14 best color wheels
Color wheels are essential tools in the world of art and design. They provide a visual representation of how colors relate to each other and can be combined to create harmonious or contrasting color schemes. Here's what you need to know about color wheels:
Primary Colors: Color wheels typically start with the three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. These are considered the fundamental colors from which all other colors can be created.
Secondary Colors: Secondary colors are formed by mixing equal parts of two primary colors. The secondary colors are green (blue + yellow), orange (red + yellow), and purple (red + blue).
Tertiary Colors: Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color on the color wheel. For example, mixing red (a primary) with orange (a secondary) creates red-orange.
Complementary Colors: Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are located directly opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, red and green are complementary colors. When placed next to each other, complementary colors create contrast and can make each other appear more vibrant.
Analogous Colors: Analogous colors are located next to each other on the color wheel. They share a similar hue and often create a harmonious and pleasing color scheme when used together. An example might be using shades of blue, green, and teal together.
Triadic Colors: Triadic color schemes involve three colors that are equally spaced around the color wheel. For instance, red, blue, and yellow form a triadic color scheme. This creates a balanced and visually interesting combination.
Warm and Cool Colors: Colors on the color wheel can be categorized as warm or cool. Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, are associated with warmth and energy.Cool colors, such as blue, green, and purple, evoke a sense of calm and tranquility.
Color Mixing: Artists and designers use the principles of the color wheel to mix and create specific colors. By combining different amounts of primary, secondary, or tertiary colors, they can achieve the desired shades and tones for their artwork or design projects.
Color Theory: The color wheel is a fundamental tool in color theory, which explores the science and psychology of color. Understanding how colors interact and the emotions they can evoke is crucial for creating effective and visually appealing compositions.
Digital Design: Color wheels are also incorporated into various digital design software applications, where designers can select and manipulate colors using a digital representation of the color wheel.
Color Harmony: Achieving color harmony is a key goal in art and design. Color wheels help artists and designers choose color combinations that work well together, whether for painting, graphic design, interior decorating, or other creative endeavors.
Historical Significance: The concept of the color wheel has a long history in art and design, with influential figures like Johannes Itten and Josef Albers contributing to its development and popularization in the 20th century.
In summary, color wheels are foundational tools for artists, designers, and anyone working with color. They help individuals understand how colors interact, enabling them to create visually appealing and harmonious compositions in various artistic and design disciplines.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best color wheels on the market
JimKing Creative Color Wheel, Paint Mixing Learning Guide Art Class Teaching Tool for Makeup Blending Board Chart Color Mixed Guide Mix Colours (9.25inch)
JimKing
Product description
Description:
Get color-related terms and demonstrate how to create colors.
The three-level design, rotates the center circle to find the best color combination.
When you coordinate colors, you can see how much space is between the two colors.
The color wheel is a tool for finding harmonious color combinations.
Good for beginners to identify any of the twelve colors of the chroma easily and recognize the middle of the color simply.
In the twelve color wheel, any chroma has a clear position without confusion.
Specification:
Material: Paper
Size: Approx. 23 x 23 x 0.1cm/9.06 x 9.06 x 0.04inch
Package Includes:
1 Piece Color Wheel
Note:
Pls allow slight size error and color difference due to manual measurement and different monitors. Thanks.
Enjoy the shopping and have a nice day!
- Helps organise colours to make choices and combinations easier;Defines common terms and helps the artist to understand colour uses and interactions.
- Designed for all artists, including: Painters, crafters, interior, graphic, garden, and landscape designers;Perfect gift for creative people!
- Two-sided rotating wheel shows colour relationships;230mm diameter,Convenient and portable.
- UV coated to minimise fading and protect from moisture.Paper cover makes it;Paper evelope cover makes it difficult to break during transportation.
