[[File:compl-shades.png|thumb|Various shades within a contrast/complementary color scheme, and their mutual contrast.]]
 
[[File:compl-shades.png|thumb|Various shades within a contrast/complementary color scheme, and their mutual contrast.]]
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'''Complementary''' is a [[color scheme]] using one base color and its [[complement]], the color on the exact opposite side of the [[color wheel]]. The base color is main and dominant, while the [[complement]]ary color is used only as an [[accent]].
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'''Complementary''' is a [[color scheme]] using one base color and its [[complement]], the color on the exact opposite side of the [[color wheel]]. The base color is main and dominant, while the [[complement]]ary color is used only as an [[accent]]. A combination of one warm and one cold color is always created. We have to consider, which one will be dominant, and which one one accenting. The choice decides whether the result palette will look warm, or cold. Various monochromatic [[shade]]s of both colors could be added to the scheme.