Zoombie
Published
2 min read
Color is one of the first things visitors notice, and one of the easiest to get wrong. A good scheme supports reading and action; a busy one gets in the way.
Start with one main color
Choose a main color that fits your brand and your audience, then build around it. One clear anchor beats five competing favorites.
Use contrast for reading and action
Text needs strong contrast against its background, and buttons need to stand out from the rest of the page. Check both on real devices, not only on a design screen. The same care matters for the order of sections in designing a website homepage layout.
Keep the palette small
Three or four colors are usually enough: a main color, a neutral, and an accent for actions. Restraint also helps visitors who rely on clear structure, as covered in best practices for website accessibility.
Conclusion
Pick one main color, keep contrast high, and save a bold accent for actions. A small, disciplined palette looks confident and reads clearly.
Frequently asked questions
How many colors should a website use?
Three or four is a good starting point, including neutrals. More colors usually add noise rather than meaning.
What makes a color scheme accessible?
Strong contrast between text and background, and never using color alone to carry important meaning.
Should buttons use the brand color?
They can, but actions should still stand out. A distinct accent often works better than the main brand color.
How do I test a scheme?
Test on phones and desktops, check contrast, and ask fresh eyes whether the next step is obvious.
