The science of colour is called chromatics. This is related to the wavelength and the frequency the colour measures at. Red has a long wave length and thus a low frequency, where violet has a short wave length and emits a high frequency. Colours within the visible light spectrum are between 700 and 400 nanometers.

Red:

Is a very strong, vibrant and bold colour loaded with emotion; a heavy colour that not everyone appreciates. It’s great to use as an accent colour. Overuse can be daunting. Combine it with orange tones to create a friendly feel, or join it with pinks for a playful look.

Orange:

Orange is a very cheery colour. It carries a power and confident feeling when the heavier tones are used. A feel of elegance can be created with the softer shades. Generally warm in tone. It’s playful and helps brighten up any site if used properly. Not as likely to be used as a background colour, but still possible.

Yellow:

This colour is a great alternative to white. The warm tones will make your site look welcoming and sunny; something people relate to easily. It also stimulates mental activity, which is good when you are teaching something online or want to run a discussion. The cooler hues of yellow can be used appropriately for warnings, cautions and emergency type sites.

Green:

Warm and friendly green is often associated with nature and money. With the “Go Green” kick of this century it’s very often used on eco-friendly sites. It can create a fresh look depending on the hue used. Combined with the right shades of grey, for example, it can look very classy or combined with blue for a “fresh, soothing and balanced” look!

Blue:

A safe and diplomatic colour, blue creates a cool feel to the site, unless the tone is going towards turquoise or it’s combined with warm colours. Blue is often associated with water and the sky and mingles beautifully with most other colours of the spectrum. Conservative in its tone, you want to use it carefully.

Violet:

A high frequency colour, which is very nicely applied in spirituality and healing. A beautiful cheery colour, but more laid back then our Orange favorite. Overuse can generate an intimidating creation. When used with care, it can speak delicacy and be visually very pleasing.

Brown:

Naturally a colour that creates a rustic feel. It can go from boring to exciting all depending on what colour is used alongside it and depending on the message you want to send out. Sometimes boring is a good thing, as it won’t distract the reader from the message. It can be a classy replacement for black if used in the darker tones.

Black:

A timeless colour to create contrast. Used with caution as it also get heavy quickly. Black can create a sophisticated look, especially when selling photographs as it makes them stand out. Any colour goes well with black and when used wisely it can take us away from the darkness it’s often associated with. It can go from rebellious to sophisticated depending on use.

White:

Simple and light. Often associated with weddings, winter and cold. It’s an easy and safe colour, however it can create a very clinical look, so also treat with caution.