What Color is Vermilion? Meaning, Code & Combinations

Vermilion is a vibrant red-orange hue that has captivated artists and designers for centuries. This striking color, often associated with passion and energy, has its roots in ancient China, where it was derived from the mineral cinnabar.

Historically, vermilion was used in Chinese lacquerware and Renaissance paintings, symbolizing wealth and prestige. Today, you might choose to use vermilion in branding to evoke excitement or in interior design to create a bold, dynamic space.

What Color Is Vermilion?

Vermilion is a vivid, fiery red with a hint of orange, reminiscent of a blazing sunset or the vibrant feathers of a cardinal. This unique hue often appears in nature, from the striking petals of poppies to the brilliant scales of certain tropical fish.

What Is Vermilion's Meaning?

Vermilion is commonly associated with the following:

• Passion
• Energy
• Wealth
• Prestige
• Excitement

In different cultures, vermilion holds various symbolic meanings. In China, it is often linked to good fortune and joy, while in Western art, it has historically represented power and luxury.

Vermilion Hex, RGB, and CMYK Color Codes

• Hex code for Vermilion: #e34234
• RGB color code for Vermilion: rgb(227, 66, 52)
• CMYK color code for Vermilion: C: 0, M: 71, Y: 77, K: 11

Vermilion Color Alternatives

Here are some alternatives to the color Vermilion:

• #e33452: A bright red with a slight pinkish hue. This color is close to Vermilion but offers a softer red, evoking passion and energy with a touch of softness.
• #e33443: A bright red with a slightly deeper tone than #e33452. It provides a more intense red, suitable for designs needing urgency and boldness.
• #e33435: A bright red with a hint of orange. This warmer alternative to Vermilion evokes warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity.
• #e35134: A bright red with a more pronounced orange tint. Ideal for vibrant, warm designs, it brings vibrancy, warmth, and dynamism.
• #e35f34: A bright red with a stronger orange influence. Perfect for designs needing a bright, warm red, it evokes energy, warmth, and friendliness.
• #e36e34: A bright red with a significant orange hue. This color is a good alternative for very warm designs, evoking strong warmth, enthusiasm, and vitality.
• #e34234: The original Vermilion color, providing a bright and vibrant red. It evokes passion, energy, and excitement.

Vermilion Color Combinations

Vermilion and Teal: #e34234 and #008080

This combination pairs the fiery intensity of Vermilion with the calming, cool tones of Teal. The contrast between these two colors creates a visually striking and balanced look, making it perfect for designs that need to capture attention while maintaining a sense of harmony.

Vermilion, Orange, and Yellow: #e34234, #ffa500, and #ffff00

Combining Vermilion with Orange and Yellow results in a warm, energetic palette that exudes enthusiasm and positivity. This trio is ideal for projects that aim to convey warmth and cheerfulness, such as summer-themed designs or playful branding.

Vermilion and Navy Blue: #e34234 and #000080

The deep, rich tones of Navy Blue provide a sophisticated backdrop to the vibrant Vermilion. This combination is both bold and elegant, making it suitable for high-end branding or any design that seeks to make a powerful yet refined statement.

Use Vermilion In Your Projects

Using vermilion in your design can instantly inject a sense of passion and energy. This vibrant hue communicates excitement and dynamism, making it perfect for grabbing attention and evoking strong emotions.

Vermilion is often applied in branding to create a bold, memorable identity. It is also popular in interior design for creating dynamic, lively spaces, and in art to symbolize power and luxury. This color's versatility makes it a favorite in various creative fields.

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