10 Color Combinations That Don’t Go Well Together

When it comes to colors, there is an art and science behind creating a harmonious palette. While some colors can look stunning together, others just don’t seem to fit. Whether you’re designing a website or putting together an outfit, knowing which colors don’t go well together can be crucial for achieving the desired effect.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 color combinations that should generally be avoided in order to create aesthetically pleasing designs and ensembles. So if you’re looking for inspiration on how not to put colors together – read on!

Red and Green

Red and green are two colors that can easily clash if not handled carefully. The difference in their levels of contrast is often too great, with red being much brighter and more vibrant than green. This contrast can make it difficult to create a cohesive design or outfit.

On top of this, the colors are often associated with different things—red is often seen as a bold and exciting color, while green is typically seen as more calming and natural.

The combination of these colors can also be confusing for viewers, as it goes against the traditional color theory. According to this model, red and green should be used together sparingly due to their contrast. This means that when put together, they could cause confusion or even discomfort for viewers because it isn’t something they’re used to seeing.

It’s important to note that there are some instances where red and green can work together harmoniously. For example, using shades of each color that are close in hue (e.g., burgundy and olive) can create an interesting yet aesthetically pleasing look without being too jarring or overwhelming for the viewer.

Additionally, using both colors in small doses – such as pops of one color within an overall design featuring the other – can help balance out the contrast between them and create a pleasing result.

In general, though, it’s always best to use caution when combining red and green colors in designs or outfits – otherwise, you risk creating something that looks chaotic instead of stylish!

Blue and Orange

Blue and orange are colors that don’t usually go well together. They are both bright colors, but the combination can be overwhelming for viewers and create a jarring contrast. Blue is typically associated with coolness and tranquility, while orange is more energetic and vibrant. This difference in hue can make it difficult to create a harmonious design or outfit.

Another issue with this color combination is that blue and orange are opposite colors on the color wheel, so when used together they can create an unnatural-looking palette.

The colors clash against each other, making it difficult to achieve any sort of balance or harmony between them. Additionally, as colors of opposite hues, they have strong contrast which can be too much for viewers to take in at once.

Additionally, there is often an association between blue and green colors – they tend to look good together – while orange is often associated with red colors – these colors don’t usually pair well. This means that using blue and orange together could look strange or awkward.

Overall, blue and orange don’t really go well together due to their contrasting hues, associations with other colors, and the fact that their combination can be jarring for viewers.

If you’re looking to use these two colors in your design or outfit, it may be best to use them sparingly or incorporate other colors into the mix to help offset their contrast levels.

Yellow and Purple

Yellow and purple colors don’t typically go well together due to their contrasting hues and associations. Yellow is a bright and cheerful color often associated with optimism, joy, and energy. On the other hand, purple is often seen as a more serious color that has a more mysterious or regal feel to it.

The colors clash against each other and can create an overwhelming look that’s difficult to balance out.

The colors are also opposites on the color wheel, meaning they have a strong contrast between them that can be too much for viewers to take in at once.

Additionally, yellow is typically associated with warm colors such as oranges and reds while purple is associated with cool colors like blues and greens – two palettes that usually don’t look good together.

It’s important to note that there may be some cases where yellow and purple colors can work together harmoniously – for example, using shades of each color that are closer in hue (e.g., lemon yellow and lavender) can create an interesting yet aesthetically pleasing palette without being too jarring or overwhelming for the viewer.

Additionally, using both colors in small doses – such as pops of one color within an overall design featuring the other – can help balance out the contrast between them to create a pleasing result. However, it’s always best to use caution when combining yellow and purple colors in designs or outfits.

Brown and Pink

Brown and pink colors don’t go well together because they are opposite colors on the color wheel. The colors have strong contrast and can be too much for viewers to take in at once.

Additionally, brown is often associated with earth tones while pink is associated with feminine or romantic vibes – two completely different aesthetics that can clash against each other.

When used together, brown and pink colors can create an overwhelming and chaotic look. The colors are difficult to balance out, and the strong contrast between them can be jarring for viewers. Also, the different associations that each color has can make it difficult to create a harmonious design or outfit.

Overall, it’s best to avoid using brown and pink colors together in designs or outfits. If you’re looking to use these two colors, it’s best to use them sparingly or incorporate other colors into the mix.

Doing this will ensure you create a pleasing result without overwhelming your viewers!

