Which type of colors are located directly opposite each other on the color wheel?

Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are situated directly opposite each other on the color wheel. This relationship creates high contrast and visual interest when used together in design or art. For example, red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple are all complementary pairs. When these colors are placed next to each other, they enhance each other’s vibrancy, making them appear more intense.

In contrast, analogous colors are those that are next to one another on the color wheel and typically share a common hue, creating harmonious and pleasing combinations. Primary colors are the foundational colors from which all other colors can be mixed—namely, red, blue, and yellow. Monochromatic colors derive from a single hue, featuring variations in lightness and saturation. They do not involve oppositional relationships, differing significantly from the concept of complementary colors.