There are many amazing and bold shades of red, and one of these is scarlet red. If you want to find out a little more about the scarlet color, and how you can use it in your home, then you have come to the right place.
Table of Contents
What Color Is Scarlet?
You can say scarlet red is also a shade of red, however, since there are so many shades and tones, we need to be a bit more specific. The scarlet color can be described as a bright, pure red with an orange undertone. When looking at the color spectrum, it sits somewhere between red and orange.
When working on graphics, the scarlet color can be identified by the below hex code. The other color codes in the table represent how much red or magenta and yellow are present when the colors are blended. The two scarlet color codes are RGB or red, green, and blue for graphics, while the other CMYK or cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is for printing purposes.
| Scarlet Shade | Scarlet Hex Code | CMYK Scarlet Color Code (%) | RGB Scarlet Color Code | Scarlet Color |
| Scarlet | #ff2400 | 0, 86, 100, 0 | 255, 36, 0 |
Scarlet Color: A Brief History
There is a significant history behind red, and this includes the scarlet color. The bold scarlet red has been associated with power and riches since ancient times. Scarlet dyes were first mentioned many years ago in Persian as well as Assyrian writings and were sold under the name of Armenian Red. The color was then exported to Rome, where it became a mark of wealth and authority. The scarlet color was expensive as it was obtained with difficulty from small-scale insects known as kermes.
During the Middle Ages as well as the Renaissance period, scarlet was worn by Kings and the rich, as it was so expensive. The most luxurious color during this time was known as Venetian scarlet, which came from Venice. King Louis XIV wore scarlet heels, which were a symbol of his royalty.
The scarlet color has been the traditional color that cardinals in the Catholic church wear, as it represents the blood of Christ. You can see an example of this in the illuminated manuscript, Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (1412-1416), a document that contained prayers and illustrations done by the Limbourg brothers.
In Italy, during the Renaissance, the scarlet color was a symbol of nobility, as seen in the Portrait of a Young Man (1469) by Sandro Botticelli. Here is another example of a religious depiction using the vermilion pigment in the Assumption of the Virgin (1516-1518) by the Italian Renaissance artist Titian. You can see the Virgin Mary and two of the apostles wearing scarlet garments.
Scarlet has also been the traditional color for British nobility. Members of the House of Lords wore and still wear ceremonial gowns in red, but now there are also red benches everyone sits in. The red uniform was also taken up by the British army. Today, the scarlet color is also used in various cultures, especially for academic dress, for example, it is the dress in Britain for those who are awarded doctorates.
Scarlet Color Meaning
As we have learned, the scarlet color is closely associated with religion and wealth. Scarlet, along with other bold shades of red, are all associated with passion, heat, love, confidence, desire, strength, courage, and energy. The word “scarlet” is mentioned a few times in the Bible and is mostly associated with immorality, adultery, and sin. Red, in general, is a color that denotes caution and danger and acts as a warning.
However, it is also a powerful color that motivates and compels you to take action.
Different Scarlet Color Tones
There are many similar colors to scarlet, so there is a variety of hues you can choose from when designing your next project. Most of these colors are slight variations of the scarlet color, and each is represented by a unique hex code.
Cinnabar
This color is also known as vermilion and can be described as bright red. In the past, the pigment color was extracted from a mineral known as cinnabar, which contains high amounts of mercury and sulfur, making it quite toxic. Natural vermilion was an expensive pigment and was often used on Roman wall paintings.
Thankfully, there is now a synthetic version, which is called cadmium red.
| Scarlet Shade | Scarlet Hex Code | CMYK Scarlet Color Code (%) | RGB Scarlet Color Code | Scarlet Color |
| Scarlet | #ff2400 | 0, 86, 100, 0 | 255, 36, 0 | |
| Cinnabar | #e34234 | 0, 71, 77, 11 | 227, 66, 52 |
Chili Pepper
This color is slightly toned down, but it remains quite a vivid red, similar to the fruit it is named after. Chili pepper was named the color of the year in 2007 by Pantone. The color is energizing and eye-catching and could be a nice accent color in the kitchen.
| Scarlet Shade | Scarlet Hex Code | CMYK Scarlet Color Code (%) | RGB Scarlet Color Code | Scarlet Color |
| Scarlet | #ff2400 | 0, 86, 100, 0 | 255, 36, 0 | |
| Chili Pepper | #e32227 | 0, 85, 83, 11 | 227, 34, 39 |
Flame Scarlet
This color is a strong red, which still has an orange undertone. Flame scarlet was labeled as one of the colors for 2020 by the famous color authority, Pantone. The trend spread to popular catwalk shows that included designers like Boss and Valentino.