- Good for beginners to identify any of the colors easily and recognize the middle of the color simply.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can you use this for coloring |
| Answer: | Yes, good reference for coloring, painting, glazing, anything you do with colors & want to know which complement or combine. |
| Question: | Can you use this for coloring |
| Answer: | This is a pre-printed guide without blank spaces. It is not intended to be colored UPON, but to guide coloring on other materials such as paper or canvas. It's not a worksheet. |
| Question: | Can it be used for hair color |
| Answer: | I don’t think it would be of much use for hair color... |
| Question: | is the whheel moveable |
| Answer: | Yes, the Wheel is movable. This up is a really good product. I am a beginner in all of this, and it is very helpful in putting colors together. |
Cox 133343 Color Wheel 9-1/4"-
Cox
Product description
Color Wheel 9-1/4"-
- Country Of Origin: China
- Product Type: Color Selectors/Color Evaluators
- Item Weight: 0.08125 lb
- Model Number: 133343
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can this be used for coloring books for adults |
| Answer: | Yes, you can match colors using the colorwheel to decide which colors you want to use to see if the colors you choose clash or not. |
| Question: | I started making cards a couple of months but know nothing about colors. I'd like to know how to combine colors. Will this help |
| Answer: | Yes. The Color Wheel can give you an idea how to put colors together (of course you don't have to follow these rules). In fact, I don't use it much. However, I think Color Wheel is an accepted standard for making "good" color coordinating charges. It was a good buy and has helped me. peace |
| Question: | How will this help with quilting |
| Answer: | I am not very good at matching different colors correctly. The color helps me pick colors that are complimentary and enhance the quilt. Or, perhaps you what the opposite, it will help with that too. |
| Question: | Is this made out of plastic or cardboard |
| Answer: | Cardboard |
Creative Color Wheel, Paint Mixing Learning Guide Art Class Teaching Tool for Makeup Blending Board Chart Color Mixed Guide Mix Colors
Product description
Description:
Get color-related terms and demonstrate how to create colors.
The three-level design, rotates the center circle to find the best color combination.
When you coordinate colors, you can see how much space is between the two colors.
The color wheel is a tool for finding harmonious color combinations.
Good for beginners to identify any of the twelve colors of the chroma easily and recognize the middle of the color simply.
In the twelve color wheel, any chroma has a clear position without confusion.
Specification:
Material: Paper
Size: Approx. 23 x 23 x 0.1cm/9.06 x 9.06 x 0.04inch
Package Includes:
1 Piece Color Wheel
Note:
Pls allow slight size error and color difference due to manual measurement and different monitors. Thanks.
Enjoy the shopping and have a nice day!
- Helps organise colours to make choices and combinations easier;Defines common terms and helps the artist to understand colour uses and interactions.
- Designed for all artists, including: Painters, crafters, interior, graphic, garden, and landscape designers;Perfect gift for creative people!
- Two-sided rotating wheel shows colour relationships;230mm diameter,Convenient and portable.
- UV coated to minimise fading and protect from moisture.Paper cover makes it;Paper evelope cover makes it difficult to break during transportation.
- Good for beginners to identify any of the colors easily and recognize the middle of the color simply.
C&T PUBLISHING Notions Essential Color Wheel Companion
C&T PUBLISHING
Product description
Essential color wheel companion- create perfect color combinations every time with this wheel shape slotted for easy color auditioning 24 color wedges. C&T Publishing NOTIONS Essential color wheel companion- create perfect color combinations every time with this wheel shape slotted for easy color auditioning. 24 color wedges, each numbered, include bands of both tints and shades of color on one side.
