Choosing the right website colour scheme
Whether you’re creating a new website from scratch or re-designing your current site, the overall colour scheme is an important decision that requires careful consideration; Colour can impact on how we think and behave, as well as how we interpret things.
The following questions will initially help direct you to choose the right website colour scheme...
- Do you already have a colour palette based on your company logo or brand? Or are you starting from scratch?
- What type of images will you be using on your website? Think about their colours- you may need to opt for a neutral background that won’t clash.
- What is the purpose of the website? Are you a retailer selling high-end luxury goods or cheap economy products?
Now you need to consider your audience and tone…
Knowing your audience is essential. Colours have different meanings and interpretations amongst different cultures, demographics and industry sectors.
What tone do you want to convey? Look at your company’s mission statement; do you want to be bold and standout? Professional and serious? Welcoming, friendly? Creative and artistic, or do you want to evoke luxury and decadence? Once you determine your overall tone, you can then begin fine-tuning your colour scheme.
Here is our guide to help you choose the right colour scheme for your website:
Colour Psychology
The 60-30-10 Rule
Following the 60-30-10 rule and using 3 main colours on your site is generally recommended. Allow 60% for the primary colour- the one that will set the overall tone. 30% will act as a secondary contrast to the main colour and 10% is allocated to an accent colour that compliments the other two aforementioned.
TIP: Begin with a neutral primary or secondary colour such as white, black, grey or beige. This will then give you the biggest scope when choosing the other two colours.
Although people don’t all respond the same to certain colours, these generalities are a good starting point for choosing the right website colour scheme. There will always be different interpretations and emotions across cultures, demographics and industries, which is why it’s so important to always have your audience at the forefront of any branding, design and marketing activities.
