As a self-published author on Amazon KDP, you know how important it is to catch the reader’s attention with your book cover. With thousands of books vying for the reader’s attention, a poorly designed or unattractive book cover can make your book go unnoticed.

In this post, we will explore color theory and how we can use it to achieve eye catching book covers. I have also included 17 designs that showcase the best color combinations, and the hex codes for you to use.

The Basics of Color Theory

Color theory is the study of how colors interact with each other. It is based on the color wheel, which is a visual representation of the colors of the spectrum arranged in a circle. The three primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors, such as green (yellow and blue) or purple (red and blue). Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary and a secondary color, such as yellow-green or red-purple.

Color theory also involves concepts such as hue, tint and shade. Hue refers to the actual color, such as red or blue. Tints and shades can be used to create depth and contrast in a design. By using a range of tints and shades of a particular color, you can create a color palette that is visually interesting and appealing.

Here is a list of different colors and the feelings and meanings associated with them:

1. Red: Passion, energy, excitement, love, danger, aggression, urgency.
2. Blue: Calm, trust, peace, loyalty, professionalism, intelligence, reliability.
3. Green: Nature, growth, harmony, health, safety, money, envy.
4. Yellow: Happiness, optimism, warmth, energy, caution, warning.
5. Orange: Creativity, enthusiasm, friendliness, warmth, excitement, danger.
6. Purple: Royalty, luxury, sophistication, spirituality, creativity, mystery.
7. Pink: Love, romance, femininity, playfulness, sweetness.
8. Brown: Earthiness, stability, dependability, simplicity, warmth, tradition.
9. Black: Power, sophistication, elegance, formality, death, mystery.
10. White: Purity, innocence, cleanliness, simplicity, peace, sterility.
11. Gray: Neutrality, calmness, sophistication, formality, boredom, gloom.
12. Beige: Calmness, simplicity, warmth, neutrality, elegance.
13. Gold: Wealth, luxury, success, warmth, prestige, sophistication.
14. Silver: Modernity, elegance, grace, sophistication, technology.
15. Turquoise: Calmness, balance, tranquillity, sophistication, creativity.
16. Lavender: Romance, femininity, elegance, calmness, creativity, mystery.
17. Navy: Professionalism, trust, calmness, formality, sophistication.

When it comes to designing a book cover, it’s important to keep in mind the niche of your book and whether the colors you choose match the tone and energy of that niche. For instance, a predominantly red cover might not be the best choice for a meditation journal, just as gold might not be the ideal color for a gardening journal. By selecting colors that align with the theme and message of your book, you can create a visually appealing and effective cover that accurately represents your work

17 Examples of effective color combinations

1. Blues and earthy brown

The cool and understated #7686a6 pairs well with the deep and mysterious #384059, while the warm and earthy #a66b37 provides balance and stability to the palette. Together, these colors create a sophisticated and approachable color scheme that evokes a sense of calmness and groundedness.

This combination work well for a book cover or website that deals with nature, history, or culture.

Hex codes: #7686a6 , #384059 , #a66b37

2. Bright pink and cyan

The bright pink of #ff69b3 and the cool cyan of #01ffff work well together to create a striking and energetic color scheme. The contrast between the warm pink and cool cyan creates a visually interesting and dynamic effect. Pink is often associated with love, romance, and playfulness, while cyan can evoke a sense of calmness and tranquility.

Together, these colors create a palette that is both bold and balanced, and that evokes a sense of fun and excitement. This combination might be well-suited for a book or website that deals with topics related to fashion, beauty, or art.

Hex codes: #ff69b3 , #01ffff

3.Deep teal, Light blue and dark cyan

The deep teal of #004958, light blue of #affdfb, and dark cyan of #009899 work well together to create a color scheme that is both calming and invigorating. The cool blues and greens create a refreshing and natural palette, while the contrast between the deep and light shades adds depth and interest.