- Essential color wheel companion- create perfect color combinations every time with this wheel shape slotted for easy color auditioning 24 color wedges
- C&T Publishing notions essential color wheel companion- create perfect color combinations every time with this wheel shape slotted for easy color auditioning
- 24 color wedges, each numbered, include bands of both tints and shades of color on one side
- Product Dimension: 3.5"L x 1.8"W x 0.18"H
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does the chart show how to mix all 24 colors |
| Answer: | it should fit . |
| Question: | What is the diamiter of your wheel |
| Answer: | Yes. I bought these for my Honda Fit Sport - the back mat fitted perfectly, but the front floor mats were way too long. I put them in under the dashboard and then marked them with chalk where I wanted the seat-side part to go. Cut it easily with good scissors. I bought them because I couldn't get carpet mats from my dealer and I hate those rubber things. |
| Question: | how big is this chart |
| Answer: | I never opened it all the way. Color not as light as I wanted |
| Question: | Why does it say companion? Is there something else I need to purchase first |
| Answer: | We bought to replace the ones that come from the factory so when we return they are not worn out..We found them to be like the ones from factory....They are working perfect... |
2 Pieces Color Wheel, Paint Mixing Learning Guide Art Class Teaching Tool Color Wheels for Makeup Blending Board Chart Color Mixed Guide Mix Colours (5.5 Inch/ 14 cm)
- Package include: 2 creative color wheel, 5.5 inch in diameter, the artist wheel helps show which colors are complimentary, and how they go (or don't go) together, great for learning how to color
- Color mixing guide: the color wheel shows color, from basic principles and color mixing results on the front side; Spin around the paint wheel, then you will find the color mixture results in the windows, to learn the color theory in a fun way
- Color leaning tool: the backside of the color artist wheel that visually illustrates relationships between colors and demonstrates the results features a grayscale, and triad colors tints and tones, definitions of color terms, and illustrations of color, such as complementary colors, and triad colors
- Easy to use: this color mix guide consists of 3 layers, made of durable cardboard with smooth surface and smooth rotation; And the size is moderate, easy to operate and carry
- Wide application: the relationship wheel is suitable to use when painting, quilting, tattoo design, interior design, having creative craft projects, and home decorating; Great for artists, teachers, kids, painters, designers, and tattoo learners
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this wheel show you how to thinout paint to use for airbrushing |
| Answer: | No it doesn't. It's a fairly basic, yet useful color wheel that shows the relationships between intensity and hue, along with basic color theory of primary, secondary and tertiary colors. |
| Question: | What is the function of this color wheel? how will this benefit me in watercolor |
| Answer: | The relationship wheel can be used for creative decoration, or learning to color, learning color theory in a fun way, etc. |
| Question: | Are these old rby used in fine arts mixing, or cmy used for real color mixing |
| Answer: | For color mixing. |
| Question: | Are these two of the same thing or two different wheels |
| Answer: | The 2 pieces are the same, and the pictures on the product page show the effects of both sides. |
Product features
For Designers
It can help designers understand the basic theory of color and solve the problem of off-color.
For Kids
It helps children to recognize more colors and feel the wonders of the color world.
For Art Students
It helps art students to match colors harmoniously.
Dritz 3169 Rainbow Color Wheel Selector
Dritz Quilting
Product description
Dritz has an extensive line of quilting notions created with innovation and quality to provide you with the tools needed to create beautiful memories like this Dritz Rainbow Color Wheel Selector. Coordinating colors for quilted masterpieces has never been easier! Simply choose your color, point an arrow in its direction and match it up with the help of the other arrows pointing toward coordinating colors. Instruction leaflet with complete and illustrated directs is included.
- Coordinate Colors For Outstanding Projects
- Uses Arrows To Make Matches
- Easy To Follow Instructions
- Country Of Origin : United States
User questions & answers
| Question: | What exactly is so special about the new version that makes this over |
| Answer: | This color wheel does not give "formulas" for mixing colors (i.e., 2 parts yellow + 1 part red = orange). That would depend on the medium you are using. It does provide a visual reference for the relationship between colors which you can use as a guide to mix your own colors. |
| Question: | Can this be used for colored pencils as well |
| Answer: | The diameter is 12 inches. |
| Question: | Is there a larger version of this color wheel |
| Answer: | It is printed on a glossy sheet of 8.5 x 11" paper. It's very well done and easy to read. |
| Question: | what benefits does this have over a normal painting color wheel |
| Answer: | No, you don't have to purchase anything first. There is a book; but you can certainly purchase and use the color wheel on It's own. |
Product features
Dritz 3169 Rainbow Color Wheel Selector
- Pick, point and match colors
- Quantity: 1 PC
- Color: Multi
About Us
At Dritz, we are all about creating and inspiring. Over ten decades the passion of thousands of creative minds have combined to craft products that are as innovative as their ideas. These people and products have molded a brand that is now famed by DIY enthusiasts across the globe. Makers and doers everywhere look to Dritz to help them bring their ideas to life. A company that took root as a small family business in New York City, has grown to be one of the iconic crafting and sewing companies.
