The deep shades of the red color spectrum have names that describe their rich and vibrant hues. Understanding what these shades are called can help when trying to identify a specific deep red or communicate a desired color precisely. In this article, we’ll explore what deep reds are typically called, looking at common color names used in design, fashion, decorating, and beyond.
Defining Deep Reds
When referring to deep reds, we generally mean rich, darker shades of red that fall on the low end of the lightness scale. They are more saturated and intense versions of red that lean slightly towards blue or purple on the color wheel. Some key characteristics of deep reds:
- Low lightness – These reds have low values of lightness, making them appear dark.
- High chroma – Deep reds are highly saturated, meaning they contain minimal greyness.
- Blue/purple bias – Deep reds veer slightly more towards purples and blues than bright reds.
While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, deep reds are often considered to include shades like burgundy, maroon, oxblood, ruby, plum, and wine. Brighter, lighter reds with more orange and pink undertones would not be classified as deep reds.
Common Names for Deep Reds
Many specific names are used in design, fashion, and decor to identify shades of deep red. Here are some of the most common:
Burgundy
Burgundy is a very popular deep red shade. It is a dark red that has a subtle purple tint, though not as much as a true purple-red. Burgundy is widely used in interior design, clothing, lip colors, and wine branding.
Oxblood
Oxblood is often used specifically to describe a very dark reddish-brown color. It has a blackish tone that gives it an elegant, rich look. The name comes from the color of ox blood. Oxblood is popular in leather goods.
Cordovan
Cordovan is a rich, warm shade of burgundy. It is sometimes called light oxblood. The name comes from the color of leather produced in Córdoba, Spain. Cordovan is often seen in shoes and leather accessories.
Maroon
Maroon is a classic deep red that has a brownish tint. It is darker than burgundy but not as dark as oxblood. Maroon is used extensively in printing, textiles, uniforms, and web design.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a dark reddish shade named after the famous wine from France. It is similar to burgundy but slightly darker with more brown undertones. Bordeaux is a popular color for suits, leather, and lipsticks.
Ruby
Ruby is a vivid, cool-toned red. It has blue undertones that give it jewel-like clarity. The name comes from the ruby gemstone. Ruby red is used in cosmetics, interior design, and automotive colors.
Crimson
Crimson is a rich, deep red with a slightly bluish hue. It is bolder and brighter than burgundy. Crimson is a traditional color used in fine art, wallpaper, and university uniforms.
Garnet
Garnet is a reddish-purple shade that mimics the color of the garnet gem. It has strong, dramatic tones that work well in home decor, lip colors, and fashion. Garnet sits between ruby and burgundy on the color wheel.
Sangria
Sangria is the color of red wine mixed with fruit. This Spanish drink lends its name to a vivid reddish-purple used in cosmetics, stationery, and catalog design. It pops against neutral backdrops.
Deep Red Color Mixes
Many deep reds are created by mixing existing colors to produce the desired shade and tone. Here are some common mixes used:
- Burgundy – Mix red and purple or red, purple, and brown.
- Oxblood – Mix red, purple, brown, and black.
- Maroon – Mix red and brown.
- Bordeaux – Mix red with a bit of purple and more brown.
- Ruby – Mix red with a small amount of blue.
- Crimson – Mix red with a hint of blue and tiny bit of purple.
So adding hints of purple, brown, blue, and black to red creates lusher, deeper shades of this passionate hue.
Deep Reds in Design and Fashion
Deep reds occupy an important place in design and fashion. Here are some of the key uses for these dramatic, sophisticated colors:
Interior Design
In interiors, deep reds add vibrancy as accent colors against neutral backdrops. Burgundy, garnet, and ruby work well in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Deep reds also suit elegant, formal decor.
Fashion
Deep red shades complement autumn and winter fashion. Burgundy, oxblood, and garnet look stylish in coats, dresses, and shoes during the colder months. Bordeaux, ruby, and maroon suit men’s suiting and accessories.
Cosmetics
Deep reds flatter a range of skin tones, making them ideal for lipsticks, blush, and nail polish. Ruby, crimson, sangria, and burgundy are perfect for a glamorous makeup look.
Branding
In branding, deep reds convey passion, boldness, and luxury. Maroon and garnet work well for education, while burgundy and bordeaux suit premium wineries and restaurants.
Cars
The automotive world frequently uses deep reds like burgundy, maroon, and cordovan for luxury sedan and sports car models. These colors reflect elegance and high performance.
Psychology of Deep Reds
Like all colors, deep shades of red trigger psychological and emotional associations. Here are some of the moods and impressions evoked by these hues:
- Passion – Deep reds convey intense passion, love, and sexuality.
- Prestige – The richness of deep reds expresses luxury, status, and elegance.
- Vibrancy – Intense, saturated deep reds are energetic and lively.
- Maturity – Darker reds suggest wisdom, experience, and authority.
- Drama – Vivid shades like ruby and crimson have theatrical, bold impacts.
Brands leverage these perceptions when selecting deep reds for packaging, products, and advertising. Associating a brand with sophistication or passion helps shape consumer impressions.
Key Statistics on Deep Red
Deep reds enjoy widespread popularity across design disciplines. Here are some key statistics:
- Burgundy is the most popular shade of deep red used.
- Over 50% of polled men chose burgundy as their favorite suit color.
- Maroon is one of the main school colors for over 75 universities in the United States.
- Oxblood has risen in popularity for leather shoes and bags, with a 35% increase since 2010.
- Ruby red is ranked as one of the top 5 most flattering lipstick shades for women.
- Garnet is Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year, reflecting its current prominence.
These stats illustrate how valued deep shades of red remain across industries and demographics. The versatility of these colors ensures their enduring influence.
Conclusion
Deep reds encompass a wide range of sophisticated, intense shades that add visual richness wherever used. From maroon and ruby to oxblood and burgundy, these colors have resonated for centuries thanks to their boldness and luxury. Understanding the subtle differences between deep red hues allows for more thoughtful, impactful use of this versatile portion of the color spectrum.