This combination could work well for a book or website that deals with topics related to the ocean, environment, or health. The colors evoke a sense of freshness, energy, and tranquility that could be appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Hex codes: #004958 , #affdfb , #009899

4. Dark blue and warm beige

The dark blue of #213644 and pale, warm beige of #eccca1 could work well together to create a color scheme that is elegant. The dark blue evokes a sense of depth and mystery, while the pale beige provides a calming and natural counterpoint. The contrast between the deep and light shades adds visual interest and depth to the palette.

The colors evoke a sense of sophistication, and warmth that could be appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Hex codes: #213644 , #eccca1

5. Bright yellow, lavender and purple

The bright yellow of #f2d822, muted lavender of #c1bdf9, deep purple of #8d80e5, and dark purple of #5b1cca work well together to create a color scheme that is both vibrant and sophisticated. The warm yellow and cool purples create a visually interesting and dynamic effect, while the muted lavender adds a sense of calmness and tranquillity to the palette.

This combination might be well-suited for a book or website that deals with topics related to creativity. The colors evoke a sense of energy, elegance, and mystery.

Hex codes: #f2d822 , #c1bdf9 , #8d80e5 , #5b1cca

6. Warm brown and pale, warm beige

The warm, pale beige of #eccca1 and the warm, reddish-brown of #a66a4e work well together to create a color scheme that is both elegant and earthy. The contrast between the light and dark shades adds visual interest and depth to the palette, while the warm tones create a sense of calmness.

This combination might be well-suited to a book or website that deals with topics related to nature, beauty or spirituality. The colors evoke a sense of understated refinement, warmth, and tradition.

Hex codes: #a66a4e, #fc7946 ,

7. Deep dark blue-green and warm orange

The deep, dark blue-green of #05181f and the warm orange of #fc7946 work well together to create a striking and energetic color combination. The contrast between the cool, dark shade of blue-green and the warm orange creates a visually interesting and dynamic effect. The blue-green exudes a sense of depth and mystery, while the orange evokes a sense of energy and enthusiasm.

This combination might work well for niches related to adventure, science fiction, or technology. The colors evoke a sense of excitement, sophistication, and playfulness.

Hex codes: #05181f , #fc7946

8. Black, dark grey, yellow and dark, rich orange

These colors come together to create a professional and eye catching design. The yellow and orange provide a pop of energy against the dark background. These colors might work well for niches related to technology, innovation, or science.

Hex codes: #252524 , #353535 , #f1a630 , #e37f08

9. A combination of pinks and brown

The bright pink of #e87991 and the deep magenta of #9c3e68 work well together to create a bold and passionate color scheme. The contrast between the two shades of pink creates a sense of depth and interest, while the dark brown of #3d1f14 provides a grounding counterpoint. The pale, warm pink of #fce0e9 softens the contrast between the brighter pinks and the deep magenta, adding a sense of balance to the palette.

This combination may be well-suited to a book that deals with topics related to love, relationships, or creativity. The colors evoke a sense of passion, warmth, and elegance that could be appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Hex codes: #e87991 , #9c3e68 , #fce0e9 , 3d1f14

10. Dark teal, bright yellow-green and dark olive green

Natural and energizing, the color combination is pleasant to the eye. This color scheme will be well suited for topics related to the environment, sustainability, health or nature.

Hex codes: #003334 , #d6d602 , #7c7c02

11. Very dark blue, bright light blue, deep blue, and pure white

The combination of very dark blue in #020317, the bright, light blue in #21a9ff, the deep, bright blue in #2867ee, and the pure white in #ffffff creates a fresh and modern color scheme. The contrast between the very dark blue and the bright, light blue evokes a sense of intrigue and curiosity, while the deep blue adds a feeling of trustworthiness and dependability.

The use of pure white as a background creates a sense of clarity and sophistication, highlighting the other colors and emphasizing the overall modernity of the palette. The colors evoke a sense of trust, professionalism, dependability, and innovation.

Hex codes: #020317 , #21a9ff , #2867ee , #ffffff

12. Bright pink, soft cool green and muted, warm pink

The bright, warm pink of #ed3572, the soft, cool green of #77c593, and the muted, warm pink of #da68a0 could work well together to create a color scheme that is both feminine and sophisticated. The contrast between the bright, warm pink and the soft, cool green creates a visually interesting effect. These colors work well against the dark background.