The color radiates perseverance and confidence.
| Scarlet Shade | Scarlet Hex Code | CMYK Scarlet Color Code (%) | RGB Scarlet Color Code | Scarlet Color |
| Scarlet | #ff2400 | 0, 86, 100, 0 | 255, 36, 0 | |
| Flame Scarlet | #cd212a | 0, 84, 80, 20 | 205, 33, 42 |
Scarlet Color Combinations
The scarlet color can work well with a more neutral palette, including colors like beige or sand. However, there are various color combinations you can look out for that work best. These combinations are a part of color theory and involve the color wheel.
These can easily be determined by the many online tools available. However, the table offered below is an example of the complementary color for scarlet. When using color combinations in design, it is always about balance, and combining the colors wisely.
- Complementary colors: Colors on the color wheel that are on opposing sides and make each other stand out when placed side by side.
- Analogous colors: These are similar colors that are neighbors on the color wheel.
- Monochromatic colors: This type of color combination uses a variety of tones and shades of a single color.
- Triadic Colors : Three colors that stand out from each other and form an equal-sided triangle shape.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Scarlet | #ff2400 | 0, 86, 100, 0 | 255, 36, 0 | |
| Pure Cyan | #00dbff | 100, 14, 0, 0 | 0, 219, 255 |
Creating Scarlet Acrylic Paint
The scarlet color was originally used as the vermilion pigment, which was made from a toxic mineral. Many Renaissance painters like Botticelli and Renoir used this together with what is known as red lake pigments made from iron oxide in their paintings. Then, in the 20th century, a synthetic pigment was produced known as cadmium red, which is made from selenium and cadmium sulfide.
You have the option of purchasing cadmium red, cadmium red light, cadmium red medium, or cadmium red dark. The cadmium red can come in a range of orange-reds to purplish-red or brown. You could also try combining red and yellow, for example, crimson red and lemon yellow. Play around with the proportions to get the color you are looking for.
Can You Use the Scarlet Color in Designs?
The scarlet color meaning is dominant, passionate, strong, and energetic, and is often a popular color in fashion and design from lipsticks to shoes, clothing as well as eye-catching website designs. However, can you use scarlet in the home? In general, red helps to improve brain activity and can stimulate appetite, so it is a great color to add to the kitchen or dining room areas. Scarlet can also be romantic, so it can be an option for the bedroom.
As you can get different shades, the color can also work in other living areas.
Since it is stimulating and energizing, it might be a good color to add to an office space or work area. When combined correctly in a color scheme, scarlet can be an amazing color to use. Scarlet combines well with white and other more neutral tones like beige. However, you can also bring in shades of blue to add a pop of color. Other similar tones and shades can also create a warm and cozy space.
The best way to add the bold scarlet color is as a focal point or accent color. If you paint all the walls, it can make a space feel smaller than it is. Consider using it as an accent wall, with plenty of neutral colors to tone down the red color or patterned wallpaper. You can bring in the color through smaller accessories like cushions, lamps, wall art, and upholstery, amongst other items. If overused, scarlet red can easily dominate and take over the room. So, remember to rather use it sparingly.
With so many shades of red, it can be challenging to pick out one that suits your needs. However, if you are looking for a striking and dramatic color that can add a bit of spice to any design, you might want to consider scarlet red.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Color Is Scarlet?
Scarlet is a shade of red that is bright and has a slight orange undertone as it falls between orange and red on the color wheel. The color can be described as close to pure red; however, you can also get some varieties of this color that are just as bright or a little more toned down.
Is Scarlet a Cool or Warm Red?
In color theory, you have warm and cool colors. Those red colors that are located more toward the purple side of the color wheel are considered cool, while scarlet is closer to pure red, so it is naturally a warm color.
Is Scarlet Red the Same as Crimson?
Both these colors are shades of red, however, they are not the same color. Crimson is a deeper vivid red color that can have a slight bluish undertone, while scarlet is a bright red.
