Orange is a vibrant and energetic color that conjures images of autumn leaves, citrus fruits, and fire. While many associate orange with warmth, as it sits between red and yellow on the color spectrum, it is possible to have cool shades of orange as well. In this article, we will explore what makes an orange color cool versus warm, look at some examples of cool orange shades, discuss how to create a cool orange, and examine some of the uses for cool oranges.
What Makes an Orange Color Cool vs Warm?
The temperature of any color is largely determined by its relationship to the primary colors red, yellow, and blue. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow contain more red and yellow pigments. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple contain more blue pigment.
When it comes to orange specifically, more yellow orange shades are warmer, while orange shades mixed with red and blue are cooler in appearance. Adding a hint of blue can neutralize the warm yellow tones of orange, creating a cooler effect. Using black to darken and mute an orange will also make it recede and appear cooler.
Examples of Cool Orange Shades
Here are some examples of cool shades of orange and their RGB values:
| Terracotta | RGB(204,116,116) |
| Burnt Orange | RGB(184,102,37) |
| Adobe | RGB(160,82,45) |
| Vermilion | RGB(227,66,52) |
| Tango | RGB(255,119,77) |
Terracotta is a muted, earthy orange with a subtle reddish undertone. Burnt orange leans towards brown with a very dark, cool finish. Adobe is another clay-inspired orange, deep and a little dusty-looking. Vermilion is a vivid reddish orange that almost borders on red. Tango is a bright, warm reddish orange that still maintains some coolness.
How to Create a Cool Orange
Here are some tips for mixing and adjusting orange shades to create cooler orange colors:
– Add a small amount of blue – Start with a warm orange and mix in a tiny bit of blue. This neutralizes the yellow tones and creates a cooler effect. Too much blue will turn it into a shade of brown, so use a light hand.
– Combine with red and purple – Orange has a complementary relationship with blues and purples on the color wheel. Mixing orange with reds and purples will mute the warmth.
– Darken with black or gray – Adding black, gray, or complementary colors like blue will make an orange darker. Darker shades appear more subdued and cool.
– Use greenish yellow instead of orange yellow – Swap out the warmer yellow tones for cooler greenish yellows. This minimizes the reddish-yellow warmth.
– Add white to brighten – Brightening an orange with white makes it pop while taking away some earthy warmth. Adding a touch of bright blue maintains the coolness.
– Adjust temperature in software – If working with digital design or photo editing software, try decreasing the yellow and increasing the blue in the HSB/HSL sliders to reduce the warmth.
Uses for Cool Oranges
Cooler shades of orange can be very useful for design and decoration. Here are some popular uses for cool oranges:
– Interior design – Cool earthy oranges like terracotta or adobe work well in mid-century modern, Spanish, or Southwestern interiors. Cool oranges balance warmth and vibrancy.
– Fashion – Orange is a bold fashion color that flatters many skin tones. Cooler oranges complement without being overwhelming. Dark auburn hair can really pop against cool oranges.
– Art – Many artists mix custom cool oranges by blending other pigments. These unique shades add visual interest through color temperature variation.
– Autumn themes – Cool burnt oranges and terra cottas evoke the changing leaves and colors of autumn. They’re perfect for fall designs.
– Modern minimalism – Sleek, muted oranges work well in contemporary minimalist styles. Soft tangerine and salmon oranges inject color without boldness.
– Neutral alternative – For those who find beige or gray too flat, cool oranges can provide a neutral-like grounding effect while still adding color.
– Food presentation – Vibrant cool oranges like vermilion contrast beautifully with greens, purples, reds, and yellows. They catch the eye on menus and plates.
Conclusion
While orange is often considered a warm color, adjusting its hue, saturation, and brightness can produce cooler orange shades. Mixing orange with a touch of blue and red, darkening with black or gray, and replacing yellow tones with greenish yellow are some ways to create cool oranges. These muted, earthy oranges work well in interior design, fashion, art, food presentation, and autumnal themes. With many uses across industries, cool oranges should not be overlooked. Though less common than warmer oranges, cool shades can provide depth, sophistication, and visual interest.
