What color beads look good together?
Sometimes the most challenging part of beading is determining what bead colors look good together. Many articles on this topic discuss color theory, which is really helpful when choosing bead color combinations.
Color theory relies on using a color wheel to help you select colors that harmonize together as well as elicit a specific mood or feeling.
If you want to learn more about color theory and use a color wheel, I recommend the Pick, Point, and Match Rainbow Color Selector. It comes with a color wheel as well as a guidebook. It's a condensed version of color theory that helps you pick bead color combinations easily.
When I use the color wheel, I often start with one bead color that I want to incorporate into my design. I then use the wheel to select additional colors. It's a fun exercise!
Let Nature Inspire You
Another way to choose bead colors is to take a photo of nature that inspires you and select a handful of colors that stand out in the image. In my experience, nature rarely gets it wrong.
Start with Multi-color Finish Beads
In addition, you can start with a bead that has a rainbow or iris finish. These finishes give the beads a multi-colored, iridescent surface that changes as the light shifts. Therefore, you can combine your starting bead with the other colors you see on the surface. For example, Miyuki bead number 455D has a metallic iris finish, which creates a surface with shades of green, blue, and purple. Therefore, you can select solid colors of green, blue, and purple that match.
Monochrome
Monochrome color palettes are also beautiful when it comes to beading. Start with one color and choose different shades, tones, or finishes of that same color.
Pick a Theme
You can also create a color combination based on a theme. For example, say you want to create a beach-themed design. Simply google "beach color palettes" and view the images. Once you find a palette you like, try to match the colors in the palette with bead colors. This can be tricky because you might not be able to find the exact shades or tones, but you may be able to find something similar that works.
Before we move on, I just want to share something important to consider. Picking bead color combinations can be tricky when buying beads online. Therefore, it's important to find shops with clear and accurate photos. Because even if a shop accepts returns, sometimes the cost to return a tube of beads ends up costing more than the beads originally.
Instant Seed Bead Color Combinations
Now, if you want to skip to the best part without the hassle, check out our selection of digital bead mix recipes/color combos. These are tried and true (not AI generated) designer bead color palettes done for you. With the manufacturer bead numbers, you can search your stash or purchase the beads from your favorite bead shop. Once you collect all the colors, you can mix them all together and use them randomly or create a pattern. They've been tested both ways! Below is a selection of what we have. View them all here!
So...if you find yourself wondering what bead colors look good together or how to choose bead colors, give one of our bead mix recipes/color combos a try. You're guaranteed to find something that speaks to you!
P.S. We also have a dwindling selection of seed bead mixes available. Once these are sold out, we will only be offering our digital recipes/palettes.