This combination might be well-suited to a book or website that deals with topics related to fashion, beauty, or lifestyle. The colors evoke a sense of elegance, femininity, and modernity that could be appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Hex codes: #ed3572 , #77c593 , #da68a0

13. Dark blue, warm muted red, and pale grey-blue

The dark blue can serve as a grounding base color, allowing the other two colors to pop against it. The warm, muted red adds a touch of warmth and energy, creating a sense of inspiration and motivation for the user. The pale grey-blue provides a soft and soothing feel, adding a sense of calm and tranquillity to the overall design. Together, these colors create a well-balanced and visually appealing color scheme that is both modern and sophisticated.

This color combination could work well for low content book covers in a variety of niches, including self-improvement, wellness, or lifestyle. It could also work well for covers related to art or creativity, as it evokes a sense of inspiration and artistic energy.

Hex codes: #262f47 , #e1897a , #ecf0f5

14. Dark brown, bright, warm yellow-orange, muted, warm orange and bright, warm red.

The dark brown of #372719, the bright, warm yellow-orange of #f0a21f, the muted, warm orange of #ea8223, and the bright, warm red of #e8543d could work well together to create a color scheme that is both bold and grounded. The contrast between the warm, bright colors and the dark brown creates a sense of energy and excitement, while the brown provides a grounding and stable foundation for the other colors.

This combination might be well-suited to a book or website that deals with topics related to food, travel, or nature. The colors evoke a sense of warmth, adventure, and earthiness.

Hex codes: #372719 , f0a21f , ea8223 , e8543d

15. Dark blue, bright, light blue and bright, warm orange.

The dark blue with a slight green tint in #172e4f, the bright, light blue in #4ec7e9, and the bright, warm orange in #f98f1f could work well together to create a color scheme that is both bold and refreshing.

This combination might be well-suited to a book or website that deals with topics related to sports, fitness, or health. The colors evoke a sense of energy, vitality, and excitement.

Alternatively, this color scheme could work well for a book or website that deals with travel or adventure, as the colors evoke a sense of exploration, discovery, and fun.

Hex codes: #172e4f , #4ec7e9 , #f98f1f

16. Dark red-brown, bright, muted red, muted, warm yellow and pale, yellow-beige.

The dark red-brown of #3f1a18, the bright, warm red of #ac453c, the muted, warm yellow of #d3ae4b, and the pale yellow-beige of #f5f1b3 could work well together to create a color scheme that is both natural and energizing. The contrast between the dark red-brown and the bright, warm red creates a sense of energy and excitement, while the muted, warm yellow adds a sense of warmth and coziness.

This combination might be well-suited to a book or website that deals with topics related to food, cooking, nature or nutrition. The colors evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and natural vitality, which could be appealing to readers seeking guidance or inspiration in these areas.

Hex codes: #3f1a18 , #ac453c , d3ae4b , f5f1b3

17. Dark purple, bright warm pink-red and pale, muted pink.

The dark purple with a slight red tint of #23112b, the bright, warm red of #e82344, and the pale, muted pink of #f4b0a1 could work well together to create a color scheme that is both bold and feminine. The contrast between the dark purple and the bright, warm red creates a sense of energy and passion, while the pale, muted pink provides a soft and soothing counterpoint.

This combination might be well-suited to a book or website that deals with topics related to art, fashion, or design. The colors evoke a sense of creativity, elegance, and sophistication.

Alternatively, this color scheme could work well for a book or website that deals with topics related to relationships, love, or self-improvement.

Hex codes: #23112b , #e82344 , f4b0a1

Final Thoughts

Creating an eye-catching book cover is crucial for self-published authors on Amazon KDP. Your cover needs to grab the reader’s attention instantly. Remember, your book cover is the first thing a potential reader sees, so make it count! Use the color combinations we’ve provided above to help your book cover pop and stand out from the crowd.

It took me a lot of time to put this guide together, I hope you find it useful.

PS. If you found this guide helpful, you will probably love my blog post on “My favourite KDP tools & resources”

——–> https://getmoneyontheside.com/my-favourite-kdp-tools-resources/