Bittersweet shimmer

#BF4F51

Red Family →

What Color is Bittersweet shimmer

Bittersweet shimmer is a sophisticated medium-red hue that leans toward a metallic finish. It balances the warmth of a traditional red with the softness of a rose-clay undertone. This color provides a mature alternative to vibrant crimsons.

What color is opposite Bittersweet shimmer?

The opposite color to Bittersweet shimmer is Java (#4fbfbe).

View Java

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Red
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #4FBFBE
  • Brightness: 113/255
  • Saturation: 59%

Colors That Pair Well With Bittersweet shimmer

Complementary

Pair with Java for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#BF4F51#4fbfbe

High Contrast

Use Tradewind for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#BF4F51#40b0ae

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#d99597#602829

Bittersweet shimmer History

The term Bittersweet originally refers to the berries of the Celastrus scandens vine, but the 'shimmer' variant gained prominence in 2001 via the Crayola Silver Swirls collection. Historically, hues in this specific family were derived from pigment sources like red iron oxide or burnt sienna, which have been utilized since prehistoric cave paintings.

In the late 19th-century Arts and Crafts movement, similar terracotta tones were favored for their earthy but rich quality. Today, Bittersweet shimmer represents a bridge between mid-century nostalgia and modern industrial finishes, often used in automotive paint and cosmetic palettes to convey depth.

Meaning & Psychology

While traditional reds evoke urgency or danger, Bittersweet shimmer provides a sense of quiet confidence. It lacks the aggression of high-chroma reds, instead offering a feeling of restraint and stability. It is often perceived as grounded yet slightly adventurous due to its reflective properties.

Culturally, this shade suggests a state of comfort and luxury. The shimmer aspect triggers a psychological response associated with precious minerals and high-end surfaces, making it feel more expensive and intentional than a flat matte red.

In Nature

This color appears naturally in sediment layers where iron has oxidized, mirroring the earthy tones of rust. It is also found in the leathery skin of a ripe pomegranate or the late-autumn leaves of a dogwood tree before they turn brittle. In mineralogy, it closely resembles a polished jasper stone with a slight crystalline sheen.

How To Use Bittersweet shimmer

For designers, Bittersweet shimmer works best as an accent against charcoal or cream to highlight sophistication. Because it is a medium-tone red, designers must carefully monitor contrast ratios to meet WCAG accessibility standards, particularly when placing it against dark backgrounds.

Incorporating a metallic texture is essential when aiming to replicate the shimmer effect in digital UI or print. It is a premier choice for luxury branding and packaging where a balance of organic warmth and modern industry is required.

Related Words

pigmentterracottanostalgiaconfidencerestraintcomfortmineralssedimentrustpomegranatejaspersophisticationcontrasttexturebranding

Curated Palettes

#BF4F51
#D4AF37
#5B3A29
#F5F5DC
#8B4513

Gilded Autumn

A rich, earthy palette that emphasizes the metallic warmth of the red.

#BF4F51
#2C3E50
#95A5A6
#ECF0F1
#BDC3C7

Urban Twilight

A modern, professional look utilizing cool grays to balance the shimmer.

#BF4F51
#7D2E30
#FADADD
#4A4E69
#9A8C98

Velvet Berry

A soft, monochromatic exploration of pink and deep red tones.

Color Conversions

Hex
#BF4F51
RGB
191, 79, 81
RGB %
75%, 31%, 32%
HSL
359°, 47%, 53%
HSV
359°, 59%, 75%
CMYK
0%, 59%, 58%, 25%
LAB
48.59, 45.20, 21.86
XYZ
25.77, 17.26, 9.76

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #BF4F51;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(191, 79, 81);
Background Color
background-color: #BF4F51;
Border
border: 3px solid #BF4F51;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #BF4F5166;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #BF4F51 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Bittersweet shimmer

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Bittersweet shimmer

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

Product Details

Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.

  • Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
  • Feel: Velvety soft finish.
  • Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
  • Print: Edge-to-edge vibrant color using water-based inks.
  • Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
  • Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials

We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.

  • Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
  • Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
  • Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
  • Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.

What Goes With Bittersweet shimmer?

Explore color palettes containing Bittersweet shimmer and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

Accessibility

Contrast with Black and White

Contrast with Black

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail
Contrast with White

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

Polychromos

middle cadmium red

#217#BC454F

Buy

Prismacolor

Crimson Red

#PC924#B42830

Buy

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Terracotta

#044#CA5F42

Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Bittersweet shimmer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Bittersweet shimmer?
The hex code for Bittersweet shimmer is #BF4F51. The RGB values are (191, 79, 81). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Bittersweet shimmer?
Bittersweet shimmer pairs well with its complementary color, Java (#4fbfbe). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Bittersweet shimmer accessible for text?
No, Bittersweet shimmer is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Bittersweet shimmer in CSS?

You can use Bittersweet shimmer in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.bittersweet-shimmer {
  background-color: #BF4F51;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.