What Color is Firebrick
Firebrick is a deep, medium-dark red that evokes a sense of strength and tradition. It mimics the color of clay hardened by extreme heat, offering a more grounded alternative to bright crimsons. It functions as a permanent fixture in both classic architecture and modern digital interfaces.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #22B4B4
- Brightness: 77/255
- Saturation: 81%
Colors That Pair Well With Firebrick
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)
Firebrick History
Historically, the name refers to refractory bricks used to line furnaces and kilns, designed to withstand intense heat. The color gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution as mass production of building materials standardized this specific earthy hue. These bricks were colored by high concentrations of iron oxide, the same pigment found in ancient ochre and Venetian Red.
In the world of computing, Firebrick was officially standardized as an X11 color name in the mid-1980s. This transition from a physical industrial material to a digital hexadecimal code (#B22222) allowed it to survive into the Victorian revival movement in digital design. It remains a staple for designers looking to evoke a sense of heritage and architectural stability.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Firebrick carries the intensity of red but tempers it with the brown undertones of the earth. It evokes feelings of warmth and physical security, much like sitting beside a hearth. Unlike bright reds that signal immediate danger, this shade suggests a refined energy that is mature and controlled.
In many cultures, this deep red is associated with longevity and perseverance. It provides a sense of comfort because it is deeply familiar as a building material. In branding, it is used to project a personality that is serious, established, and reliable.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is most frequently seen in hematite, an iron oxide mineral that takes on a deep reddish-brown luster. It also appears in the foliage of certain deciduous trees during late autumn, particularly in red maples. In the animal kingdom, the plumage of the northern cardinal or the shell of certain crustaceans can exhibit this dark, saturated red.
How To Use Firebrick
From a design perspective, Firebrick is an excellent choice for accents that require gravitas without being overwhelming. It has a lower luminance than standard red, so it pairs exceptionally well with cream or off-white to maintain high readability. When used in UI, it can signify importance or error states with a more sophisticated tone.
For accessibility, ensure that any text placed over Firebrick has a high contrast ratio. It works beautifully as a secondary brand color for financial institutions or heritage clothing lines. Avoid using it in overly large blocks in minimalist designs, as its visual density can make a layout feel heavy or dated.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Industrial Heritage
A robust palette inspired by 19th-century brick and steel construction.
Fireside Warmth
Cozy, glowing tones that mimic a lit fireplace in a dark room.
Regal Library
Sophisticated and scholarly tones for high-end branding.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #B22222;
color: rgb(178, 34, 34);
background-color: #B22222;
border: 3px solid #B22222;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #B2222266;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #B22222 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Firebrick
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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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 Firebrick?
Explore color palettes containing Firebrick and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Split-complementary
Tetradic
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 Firebrick
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Firebrick?
What colors go with Firebrick?
Is Firebrick accessible for text?
How do I use Firebrick in CSS?
You can use Firebrick in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.firebrick {
background-color: #B22222;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.