What Color is Cornell Red
Cornell Red is a deep, authoritative crimson that exudes a sense of tradition and academic excellence. This hue is a sophisticated bridge between a bright scarlet and a dark maroon.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #1BB1B1
- Brightness: 72/255
- Saturation: 85%
Colors That Pair Well With Cornell Red
Complementary
Pair with Java for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Robin's Egg Blue 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)
Cornell Red History
Established in 1868, this color was selected by the university’s founder, Ezra Cornell, to distinguish the institution with a stately and permanent aesthetic. It draws from the 19th-century preference for madder lake and iron oxide pigments, which provided a durable, lightfast quality to banners and academic regalia.
This specific shade aligns with the Gothic Revival aesthetic prevalent during the late 19th century. As chemical manufacturing evolved, the color transitioned from organic dyes to synthetic alizarin, eventually becoming a legacy color rigorously standardized to maintain brand consistency for over 150 years.
Meaning & Psychology
This red evokes a feeling of tenacity and scholarly focus, suggesting a tempered energy rather than raw aggression. It commands respect through a sense of disciplined passion, making it a primary choice for institutional branding that requires a serious tone.
Culturally, it carries a weight of prestige and intellectual rigor, fostering an environment of confidence. In psychological terms, it is frequently associated with durability and the long-term commitment required for higher learning.
In Nature
In the natural world, this deep red is mirrored in the garnet gemstones found in metamorphic rocks. It appears in the dark flesh of an oxheart cherry and the saturated pigment of beetroot. It is most prominent during the autumnal transition of maple leaves just before they fall.
How To Use Cornell Red
Designers should use Cornell Red as an anchor color to provide stability and a heritage feel to any layout. It is a versatile choice that performs exceptionally well when paired with metallic accents or crisp neutrals for high-end digital interfaces.
For accessibility, it offers high contrast against light backgrounds, making it excellent for readable typography. However, designers must be careful with its vibration when used as a large background block, ensuring it remains a robust element rather than an overwhelming one.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Ivy League Classic
A traditional, high-contrast palette reflecting prestige and history.
Modern Scholar
A sleek, professional combination for digital editorial design.
Gorge Sunset
An organic, warm palette inspired by the natural landscape of Ithaca.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #B31B1B;
color: rgb(179, 27, 27);
background-color: #B31B1B;
border: 3px solid #B31B1B;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #B31B1B66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #B31B1B 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Cornell Red
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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 Cornell Red?
Explore color palettes containing Cornell Red 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 Cornell Red
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Cornell Red?
What colors go with Cornell Red?
Is Cornell Red accessible for text?
How do I use Cornell Red in CSS?
You can use Cornell Red in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.cornell-red {
background-color: #B31B1B;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.