Pale carmine

#AF4035

Red Family →

What Color is Pale carmine

Pale carmine is a muted, sophisticated red that sits between vibrant crimson and oxidized rust. It offers the visual impact of red without the aggressive urgency usually associated with brighter shades. This color evokes a sense of antiquity, resembling the faded elegance of historical textiles.

What color is opposite Pale carmine?

The opposite color to Pale carmine is Pelorous (#35a6b1).

View Pelorous

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Red
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #35A6B1
  • Brightness: 96/255
  • Saturation: 70%

Colors That Pair Well With Pale carmine

Complementary

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

#AF4035#35a6b1

High Contrast

Use Fountain Blue for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#AF4035#50bfca

Harmonious Depth

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

#cf8c86#58201b

Pale carmine History

Originating from the crushed bodies of the female Dactylopius coccus, or cochineal, this pigment was once more valuable than gold to the Spanish Empire. The Aztecs cultivated this natural source to create vibrant dyes, which eventually dominated European textile markets during the Renaissance.

While pure carmine is brilliant, the "pale" variation mimics the pigment's notorious tendency to fade when exposed to light, a quality known as being fugitive. Historically, artists used carmine lakes in glazes to add richness to skin tones and drapery, accepting that the hue would soften over time into this specific, earthy shade.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, this shade retains the warmth of red but dampens the physiological arousal associated with danger or high alert. It communicates a grounded, earthy passion, suggesting stability and comfort rather than fleeting excitement or alarm.

In cultural contexts, this muted tone often represents heritage and endurance, linked to the longevity of brick and clay. It invites introspection and conversation, making it a color of deep connection rather than superficial attraction.

In Nature

The natural world displays this hue in the iron-rich sediment of desert canyons and the weathered surfaces of red sandstone. It is also biologically present in the skin of a ripe pomegranate and the autumnal turning of maple leaves, marking the transition from growth to dormancy.

How To Use Pale carmine

In design, Pale carmine excels in environments requiring a rustic or academic atmosphere, such as libraries or upscale dining spaces. It pairs exceptionally well with natural materials like wood and leather, adding a layer of sophistication without overwhelming the senses.

Regarding accessibility, this hex code provides sufficient contrast against white backgrounds for readable typography, meeting WCAG standards. However, avoid pairing it with dark blues or blacks for text, as the legibility will suffer due to low luminance contrast.

Related Words

cochinealrenaissancefugitivelakeswarmthpassionheritageconnectionsedimentsandstonepomegranatemaplerusticsophisticationaccessibilitytypographylegibility

Curated Palettes

#AF4035
#E29578
#FFDDD2
#83C5BE
#006D77

Desert Antiquity

A warm, earthy palette inspired by pottery and arid landscapes.

#AF4035
#2F3E46
#52796F
#CAD2C5
#1A1A1A

Academic Study

A rich, moody palette suited for interior design and luxury branding.

#AF4035
#8C2F25
#D98E84
#F2E9E4
#9A8C98

Faded Tapestry

Analogous tones that evoke the feeling of worn historical textiles.

Color Conversions

Hex
#AF4035
RGB
175, 64, 53
RGB %
69%, 25%, 21%
HSL
5°, 54%, 45%
HSV
5°, 70%, 69%
CMYK
0%, 63%, 70%, 31%
LAB
42.82, 44.63, 30.65
XYZ
20.16, 13.04, 4.82

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #AF4035;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(175, 64, 53);
Background Color
background-color: #AF4035;
Border
border: 3px solid #AF4035;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #AF403566;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #AF4035 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Pale carmine

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
Pale carmine

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 Pale carmine?

Explore color palettes containing Pale carmine 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

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Crimson Red

#PC924#B42830

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Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Russet

#065#C03E2C

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Polychromos

middle cadmium red

#217#BC454F

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Pale carmine?
The hex code for Pale carmine is #AF4035. The RGB values are (175, 64, 53). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Pale carmine?
Pale carmine pairs well with its complementary color, Pelorous (#35a6b1). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Pale carmine accessible for text?
No, Pale carmine 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 Pale carmine in CSS?

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

.pale-carmine {
  background-color: #AF4035;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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