What Color is Fire engine red
Fire engine red is a vibrant and high-intensity shade that commands immediate focus. It sits at the intersection of safety and high-speed motion. This specific hex code represents a classic iteration of the color used in emergency services.
What color is opposite Fire engine red?
The opposite color to Fire engine red is Turquoise (#20cfc7).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #20CFC7
- Brightness: 85/255
- Saturation: 84%
Colors That Pair Well With Fire engine red
Complementary
Pair with Turquoise 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)
Fire engine red History
In the early 20th century, fire departments adopted this hue for standardization to stand out among the mostly black Ford Model T vehicles on the road. Before motorized engines, many brigades used red because iron-oxide pigments were the most affordable paint option for their horse-drawn units.
By the mid-1900s, the pigment industry evolved to utilize Toluidine red and eventually synthetic organic pigments. These advancements ensured a brilliant finish that resisted fading under harsh sun and extreme weather conditions, cementing its role as a global signal for help.
Meaning & Psychology
This color triggers a physiological response, increasing adrenaline and heart rate in observers. It is the ultimate color of urgency, designed to bypass logic and trigger an immediate survival instinct or reflex.
Culturally, while it represents danger in the West, it is also a universal symbol of authority and power. It demands a visceral reaction that few other colors can replicate, making it both intimidating and deeply passionate.
In Nature
While this specific hex is highly saturated, it mirrors the appearance of the mineral Cinnabar or the vivid plumage of a male Cardinal. In the plant kingdom, it is found in the ripe Berries of the hawthorn tree, serving as a high-contrast beacon to attract animals for seed dispersal against a green canopy.
How To Use Fire engine red
In design, use this color as a powerful accent to guide the user's eye toward a primary call-to-action. Because of its immense visual weight, it should be used with restraint to prevent user fatigue and maintain a clear visual hierarchy.
From an accessibility standpoint, always pair it with high-contrast backgrounds like white or very light gray. Be mindful that for users with protanopia, this shade may lose its intensity, appearing as a duller brown or olive tone.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
First Responder
A high-contrast, authoritative palette based on emergency service aesthetics.
Vintage Cinema
Inspired by mid-century theater lobbies and velvet curtains.
Retro Pop
A bold, energetic 1950s diner aesthetic with high saturation.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #CE2029;
color: rgb(206, 32, 41);
background-color: #CE2029;
border: 3px solid #CE2029;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #CE202966;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #CE2029 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Fire engine 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.
- 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 Fire engine red?
Explore color palettes containing Fire engine red and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
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 Fire engine red
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Fire engine red?
What colors go with Fire engine red?
Is Fire engine red accessible for text?
How do I use Fire engine red in CSS?
You can use Fire engine red in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.fire-engine-red {
background-color: #CE2029;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.