Color Scheme Tips for Using Different Colors in the Left and Right Columns of a Web Page
A two-column web page places two vertical content areas side by side. It can show an article next to related information, or a product list next to its filters. However, giving the left and right columns different background colors does not automatically make their purposes clear. First decide which information visitors should focus on and which information supports it. The examples below use HEX codes, a way to represent colors with hexadecimal numbers.
Decide the Role of Each Column Before Choosing Its Color
Identify the primary column—the area you want people to read or use first. On an article page, that might be the article body. On a product page, it could be the product details. A table of contents, related links, or filtering controls can occupy a supporting column.
A white or restrained background lets text and images lead in the main column, while a subtly tinted background distinguishes the supporting area. If navigation is on the left and the article is on the right, a dark left-hand panel with a light reading area can also work. The primary content does not always have to be on the left.
A bigger color difference is not necessarily better. When both columns use vivid backgrounds, they can compete with headings and buttons. Establish sensible widths, spacing, and information hierarchy first, then use color to reinforce those roles.
Two Practical Color Schemes for Left and Right Columns
Example 1: Main Article on the Left, Supporting Information on the Right
- Main article: use white #FFFFFF for the background and deep blue-gray #243447 for text.
- Supporting column: use pale blue-gray #EAF2F8 for the background and the same text color #243447 to maintain consistency.
- Supporting headings: use deep blue #1D466A to help readers locate individual sections.
- Action button in the supporting area: pair a blue background #175F89 with white button text #FFFFFF.
In this example, the contrast ratio is approximately 12.67:1 between the article text and its white background, and 11.20:1 between the supporting text and its pale background. The supporting heading has a contrast ratio of approximately 8.68:1 against its background, while the white button text reaches approximately 6.92:1 against the blue button. The columns have distinct roles without sacrificing text contrast.
Example 2: Navigation on the Left, Article Content on the Right
Give the left navigation panel a deep blue background #1D466A and white labels #FFFFFF. Keep the right-hand reading area white #FFFFFF with deep blue-gray text #243447. The navigation labels have a contrast ratio of approximately 9.83:1 against the dark background.
Here, the dark panel provides a clear visual landmark and separates navigation from the article. Keep its width in proportion to its function: an oversized dark panel can dominate the page and leave too little room for the content visitors came to read.
Check Boundaries, Mobile Layouts, and Text Contrast
When the two backgrounds are similar, increase the gutter between columns or give each area a clear heading. A divider can help, but it should not be the only cue to the content’s purpose. When the backgrounds differ strongly, use enough spacing and avoid making every heading and button equally prominent.
On mobile screens, side-by-side columns often stack vertically. Check that the main content and supporting information appear in a sensible reading order, that background transitions do not interrupt the flow, and that headings still explain each section. Labels such as “Related information” or “Filters” communicate purpose even when the columns are no longer side by side.
Under the AA level of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the minimum contrast ratio is 4.5:1 for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Essential interface graphics and control indicators have separate contrast requirements. The figures above are calculated for solid colors on the specified backgrounds. Check the finished page again whenever text sizes, transparency, photographs, or layered backgrounds change the actual combination.