Gradient Vs. Ombré

Hi everyone! Today's guide post is going to be relatively short, and pertains to the difference between gradient and ombré. I recently added a blog segment featuring a gradient yarn and wondered afterward if the difference between gradient and ombré was known amongst all my readers, since I did not explain the difference here. 

Gradient and ombré color schemes show up in a variety of places, not just yarn kits (you can find these used to describe nails, hair, wallpaper, paintings, and even food). So while they may seem to be talking about the same graduation of different colors, there is a slight difference. In the example above, the image on the left is an ombré, and the image on the right is a gradient. I will explain in further detail below. It might help to familiarize yourself with color theory basics if you are not familiar with how color harmony works in art. For more one colors and color theory, check out this previous post.

Gradient

A gradient affect is a transitioning of different colors from light to dark (or dark to light). So a gradient can go from dark purple, then red, then different shades of orange, and finally yellow (like a sunset or sunrise). A gradient can also go dark to light in one direction, then light to dark in another (dark green to light green, then light pink to dark pink, as in one of the examples below). If you are familiar with color theory basics, a gradient is essentially a graduated series of analogous, complimentary, or high contrast colors. Below are some examples. You can also look at the yarn set in my blog post for reference.

Ombré 

An ombré affect is a transitioning of shades or tints of the same colors from light to dark (or dark to light). A good example of this would be a greyscale (which is the first example below). Another example is if you start with dark purple, then gradually make this purple a few shades lighter each time until it is close to white. If you are familiar with color theory basics, an ombré is essentially a graduated series of monochromatic colors. ​Ombré combos are simpler than gradients, and in short, the final result of an ombré affect is either a lighter shade or darker tint of the starting color. Below are some examples.

I hope this post was helpful when referring to gradient and ombré differences. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Until next time!