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).
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.
High Contrast
Use Java 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)
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
Curated Palettes
Citrus Punch
A zesty, fruit-inspired gradient ranging from deep red to bright yellow.
Modern Marine
High contrast pairing of Tart Orange against deep aquatic blues.
Concrete Jungle
An urban industrial palette where the orange acts as safety signage.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #FB4D46;
color: rgb(251, 77, 70);
background-color: #FB4D46;
border: 3px solid #FB4D46;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #FB4D4666;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #FB4D46 0%, #ffffff 100%);

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.
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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 Tart Orange?
Explore color palettes containing Tart Orange and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Complementary
Split-complementary
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 Tart Orange
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Tart Orange?
What colors go with Tart Orange?
Is Tart Orange accessible for text?
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.