Color Harmony Wheel
Product description
This guide is simple to use and will show you all the colors to put in your next work of art. It covers up the colors you shouldn’t use and helps you choose colors to best compliment your work.
1) Choose your main color and center it in the big pie shape. You’ll see the vibrant hues and the neutral shades which together, give your piece a feeling of harmony.
2) The complement in the cup shape shows you the most beautiful color for your focal point. This color wheel is not your typical triadic color wheel of red, yellow and blue. It is based on 5 primary colors, evenly spaced: Yellow, Red, Purple, Blue and Green. This makes the complement exquisite. You simply cannot get this from an ordinary color wheel.
3) The small dots labeled “discord” on the wheel show you clashing colors to use around your focal point in very small amounts. This spices up the artwork and makes sure it is not boring!
The Color Harmony Wheel measures 8" wide by 10" tall and is made out of extremely sturdy cardboard with a water resistant gloss.
- “The way it blocks out non-relevant colors so you can actually see the combination is genius.” Artists who paint, quilt, do interior decorating, or other crafts will consider this an especially useful tool.
- Painters, you will notice the colors typed around the rim of the wheel. Specific names are good to know for reference.
- Interior Designers, you will want to take this guide with you when choosing wall color, fabrics, and flooring. See the browns and grays? Even these are specified for your ease of selection.
- Quilters, as you hunt through your stash of fabrics, hold the color wheel up to them to get the right hues and neutrals for a lovely sewing project. Any fabric color which is not featured in the openings gets tossed aside! No arguments ;D
- Feedback: "I especially like having the reminder of where the different paint colors - Prussian Blue, Cobalt Blue, etc - fall in relation to one another on the wheel. I cannot recommend this product enough. " "The wheel is the only one of its kind I could find, excellent product and delivered promptly." "Finally, I'd been looking all over for a Munsell-type color wheel. This is it, very well executed. A huge help to my newest learning endeavor - painting. I would consider this a must have..."
User questions & answers
| Question: | what are the dimensions? 4 inch by 4 inch, 5 x 5, 12 x 12 ? couldn't find it in the product info |
| Answer: | Absolutely nothing. Take a picture of it with your camera instead and move on. That price is in the realm of highway robbery. Or maybe a typo. |
| Question: | Is this wheel ryb, rgb/cmyk? it appears to be rgb, which is scientifically correct. ryb may still be taught in art school, but newton proved it wrong |
| Answer: | This color wheel has been very helpful to me as a quilter. It’s small and I can carry it in my purse when I’m shopping for fabric. I imagine it would be useful for colored pencils also. |
| Question: | How do you use this colour wheel? Is there any video showing how to use it? please |
| Answer: | Not to my knowledge |
| Question: | Are the "inner" (larger ring) colors created by using complements? and the smaller ring by using those complements + black? theres no explanation |
| Answer: | I sew a lot and it comes in handy for me. It you already have a color wheel you don't need another one. This one is easy to use, and small enough you can take it with you. |
Color Wheel Small Color Mixing Guide (3501)
Color Wheel
Product description
Sold as an each. Perfect for use in the art classroom. This item is manufactured in United States.
