Dark coral

#CD5B45

Red Family →

What Color is Dark coral

Dark coral is a sophisticated blend of earthy red and sun-bleached orange. It bridges the gap between vibrant tropical shades and grounded terracotta tones. This color offers a muted intensity that feels both historical and contemporary.

What color is opposite Dark coral?

The opposite color to Dark coral is Pelorous (#46b7ce).

View Pelorous

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Red
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #46B7CE
  • Brightness: 123/255
  • Saturation: 66%

Colors That Pair Well With Dark coral

Complementary

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

#CD5B45#46b7ce

High Contrast

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

#CD5B45#32a4ba

Harmonious Depth

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

#e19d8f#672e23

Dark coral History

Historically, the color takes its name from the calcium carbonate skeletons of marine polyps, specifically Corallium rubrum. In the 18th century, coral jewelry and pigments became a symbol of status across the Mediterranean and Victorian England, often imported via trade routes from the East.

While traditional coral was often lighter, the 'Dark' variant mimics the deep, oxidized hues found in aged pigments like red ochre. This specific shade gained prominence in the Art Deco movement of the 1920s, providing a balanced warmth to the era's geometric and metallic aesthetics.

Meaning & Psychology

This shade evokes a sense of warmth without the alarm of a true red. It is psychologically linked to hospitality and comfort, making people feel welcomed and relaxed in its presence. It suggests an inviting environment that fosters open communication.

Cultures often associate these earthy red-oranges with vitality and the enduring pulse of life. Unlike bright coral which can feel flighty or juvenile, dark coral suggests resilience and emotional maturity. It commands attention through its subtle confidence rather than loud aggression.

In Nature

In the natural world, this hue is most famously observed in the calcareous structures of deep-sea reefs and the outer shells of certain crustaceans after they have been exposed to sunlight. It also appears in the mineral world within sedimentary rocks rich in iron oxide. At dusk, the atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths, leaving the sky painted in this specific crepuscular glow just before the sun disappears.

How To Use Dark coral

In design, dark coral serves as an excellent accent color for brands that want to appear energetic but stable. It pairs beautifully with teal or deep navy for high-contrast, dynamic compositions. It is a versatile choice for digital interfaces because it provides a pop of color that is easier on the eyes than pure scarlet.

Because it is a deeper shade, it often passes WCAG accessibility standards for large text against light backgrounds more easily than its neon counterparts. Use it in interiors to create focal points that feel organic rather than synthetic, particularly in textiles or statement furniture.

Related Words

marinestatusoxidizedbalancedwarmthhospitalityvitalityresiliencesubtlecalcareouscrustaceanssedimentarycrepuscularaccentdynamicaccessibilityinteriorsorganic

Curated Palettes

#CD5B45
#005F6B
#D2B48C
#8FBC8F
#2F4F4F

Ocean Bed

A deep, aquatic-inspired palette that balances the warmth of coral with cool maritime tones.

#CD5B45
#B8860B
#556B2F
#8B4513
#FFF8DC

Autumn Harvest

Earthy and rich, this palette mimics the changing leaves and natural bounty of late fall.

#CD5B45
#E9967A
#0047AB
#F5F5DC
#708090

Mediterranean Sunset

A vibrant yet sophisticated collection reflecting coastal architecture and evening skies.

Color Conversions

Hex
#CD5B45
RGB
205, 91, 69
RGB %
80%, 36%, 27%
HSL
10°, 58%, 54%
HSV
10°, 66%, 80%
CMYK
0%, 56%, 66%, 20%
LAB
52.83, 43.72, 34.62
XYZ
29.99, 20.89, 8.08

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #CD5B45;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(205, 91, 69);
Background Color
background-color: #CD5B45;
Border
border: 3px solid #CD5B45;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #CD5B4566;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #CD5B45 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Dark coral

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
Dark coral

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 Dark coral?

Explore color palettes containing Dark coral 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

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Terracotta

#044#CA5F42

Buy

Polychromos

sanguine

#188#D77255

Buy

Prismacolor

Crimson Red

#PC924#B42830

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Dark coral?
The hex code for Dark coral is #CD5B45. The RGB values are (205, 91, 69). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Dark coral?
Dark coral pairs well with its complementary color, Pelorous (#46b7ce). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Dark coral accessible for text?
No, Dark coral 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 Dark coral in CSS?

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

.dark-coral {
  background-color: #CD5B45;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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