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).
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.
High Contrast
Use Tradewind for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
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
Curated Palettes
Gilded Autumn
A rich, earthy palette that emphasizes the metallic warmth of the red.
Urban Twilight
A modern, professional look utilizing cool grays to balance the shimmer.
Velvet Berry
A soft, monochromatic exploration of pink and deep red tones.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #BF4F51;
color: rgb(191, 79, 81);
background-color: #BF4F51;
border: 3px solid #BF4F51;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #BF4F5166;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #BF4F51 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in Bittersweet shimmer
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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.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Red colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Bittersweet shimmer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Bittersweet shimmer?
What colors go with Bittersweet shimmer?
Is Bittersweet shimmer accessible for text?
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.