- Sold as an each
- Perfect for use in the art classroom
- This item is manufactured in United States
- Features various colors and descriptions
- A great visual to demonstrate the outcomes of mixing different colors
User questions & answers
| Question: | where is this item made? In Oregon |
| Answer: | Philomath, Oregon, that's near Corvallis, home of the O.S.U. Beavers, in the Willamette Valley. |
| Question: | Do you have these available in spanish as well |
| Answer: | Sorry, no. |
| Question: | Is this the same as the larger sized wheel, or are there other differences (beside the size of course |
| Answer: | I purchased the small color wheel and it measures 5.25 inches in diameter. I can offer no guidance or insight as to how it compares to the large wheel. I can tell you the small wheel is a great purchase that fits in both my sewing and yarn bag. |
| Question: | I believe the larger one shows colors that go together and ones that don’t. Does this do the same? I need help with color schemes, smaller size is bes |
| Answer: | From what I can see, the smaller color wheel is just like the larger one, the same information but smaller scale. Let me know if you have any other questions. |
2 Set Color Mixing Guides, Plus Creative Color Wheel with Color Sectors Showing Relationships Between Colors(2 Sizes)
SANESKY
- Package - This package come with 2 pack color mixing guides, including one Color Wheel and one Creative Color Wheel (2 Sizes)
- Durable & Convenient: Easy-to-use color mixing guide that visually illustrates relationships between colors and demonstrates the results. Features grayscale, tints and tones, definitions of color terms, and illustrations of color
- Easy to identify - Each Color Wheel helps show which colors are complimentary, and how they go (or don't go) together.
- Your good assistant - Wheel with indicators for complementary, split complementary and triad color schemes; how to tint and shade, primary, secondary and tertiary references, and more.
- Primary color mixing wheel, very useful for learning and understanding color theory, it gives a scientifically accurate description of colors based on cyan.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this color wheel made of plastic or cardboard |
| Answer: | Munsell's color system is based on 5 primaries (yellow, green, blue, violet, and red) and 5 secondaries ( yellow-green, blue- green, blue-violet, red-violet, and orange). If you draw a simple 5-pointed star and then label the points of the star with the primaries and the low points with the secondaries this is easier to remember and understand. Thus blue- violet is the complement of yellow, red-violet with green, red with blue- green, and orange with blue. Using orange and blue, the most outer ring is obviously pure primary and secondary, the next is slightly neutralized with its complement ( a little orange with a lot of blue or vice versa); the next ring even more neutralized ( more orange with less blue or vice versa), etc. So, no black per se, but the central rings are more neutralized. I find the color harmonies using Munsell's 5-pointed star system very, very pleasing. I use a simple drawn star when on the go and this Color Harmony Wheel when "stumped" or challenging myself. Excellent investment!!! |
Premier Stationery H2770404 Icon 13 cm Pocket Colour Wheel
Premier Stationery
Product description
Premier Stationery Icon 13cm Pocket Color Wheel. A must have for all Artists, as this 13cm color wheel illustrates the relationships between mixing colors. Product is supplied in a see-thru' hanging bag with a Premier Stationery Icon retail packed header card. Another Quality Product from Premier Stationery.
- 13cm Pocket Size Color Wheel
- Illustrates Relationships for Mixing Colors
- Educational Tool for Artists of All Ages
- A Guide to Mixing Color
- Another Quality Product from Premier Stationery
Magic Palette Color Matching Guide
Magic Palette
Product description
A full palette of paint colors, tints and shades in a handy little guide. This color guide helps artists identify, match and select the colors they need for their paintings. It includes 36 pure artistsÌ tube colors printed on individual cards with 144 tints and shades. Each color card shows one original tube color with a value range from light tint to dark shade. The windows permit easy color and value identification. Ideal for use in the classroom, studio or on location.
- Helps artists identify - match - select colors
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is it base on water or oil |
| Answer: | around 8 1.2 X 11 or 9 x 12 |
| Question: | Does each square of color have the name of the color listed |
| Answer: | It is the visible hue wheel with all hues, and paint colors that are named around the edges that are close to the hues on the wheel. Black, which is the absence of color would be at the very center of the wheel. The idea is that if your painting mostly contains the colors in the large pie slice, then the complementary color at the opposite side (small pie slice) will be pleasing addition to your painting. |
| Question: | Does these give the rgb or hex codes? even if they are not perfect, it's a nice way to show the comparisons |
| Answer: | Simple instructions are on the back of the wheel. Basically, decide on your main color and center it in the big pie slice. The other colors in the big pie slice are your harmonious colors to include. In the small cup shape, opposite these, is the complementary color for your focal point. A video has been added demonstrating the Color Harmony Wheel as well. |
RAL K7 - Colour fan deck
RAL K7
Product description
RAL Color fan deck containing all 213 RAL CLASSIC colors. This is the most popular RAL color guide and contains the latest RAL Classic colors. These colors are used throughout the world and this guide also contains all of the corresponding color names in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. However; the color names are not commonly refered to, most people simply use the RAL number. Fan deck size 5.0 x 15.0 cm Each colour illustration 2.0 x 5.0 cm Five colors per page Gloss finish. All RAL Classic color is 4 digits (eg RAL 4008) Includes a section of Metallics & Flourescent colors.
