English red

#AB4B52

Red Family →

What Color is English red

English red is a sophisticated, earthy hue that bridges the gap between deep rose and burnt terracotta. This muted shade offers a sense of heritage and stability, making it a staple in classic aesthetics. It provides a timeless quality that feels more grounded than bright, primary crimsons.

What color is opposite English red?

The opposite color to English red is Tradewind (#4baaa4).

View Tradewind

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Red
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #4BAAA4
  • Brightness: 105/255
  • Saturation: 56%

Colors That Pair Well With English red

Complementary

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

#AB4B52#4baaa4

High Contrast

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

#AB4B52#54b4ad

Harmonious Depth

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

#cd9397#562629

English red History

Historically, this color originates from iron oxide deposits. During the 18th century, it was refined as a synthetic pigment to provide a more consistent, affordable alternative to natural red earths like Venetian red. It became a favorite in the Neoclassical movement, frequently appearing in the frescoes and grand architectural details of European estates.

In the art world, English red was prized for its high opacity and exceptional lightfastness. Masters used it for underpainting or rendering heavy textiles in portraits to suggest wealth without the gaudy flash of brighter, more fugitive dyes. Its incredible longevity has allowed many 19th-century works to retain their original depth and warmth today.

Meaning & Psychology

This shade lacks the aggression of primary reds, instead radiating warmth and a quiet authority. It evokes a feeling of comfort and traditional reliability, often associated with libraries, leather-bound books, and academic settings where focus is paramount.

Psychologically, it stimulates a sense of grounding and maturity. Because it contains significant brown undertones, it feels more organic and less artificial than modern synthetic reds. It encourages deliberation rather than impulsive action, making it an ideal choice for spaces meant for deep conversation and reflection.

In Nature

In the natural world, English red is primarily found in minerals like hematite or iron-rich clay deposits found in riverbeds. You can observe this exact tonality in the weathered bark of certain cedar trees or the dried husks of autumnal seeds. It also appears in the oxidized surfaces of stones found in arid canyons, showcasing the slow chemical transition of earth elements over millennia.

How To Use English red

From a design perspective, English red is a versatile choice for branding that requires a sense of prestige. It functions beautifully as an accent against cream or charcoal, providing high contrast without causing the eye strain associated with high-vibrancy reds. In digital UI, developers must ensure sufficient contrast ratios, as its muted nature can occasionally blur into darker backgrounds.

This color is an excellent choice for high-end packaging or interior textiles. It provides a harmonious backdrop that complements natural wood grains and metallic finishes like brass or copper. Use it to establish a sophisticated atmosphere where a brighter red would feel too loud, distracting, or contemporary.

Related Words

iron oxide18th centuryneoclassicalopacitytextileslongevitywarmthauthoritycomfortgroundingorganicdeliberationmineralsclaybarkhusksoxidizedversatileprestigecreamexcellentharmonioussophisticated

Curated Palettes

#AB4B52
#F5E6CA
#3D405B
#81B29A
#E07A5F

Heritage Library

A classic, scholarly mix that evokes old-world study rooms and fine bookbinding.

#AB4B52
#4A3B33
#7D6B5D
#B8B08D
#2D3033

Iron Earth

Grounded and rugged tones inspired by mineral deposits and natural oxidation.

#AB4B52
#D4A373
#FAEDCD
#CCD5AE
#E9EDC6

English Rose Garden

A softer, botanical palette that balances the heavy red with light, natural greens and tans.

Color Conversions

Hex
#AB4B52
RGB
171, 75, 82
RGB %
67%, 29%, 32%
HSL
356°, 39%, 48%
HSV
356°, 56%, 67%
CMYK
0%, 56%, 52%, 33%
LAB
44.66, 40.01, 15.43
XYZ
20.83, 14.30, 9.64

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #AB4B52;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(171, 75, 82);
Background Color
background-color: #AB4B52;
Border
border: 3px solid #AB4B52;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #AB4B5266;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #AB4B52 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in English red

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
English red

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.
  • Print: Double-sided, all-over 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 English red?

Explore color palettes containing English red 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

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#PC930#A12049

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for English red?
The hex code for English red is #AB4B52. The RGB values are (171, 75, 82). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with English red?
English red pairs well with its complementary color, Tradewind (#4baaa4). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is English red accessible for text?
No, English red 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 English red in CSS?

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

.english-red {
  background-color: #AB4B52;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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