Tart Orange

#FB4D46

Red Family →

What Color is Tart Orange

Tart Orange is a high-voltage blend of red and orange that radiates intensity and warmth. Unlike muted terracottas, this shade possesses a synthetic brightness that feels modern and energetic. It captures the zest of citrus fruit while maintaining the visual weight of a classic red.

What color is opposite Tart Orange?

The opposite color to Tart Orange is Cyan / Aqua (#46f5fb).

View Cyan / Aqua

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Red
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #46F5FB
  • Brightness: 128/255
  • Saturation: 72%

Colors That Pair Well With Tart Orange

Complementary

Pair with Cyan / Aqua for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#FB4D46#46f5fb

High Contrast

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

#FB4D46#04b2b9

Harmonious Depth

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

#fd9490#7e2723

Tart Orange History

Historically, achieving this specific bright orange-red was difficult and dangerous. Ancient artisans utilized cinnabar, a toxic mercury sulfide mineral, to create vermilion, which closely resembles this hue. It was not until the 19th century that the discovery of cadmium allowed for the production of stable, bright orange-reds that did not blacken over time.

In the 20th century, this shade became a staple of Pop Art and commercial design. Artists like Andy Warhol utilized such vibrant tones to mimic the mechanical reproduction of advertising. It moved away from naturalism toward a plastic aesthetic, celebrating the rise of mass-produced culture and bold, screen-ready graphics.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, Tart Orange is an incredibly stimulating color that raises the heart rate and encourages action. It combines the physical power of red with the playful energy of orange, often stimulating the appetite and social conversation. It is perceived as a color of spontaneity and gut reactions.

Culturally, this shade is often associated with urgency and high visibility. Because it is highly visible against blue skies and gray pavement, similar shades are used for safety equipment and life rafts. In branding, it conveys confidence and affordability, often used to target younger demographics looking for fun rather than prestige.

In Nature

While this specific high-saturation code often looks man-made, it appears strikingly in nature within tropical environments. It is the color of the hibiscus flower and the flesh of a blood orange, serving to attract pollinators or signal ripeness. It also appears as a warning on the skin of certain poisonous frogs, signaling predators to stay away.

How To Use Tart Orange

In design, Tart Orange is best utilized as a strategic accent rather than a dominant background. It is highly effective for call-to-action buttons or notification badges because it demands immediate attention without the aggressive connotation of pure blood red. It pairs exceptionally well with cool neutrals like slate gray.

For accessibility, this color presents a challenge. It does not possess enough contrast to be accessible against white text for body copy (WCAG AA failure). It functions best when paired with dark navy or black text, or used for large-scale headlines where the contrast ratio is more forgiving.

Related Words

cinnabarcadmiumpop artplasticactionappetiteurgencyconfidencehibiscusorangewarningaccentbuttonscontrastnavy

Curated Palettes

#FB4D46
#FF7F50
#FF9F43
#FFC312
#F79F1F

Citrus Punch

A zesty, fruit-inspired gradient ranging from deep red to bright yellow.

#FB4D46
#0A3D62
#3C6382
#82CCDD
#F8F9FA

Modern Marine

High contrast pairing of Tart Orange against deep aquatic blues.

#FB4D46
#2F3542
#57606F
#A4B0BE
#DFE4EA

Concrete Jungle

An urban industrial palette where the orange acts as safety signage.

Color Conversions

Hex
#FB4D46
RGB
251, 77, 70
RGB %
98%, 30%, 27%
HSL
2°, 96%, 63%
HSV
2°, 72%, 98%
CMYK
0%, 69%, 72%, 2%
LAB
58.28, 65.26, 42.37
XYZ
43.54, 26.26, 8.57

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #FB4D46;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(251, 77, 70);
Background Color
background-color: #FB4D46;
Border
border: 3px solid #FB4D46;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #FB4D4666;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #FB4D46 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Tart Orange

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
Tart Orange

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 Tart Orange?

Explore color palettes containing Tart Orange 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

Polychromos

light cadmium red

#117#F05544

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Prismacolor

Carmine Red

#PC926#DB3129

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Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Scarlet

#070#D72230

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Tart Orange?
The hex code for Tart Orange is #FB4D46. The RGB values are (251, 77, 70). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Tart Orange?
Tart Orange pairs well with its complementary color, Cyan / Aqua (#46f5fb). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Tart Orange accessible for text?
No, Tart Orange 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 Tart Orange in CSS?

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

.tart-orange {
  background-color: #FB4D46;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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