- RAL Classic colors
- Simple to use
- Gloss stock
- original RAL product
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this Powder coat colors |
| Answer: | 24 pcs / pack - each one wrap individual |
| Question: | Are the samples thin enough to use a hole punch |
| Answer: | Yes it is a pack of 24 trees |
| Question: | How many metallic colors does this contain |
| Answer: | They do come in the yellow front and red back. |
| Question: | Is ral7037, ral9010 & ral9005 in this deck |
| Answer: | About 4 inches |
Color Mixing Guides: Color Wheel (9-1/4") Plus Creative Color Wheel (9-1/4") with Color sectors Showing Relationships Between Colors
Product description
This package include two color wheels: one Color Wheel and one Creative Color Wheel. Each color wheel is a great tool for mixing colors. The color wheel defines and illustrates color harmonies so you always have the information you need to create masterpieces and choose color schemes. This package contains one Color Wheel and one Creative Color Wheel, with each wheel measuring 9-1/4 inches in diameter. Made in USA.
- This package includes one Color Wheel and one Creative Color Wheel (9.25 inch diameter)
- Easy-to-use color mixing guide that visually illustrates relationships between colors and demonstrates the results. Features grayscale, tints and tones, definitions of color terms, and illustrations of color
- Each Color Wheel helps show which colors are complimentary, and how they go (or don't go) together.
- Wheel with indicators for complementary, split complementary and triad color schemes; how to tint and shade, primary, secondary and tertiary references, and more.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Would this be good for an intermediate jewelry maker (beading & wire work) who is not good at telling which colors to use together |
| Answer: | No. No codes. But is the easiest and quick way to mix the color you are trying to get. |
| Question: | What material are these made of |
| Answer: | Cardboard but they are laminated. However, don't let them get wet, it will disintegrate. |
Color Wheel Pocket Guide with Gray Scale Value Finder - for both the amateur and professional artists by ASW
ASW
Product description
Painting is all about the color,
And being able to correctly mix your desired colors the first time around makes the painting experience far easier and much less frustrating. This double sided color wheel visually illustrates relationships between colors and demonstrates the results of color mixing.
Simply turn the wheel
to see results of mixing 2 colors. Also identify complementary, split complementary and triadic colors. Features tints and tones, definitions of color terms and illustrations of color harmonies. Packaged in a clear plastic bag.
The grayscale tool is perfect for determining color value. Its unique tab-like cutout shapes allow easy viewing and ensure accurate readings. Use it to determine the values of black to white as well as colors. Also includes explanations and instructions on how to mix colors including darkening or lightening them. An invaluable tool for artists, teachers and students
- Artist handy pocket sized kit
- Both are compact and a convenient size for easy storage and easy use
- Simply turn the wheel for easy color identification and to experiment with results of mixing 2 colors
- Also make great educational tools with definitions and explanations
- Dimensions: Color Wheel - 5” in diameter / Value Finder - 4”x6”
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this for colored pencils |
| Answer: | Yes, I bought a very expensive set of Colored Pencils but having a color chart like this, with the shade diagram can be helpful for many media of artwork and Drawings. |
| Question: | what is the diameter of the color wheel |
| Answer: | It's about 5" in diameter |
| Question: | Is this product plastic or paper? How sturdy |
| Answer: | This color wheel is very sturdy compared to other wheel type products I have purchased. It is made out of daily heavy duty material and is laminated and rotates smoothly. |
| Question: | Did anyone receive the separate gray scale & value finder that was supposed to be included? I ordered this twice, and it wasn't included either time |
| Answer: | yes, I did receive the gray scale & value finder. |
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