By Mark Kotterink, director of the Dutch Colour Institute (SNKI) · Published 12 March 2026 · Updated 8 October 2026
Choosing Colours with NCS
First pick the hue on the colour circle, then choose lightness and chromaticness within that hue in the triangle. Finally test the choice on the material with physical samples.
The Natural Colour System (NCS) offers a clear and systematic way to choose colours. The system makes it possible to precisely select variants within a single colour area that match your design, the desired appearance and the chosen material.
On this page you will read exclusively about how to choose colours with NCS.
1. Determining the visual direction
Choosing a colour starts with determining the visual direction: what hue should the colour radiate?
Professionals look at the position on the colour circle:
Examples of hues:
2. Varying within one colour area
Once the hue is chosen, you select variants within the same area.
With NCS you can within one hue:
- choose light variants
- choose dark variants
- choose strong or muted variants
- compose a series that is visually consistent
3. Choosing lightness (how light/dark should the colour be?)
Within the same hue, multiple lightness levels exist.
You choose based on:
- desired brightness
- contrast effect
- material reflection
- function of the space or product
Example within one hue (fictitious examples):
You stay within the same direction, but choose the nuance you want: lighter or darker, more or less chromatic.
4. Choosing chromaticness (strong or muted?)
In addition to lightness, you choose the chromaticness:
Professionals use chromaticness:
- to set the atmosphere
- to create accents
- to create coherence
- to find balance between calm and expressive areas
Example within one colour area:
The hue stays the same — the chromaticness changes.
5. Working with neutral colours as a base
In colour selection, the N-series plays a supporting role.
Neutral colours are used to bring balance and structure to a palette.
Examples within the N-series:
Neutral colours:
- connect colour accents with each other
- provide calmness
- enable contrast control
- form the foundation of a professional colour palette
6. Creating palettes and combinations
NCS makes it easy to create combinations that visually work.
Professionals choose combinations based on:
- affinity within the same colour area
- contrast between different colour areas
- a range from light to dark
- a range from soft to strong
- a combination of chromatic and neutral colours
Examples of systematic combinations:
7. Colour choice combined with material
The final colour choice depends on:
- gloss level
- material structure
- lighting
- scale and surface
- context of the environment
Frequently asked questions
Where do I start when choosing a colour with NCS?
With the visual direction: the hue on the NCS colour circle, for example Y10R for soft warm yellow or B30G for cool blue-green. Only then do you choose the lightness and the chromaticness within that hue in the colour triangle. That way you stay in the same colour area and build up a consistent series.
How do I decide how light or dark a colour should be?
Within the same hue there are several lightness levels, for example from S 0510-Y to S 7020-Y. You choose based on the desired brightness, contrast effect, material reflection and the function of the space or product. Lighter variants appear softer and more open, darker ones more powerful and heavier.
What is the difference between a muted and a strong colour?
That is the chromaticness (often called saturation in everyday language). S 2020-R is muted and calm, S 1060-R very intense and energetic, while the hue stays the same. Professionals use chromaticness to set the atmosphere, create accents and find balance between calm and expressive areas.
What is the N-series and what do I use it for?
The neutral series: greys without hue, from S 0500-N (very light grey) via S 3000-N (medium grey) to S 9000-N (almost black). Neutral colours bring balance and structure to a palette, connect colour accents, provide calmness and form the foundation of a professional colour palette.
How do I create a colour palette that visually works?
Choose combinations based on affinity within the same colour area or contrast between areas, and work with ranges from light to dark or from soft to strong. Colours with the same nuance, the same blackness or the same chromaticness visually belong together. Combine chromatic colours with neutral colours for a palette that works both aesthetically and functionally.
Should I test the chosen colour on the material?
Yes. The final colour choice depends on gloss level, material structure, lighting, scale and surroundings. With NCS you first choose the visual colour image and then test the result on the material itself with physical samples or a colour fan deck.
Take the online NCS colour course at the Kleurenschool ↗
Mark Kotterink, director of SNKI. Colour expert, lecturer and researcher with 35 years of experience in colour technology and colour application.