Black and White

Black and white colors don’t typically go together as they are two colors that have strong contrast and can be too much for viewers to take in at once. Additionally, black is often seen as a more serious or dark color that conveys an air of mystery while white is seen as a bright and cheerful color associated with innocence and purity.

This means that combining these colors in the same design or outfit can create a difficult balance due to the conflicting vibes they give off.

The colors also clash against each other due to their contrasting hues – black is associated with cool colors such blues and greens while white is associated with warm colors such as reds and oranges – two palettes that usually don’t look good together.

Furthermore, because both colors are neutral, they can make it difficult to add depth or dimension to your design, making it feel flat or plain.

Overall, using black and white colors together can create an overwhelming look that’s difficult to balance out, so it’s best to use them sparingly or incorporate other colors into the mix. If you’re looking to pair these colors together in a design or outfit, it may be best to choose shades of either color that are closer in hue (e.g., charcoal gray instead of jet black) in order to create an interesting yet aesthetically pleasing palette without being too jarring for the viewer.

Additionally, opting for different textures (e.g., matte black paired with glossy white) can help break up the contrast between the colors and add visual interest.

Gray and Yellow

Gray and yellow colors don’t go well together as they are opposite colors on the color wheel and create strong contrast when paired together. The colors also clash against each other due to their contrasting hues – gray is associated with cooler colors such as blues and greens, while yellow is associated with warm colors like reds and oranges – which can be too much for viewers to take in at once.

Additionally, combining these colors in the same design or outfit may create an overwhelming look that’s difficult to balance out. For example, the visual contrast between a bright yellow hue and a dark gray shade can be jarring for viewers while the different associations that each color has (e.g., yellow representing optimism and cheerfulness while gray conveys neutrality or sadness) can make it difficult to create a harmonious design or outfit.

Furthermore, because both colors are neutral, they can make it difficult to add depth or dimension to your design, making it feel flat or plain. Additionally, using them together in large doses can make a space look busy or cluttered instead of creating a soothing atmosphere.

Overall, using gray and yellow colors together can create an overwhelming look that’s difficult to balance out, so it’s best to use them sparingly or incorporate other colors into the mix if you’re looking for a pleasing result.

If you’re adamant about pairing these colors together in a design or outfit, it may be best to choose shades of either color that are closer in hue (e.g., light gray instead of charcoal gray) in order to create an interesting yet aesthetically pleasing palette without being too jarring for the viewer.

Additionally, opting for different textures (e.g., matte gray paired with glossy yellow) can help break up the contrast between the colors and add visual interest.

Navy Blue and Beige

Navy blue and beige colors are colors that don’t usually go well together due to their contrasting hues and associations. Navy blue is associated with cool colors like blues and greens, while beige is associated with warm colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows – two palettes that usually clash when combined.

Furthermore, the colors have different vibes associated with them – navy blue conveys a sense of sophistication and power while beige produces a feeling of calmness and neutrality – meaning that combining them in a design or outfit can create an imbalanced look where one color overpowers the other.

Additionally, because both colors are neutral, they tend to lack visual interest or depth when paired together, making it difficult to add dimension or texture to your design. This can lead to a look that appears dull or flat instead of eye-catching.

Moreover, using too much navy blue and beige together in the same space can make it appear overwhelming for viewers due to the stark contrast between colors.

The colors can also become too jarring for viewers if used in large doses, making it difficult to create a soothing atmosphere instead of one that feels busy or cluttered.

Overall, navy blue and beige colors should generally be avoided when trying to create an aesthetically pleasing palette due to their conflicting hues and associations as well as the difficulty of balancing out the colors in order to achieve an eye-catching look without being too overwhelming for viewers.

If you’re adamant about pairing these colors together in a design or outfit, opt for shades of either color that are closer in hue (e.g., light navy blue instead of dark navy blue) as well as different textures (e.g., matte navy blue paired with glossy beige) in order to create an interesting yet aesthetically pleasing palette without being too jarring for the viewer.

Turquoise and Magenta

Turquoise and magenta colors don’t usually go well together due to their opposing hues and associations. Turquoise is associated with cool colors like blues and greens, while magenta has a warmer feel associated with reds, oranges, and yellows – two palettes that usually clash when combined.

Furthermore, the colors have different vibes associated with them – turquoise conveys a sense of tranquility and serenity while magenta produces a feeling of energy and excitement – meaning that combining them in a design or outfit can create an imbalanced look where one color dominates over the other.

