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Do navy and orange go together?

Do Navy and Orange Go Together? The Answer Might Surprise You

When it comes to pairing two colors, navy and orange might seem like an unconventional combination. Navy blue and orange are both bold colors that can dominate a composition, making it challenging to find a harmonious union between the two. Yet, some designers and artists have successfully combined these colors in their work, sparking interesting conversations about color theory. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why navy and orange are not typically paired together and explore some examples of why they can actually work remarkably well.

The traditional view: Navy and Orange don’t mix

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Until recently, the consensus has been that navy and orange are incompatible colors. These colors are both on different ends of the color wheel, making it difficult for them to create a smooth transition between each other (Figure 1):

ColorHue Angle (°)
Navy Blue217°
Orange36°

A fundamental principle of color harmony is that colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, known as complementary colors, work well together. This can create a striking contrast when used in combination. As navy blue and orange don’t have a direct linear relationship, it’s typically not recommended to pair these colors.

The unexpected success of navy and orange

Despite the conventional thinking, some designers and brands have successfully incorporated navy blue and orange into their visuals. The key to successful pairing lies in the color’s shade, saturation, and the context in which they are used.

Gradual transition

A transition from one color to the other can help to integrate navy and orange. You can create a smooth journey by gradually transitioning from bright orange to a deeper orange, which can eventually match the intensity of navy blue (Figure 2) :

ColorDominanceGradation from Orange to Navy
OrangeHighestBright Orange (76%) → Medium Orange (42%) → Dark Navy (10%)
Navy BlueHighestDark Navy (90%) → Navy Blue (25%) → Bright Orange (5%)

By spreading the transition across a percentage of dominance, the stark contrast between the two colors dissolves, allowing for harmonious coexistence.

Shade variation

Orange comes in various shades that can either clash with navy blue or blend with the dark hue. For optimal results, use a vibrant, medium orange that aligns with the darker blues. A warm orange #FFC080 or the slightly desaturated #E68F2F), as seen in the orange variant in Figure 3, will produce striking contrast:

| Orange (#FFC080) |

Orange (#E68F2F)
Shade DepthDeepMedium-light
Color Intensity95% Orange70% Medium Orange

In this approach, the contrast between medium orange and navy blue enables the combination to shine; however, a bright coral or yellow orange can starkly clash with navy. Always test your design carefully before settling on a certain color palette.

Why navy and orange can come together

Several reasons work in favor of pairing these colors:

Historical precedent: Orange is a classic combination with indigo (the parent element of navy blue) seen in ancient Mesopotamian art, while Cercis siliquastrum the ‘Adonis Tree, combines both colors in a beautiful pattern.
Nature: Many plants in the botanical world feature red, orange, and blues in their leaves, peels, and flowers (Figure 4.
Branding consistency: The 2023 Orange color of the Adidas brand logo blends harmoniously with the dark navy Figure 5
Design trends : With the resurgence of retro aesthetics and vintage pop art, bold and nostalgic color combinations are becoming increasing popular.

Conclusion: Do Navy and Orange go together? Yes, after exploring various techniques, combining shades, and learning what makes them harmonious partners. Navy and orange demonstrate that sometimes the most contrarian pairings can shine, and understanding color balance is key to success Figure 6 While this color combination might intimidate at first, experimenting within these guidelines will open eyes to new design possibilities when working with bold, non-traditional color duo.

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