Understanding monochromatic colour schemes

The most misunderstood of all, the monochromatic colour scheme is colour theory 101 It uses one colour in a variety of tones, tints, and shades—rather than just black and white (though a monochrome colour scheme can be black and white. More on that later). It comes from the Greek 'mono' meaning one and 'khroma' meaning colour. It's an easy-to-use option as you're only working with one segment of the colour wheel, so it's difficult to get it wrong, yet the effect is cohesive and harmonious.

Let's take red as an example, working our way along each of its iterations. By adding white, you get pink, a 'tint' of red. Add black, and you get maroon, a 'shade' of red. And there you have it: a monochromatic colour scheme of pink, red, and maroon. The terminology is not important; you've simply got to use your eyes. Told you it was simple.

Shop our light to dark pink paint

Monochromatic colour schemes we love

Red monochromatic scheme

Another example of a red monochromatic scheme, this one transitions from a darker shade of red, dark Purple 03 paint, to a tonal Red 03, incorporating the lighter Pink 03 and White 06 tints. It's a very sensual combination, ripe for a boudoir.