Additionally, because both colors are relatively bright, they tend to lack visual interest or depth when used together, making it difficult to add dimension or texture to your design. This can lead to a look that appears too loud or overwhelming instead of pleasing to viewers.

Moreover, using too much turquoise and magenta together in the same space can make it appear intimidating due to the sharp contrast between colors. The colors can also become too jarring for viewers if used in high doses, making it difficult to create a soothing atmosphere instead of one that feels chaotic or cluttered.

Overall, turquoise and magenta colors should generally be avoided when trying to create an aesthetically pleasing palette due to their contrasting hues and associations as well as the difficulty of balancing out the colors in order to achieve an eye-catching look without being too overwhelming for viewers.

If you’re adamant about pairing these colors together in a design or outfit, opt for shades of either color that are closer in hue (e.g., light sky blue instead of teal) as well as different textures (e.g., matte turquoise paired with glossy magenta) in order to create an interesting yet harmonious palette without being too jarring for the viewer.

Additionally, adding accents of other colors such as black or white can help break up the contrast between the colors and add visual interest without overpowering any single hue.

Light Blue and Dark Brown

Light blue and dark brown colors are an unlikely combination that can make a design or outfit appear dull and uninteresting. Although colors in the same family (cool colors like blues and greens) are typically complementary colors, the contrast between light blue and dark brown is too sharp for them to work well together.

The colors create a stark visual difference that can often be overpowering, making it difficult to achieve an aesthetically pleasing palette without being too overwhelming for viewers.

Moreover, the colors also have different vibes associated with them – light blue conveys a sense of tranquility while dark brown tends to produce a feeling of heaviness or despair – meaning that combining them in a design or outfit can create an imbalanced look where one color dominates over the other.

In addition, because both colors are relatively subdued, they tend to lack visual interest or depth when used together, making it difficult to add dimension or texture to your design. This can lead to a look that appears lackluster instead of eye-catching.

Furthermore, using too much light blue and dark brown together in the same space can make it appear daunting for viewers due to the sharp contrast between colors. The colors can also become too jarring for viewers if used in high doses, making it difficult to create a soothing atmosphere instead of one that feels chaotic or cluttered.

Overall, light blue and dark brown colors should generally be avoided when trying to create an aesthetically pleasing palette due to their contrasting hues and associations as well as the difficulty of balancing out the colors in order to achieve an eye-catching look without being too overwhelming for viewers.

If you’re adamant about pairing these colors together in a design or outfit, opt for shades of either color that are closer in hue (e.g., light sky blue instead of baby blue) as well as different textures (e.g., matte light blue paired with glossy dark brown) in order to create an interesting yet harmonious palette without being too jarring for the viewer.

Additionally, adding accents of other colors such as white or black can help break up the contrast between the colors and add visual interest without overpowering any single hue.

Burgundy and Teal

Burgundy and teal colors don’t make for a good combination, as the colors clash in terms of hue and visual effect. Burgundy is a deep reddish-brown color associated with sophistication, while teal is a mix of blue and green that is often seen as a calming color.

When these colors are put together, the sharp contrast between them makes it difficult to create an aesthetically pleasing palette without being too overwhelming for viewers.

The colors also have different vibes associated with them – burgundy conveys a sense of luxury or elegance while teal evokes a tranquil atmosphere – meaning that combining them in a design or outfit can create an imbalanced look where one color dominates over the other. Furthermore, using too much burgundy and teal together in the same space can make it appear daunting for viewers due to their intense colors.

Additionally, both colors are quite subtle, meaning they tend to lack visual interest or depth when used together. This can lead to a look that appears dull rather than eye-catching, making it difficult to add dimension or texture to your design.

Moreover, when it comes to clothing items featuring both colors like dresses and blouses, it’s also hard to achieve an outfit that looks balanced or harmonious.

For example, if you pair a burgundy top with a teal skirt – which could theoretically work well together – the colors may be too jarring against each other, creating an overall look that feels chaotic rather than sophisticated.

Overall, burgundy and teal should generally be avoided when trying to create an aesthetically pleasing palette due to their contrasting hues and associations as well as the difficulty of balancing out the colors in order to achieve an eye-catching look without being too overwhelming for viewers.

If you’re adamant about pairing these colors together in a design or outfit, opt for shades of either color that are closer in hue (e.g., pinkish red instead of maroon) as well as different textures (e.g., matte burgundy paired with glossy teal) in order to create an interesting yet harmonious palette without being too jarring for the viewer.