As a designer, I know a thing or two about colours and colour psychology. So, in today's blog, I will be sharing with you a secret trick I use when designing brands for global businesses. It's a simple little trick that you can easily implement into your business and brand - and it's: ditch the pure white.
I know, a designer suggesting that you lose pure white. What next? Whilst pure white definitely has its place, it brings out that elegant and spacious feel in any design, but you know what? Sometimes, it's just so much fun to spice things up a bit and swap that white for something with a splash of personality.
(To clarify, when I reference pure white, I mean true white, or #FFFFFF.)
It's like giving your design a unique twist that sets it apart from the rest, in an effortless yet effective way.
White Glare Effect
As much as pure white can look super classy and timeless in our designs, it might cause a bit of trouble for our users' eyes. The thing is, white is so bright and intense that it can create this glare effect, making it tough on the eyes, especially when there's a lot of it on the screen. It's like staring into a flashlight for too long - not the most pleasant experience!
The stark brightness of pure white can create a high contrast against surrounding elements, leading to a phenomenon known as the "white glare effect." Prolonged exposure to this intense brightness can strain the eyes, causing discomfort and fatigue for users, particularly in low-light environments, which is not what we want on our websites!
So, as you can see, there are instances where embracing alternative colours can not only breathe life and personality into your creations but also make your designs that little bit more accessible. So, let's get stuck into my six alternative colours to pure white!
Creme: #FFF5EA
One of the most common alternatives for true white is Creme, a gentle, off-white colour that exudes warmth and sophistication. Swapping pure white for Creme adds a touch of classic elegance to your design, making it feel elevated and refined. Play around with different shades of Creme to find one that works well with your brand.
Candy Floss: #FEECEB
If you're looking to inject a bit of playfulness into your design, consider using Candy Floss as an alternative to pure white. This soft, pastel hue evokes feelings of nostalgia and joy. Embracing Candy Floss as your primary background colour can help your brand stand out with a flourished feminine feel.
Cloud Wisp: #F1FAFF
Cloud Wisp is a delicate, light blue-white that radiates calmness and serenity. This alternative to pure white adds a subtle hint of colour, breaking away from the traditional starkness. Cloud Wisp is an excellent choice for designs where you want to create a peaceful and grounded ambience.
Mojito Breeze: #FBFFF4
Mojito Breeze is a refreshing light green-white option that can invigorate our designs. This colour choice adds a touch of freshness and vitality, infusing our brand with a vibrant and lively spirit.
Lavender Whip: #FAF5FF
Lavender Whip offers a touch of femininity and classiness to your design, making it an attractive alternative to pure white. Its pale purple undertone adds a subtle charm while maintaining a clean and inviting appearance. This colour choice is gentle on the eyes and creates a calming design.
Cold steel: #F8F7F4
For a more modern and minimalist approach, consider using cold steel as your alternative to true white. This light grey-white hue brings a touch of professionalism and a contemporary feel to our designs, ensuring a polished and refined look.
Happy Creating!
Embracing these delightful white alternatives allows us to infuse our designs with personality, creating a visual identity that sets our brand apart from the rest. By choosing the right colour palette, you can strike the perfect balance between professionalism and uniqueness, delivering exceptional, stand-out design that resonates with our audience and keeps your brand memorable!
