What Color is Cardinal
Cardinal is a deep, vivid red that sits between scarlet and crimson on the color wheel. It carries a profound sense of authority and prestige due to its historic ties to elite institutions. This shade demands immediate attention while maintaining a strictly professional demeanor.
What color is opposite Cardinal?
The opposite color to Cardinal is Puerto Rico (#1ec2a7).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #1EC2A7
- Brightness: 83/255
- Saturation: 85%
Colors That Pair Well With Cardinal
Complementary
Pair with Puerto Rico for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Turquoise 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)
Cardinal History
The name originates from the cassocks worn by Catholic cardinals, symbolizing their willingness to shed blood for their faith. Historically, this specific depth of red was achieved using cochineal insects, a costly dye that became a cornerstone of the global textile trade during the 16th century.
During the Renaissance, this pigment became a visual shorthand for wealth and power. It was frequently used by Old Masters to highlight the nobility of their subjects, appearing in the heavy velvet robes of popes, monarchs, and the highest-ranking judges of Europe.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Cardinal evokes feelings of devotion and determination. It is a color of leadership that suggests a controlled intensity, distinguishing itself from the chaotic energy associated with brighter, orange-leaning reds.
In a cultural context, it represents tradition and sacrifice. It commands respect in formal settings, bridging the gap between the physical heat of primary red and the spiritual depth of violet-leaning tones, making it feel grounded yet aspirational.
In Nature
The most iconic example is the male Northern Cardinal bird, which uses this brilliant plumage to signal health to potential mates. You can also find this hue in the lush petals of the Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and the rare, crystalline structures of high-grade rhodochrosite minerals found in deep earth pockets.
How To Use Cardinal
In modern branding, Cardinal is a sophisticated choice for academic or sports institutions seeking to project a legacy. It works best as a focal point against neutral backgrounds like charcoal or ivory to prevent visual fatigue and ensure a regal aesthetic.
For digital accessibility, ensure a high contrast ratio when using white text on a Cardinal background. Designers should avoid pairing it directly with vibrant greens to prevent 'vibrating' edges, unless aiming for a specific festive or traditional holiday theme.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Academic Legacy
A classic, elite palette perfect for high-end institutions and heritage brands.
Winter Garden
Inspired by red berries against evergreen needles and frost.
Velvet Sunset
A warm, luxurious transition of deep reds and purples for high-fashion contexts.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #C41E3A;
color: rgb(196, 30, 58);
background-color: #C41E3A;
border: 3px solid #C41E3A;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #C41E3A66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #C41E3A 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Cardinal
Visualize and buy custom cushions made in this exact shade.
Made to order. Ships in 3-5 business days.
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 Cardinal?
Explore color palettes containing Cardinal and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Red colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Cardinal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Cardinal?
What colors go with Cardinal?
Is Cardinal accessible for text?
How do I use Cardinal in CSS?
You can use Cardinal in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.cardinal {
background-color: #C41E3A;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.