associated with blue include:
- Tranquility
- Peace
- Reliability
- Loyalty
- Wisdom
- Confidence
Mixing Blue and Yellow
When blue and yellow are mixed together, they create the secondary color green. On the traditional RYB color wheel, green is located between yellow and blue.
Green comes in a wide range of shades and hues, depending on the amount of blue vs yellow used. Key factors in green shades include:
- Hue – The position on the color wheel between yellow and blue
- Shade – How light or dark the color is
- Tone – How grayed out or muted the color is
Here are some common green shades created from blue and yellow:
| Green Shade | Description |
|---|---|
| Lime green | Created from mixing a lemon yellow with a greenish-blue cyan. Very high vibrancy. |
| Green apple | Made from sap green and parrot green. Vibrant mid-tone green. |
| Mint green | Mix of sky blue and lemon yellow. Soft, pale green. |
| Forest green | Deep green with more blue. Created from pine green and viridian. |
| Sea green | Blue-green hue blending azure blue and spring bud. Calming color. |
The proportion of blue to yellow impacts the look and feel of the resulting green. More yellow gives vibrant, energetic greens while more blue results in cooler, tranquil greens.
Using Blue and Yellow Together
When used together, blue and yellow create very vibrant designs. Having high contrast between warm and cool colors makes elements stand out on the page.
However, it’s important to ensure there is visual harmony when combining these very different colors. Here are some tips:
- Use accent colors – Blue backgrounds with yellow accents and vice versa
- Transition with greens – Add green elements to bridge the two primary colors
- Use neutral backgrounds – Shades of gray, beige or white help the colors pop
- Watch contrast – Don’t go too bright. Soft shades create better harmony
- Consider context – Certain color combos fit different industries better
Blue and yellow can work well together in children’s media, food packaging, and for portraying energy or fun. However, the high contrast may be jarring in more corporate or elegant design.
Examples and Uses
Here are some examples of blue and yellow used together effectively:
Graphic Design
- An ad for a travel company using a light blue and yellow tropical scene
- A technology company logo combining navy blue with a vibrant yellow
- A menu using a sky blue background with yellow headers
Interior Design
- A living room with a blue couch and yellow pillow accents
- A bedroom using a blue and yellow checkerboard rug
- A kitchen with blue lower cabinets and yellow uppers
Fashion
- A sundress with a yellow top and light blue skirt
- A handbag combining cobalt blue leather and yellow stitching
- Blue jeans with yellow booties
Events
- Party decorations and balloons in alternate yellow and blue
- Blue tablecloths paired with yellow napkins
- A birthday cake with blue frosting and yellow flowers
When applying blue and yellow to any design, remember to use soft tones, add green if needed, and give the colors room to breathe. Strategic use of white space helps make the contrast pop even more.
Conclusion
Blue and yellow have a vibrant, energetic interaction that comes from their contrast on the color wheel. But they can work together beautifully when their tones and hues are balanced. Understanding the color wheel helps designers blend these primary colors to create appealing secondary greens. With the right approach, blue and yellow can mix wonderfully.
