Guest Author - Iris ten Holder

When using just two colors, the result can be more than a two-color rug if we combine the colors in some parts of the rug. When using the two colors as they are, the result depends on the way we use them.

Here are some guidelines for choosing a two-color combination.
1.the second color is the opposite of the first color
2, the second color is closely related to the first color.

There are also rules for the way we use these colors, based on experience. Some things work and others just don’t, and there are good reasons for this based on how we perceive colors and how colors interact.

1. Opposites
Most of us are familiar with opposite or complementary colors. We know these colors work: think of Christmas when we use red and green, and Easer when we use yellow and violet.

There are six such combinations, which are derived from the standard color wheel.
:
Red Violet Yellow green
Red green
Red orange blue green
Orange blue
Yellow orange blue violet
Yellow violet


The warm colors are in the first column and cool colors. This is helpful when using the related color combinations. Red violet and yellow green are border colors between warm and cool.

As you read this list, I am sure you will have some reservations or doubts. This is why.

Complementary colors go well together provided there is a good balance between the two, so that one color is the main color and the other is an accent. If a warm effect is desired, use a warm color as the main one and the cool one as an accent. Used in equal quantities or equal strength, generally will tend to be too demanding and often irritating or even boring.
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Another way to vary this is to choose a darker shade of one of the colors. This could either be the main one or the accent, depending on the overall effect we strive for in the environment where we are going to place the rug.

2. Related Colors
The second option is to take a related color, for example red and red orange, or blue and blue green. In this case too, the use of darker shades and lighter tints gives ample opportunity to create a delightful design.

How do we decide which color scheme to use, except for what we think our preference may be? The room where this rug is going to live is the deciding factor, so the very first step is to analyze the room using the guidelines above to determine the color scheme and then give the new rug a role in that scheme.

In a busy interior, try providing a restful place with a simple rug in harmony with the colors in the room. If, on the other hand, the overall impression of the interior is quiet and uniform, you may wish to provide a focal point and a welcome accent by making it more colorful.

With this in mind, first take some time to analyze the color scheme of the room, and use two of these colors to start planning your new rug.

There are related articles that describe how a radial rug is made and some other interesting tips on yarn use. You will find the links just below.