Burnt orange is a rich, warm hue that sits between red and orange on the color spectrum. It gets its name from having a burnt or darkened orange appearance. While burnt orange has its own distinct look, there are several other colors that bear similarity to its reddish-orange tone. Let’s explore some of the colors that can serve as suitable alternatives or complements to burnt orange.
Colors Related to Burnt Orange
Here are some of the colors that share likeness with burnt orange:
Red-Orange
Red-orange sits right next to burnt orange on the color wheel. As its name suggests, it combines the vibrant energy of red with the playful warmth of orange. Red-orange is brighter and more vivid than burnt orange. It provides a similar punch of color without appearing as earthy or muted.
Rust
Rust is often used interchangeably with burnt orange due to their comparable ruddy reddish-brown tones. While burnt orange leans a bit more towards orange, rust favors red in its makeup. Rust is a tertiary color made from combining orange, red-violet, and brown. This gives it more nuance and dimensionality than burnt orange.
Terracotta
Terracotta is an earthy clay-like hue that shares burnt orange’s brownish undertones. It’s derived from natural terracotta clay used historically for pottery and sculpture. Terracotta provides a similar tone to burnt orange but comes across as more organic, raw, and grounded.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin orange is akin to a warmer, spicier version of burnt orange. Inspired by the hue of pumpkins, it dials up the brightness while matching the earthy qualities. Pumpkin complements burnt orange well when you want a color pairing that’s bold yet complementary.
Comparing Color Values
Here is a table comparing the RGB and hex color values of burnt orange against similar shades:
| Color | RGB Value | Hex Code |
|---|---|---|
| Burnt Orange | 184, 102, 37 | #B86625 |
| Red-Orange | 255, 83, 73 | #FF5349 |
| Rust | 183, 65, 14 | #B7410E |
| Terracotta | 226, 114, 91 | #E2725B |
| Pumpkin | 255, 127, 0 | #FF7F00 |
This makes it clear how burnt orange sits in the middle of red and orange tones, while the other colors skew either warmer or cooler. Red-orange is the brightest, while terracotta is the darkest.
Using Burnt Orange and Similar Colors Together
Pairing burnt orange with comparable shades can create really interesting color combinations. Here are some ideas for using burnt orange with similar colors:
Burnt Orange and Rust
Burnt orange and rust mimic the colors found in fall foliage. Use them together when designing for autumn holidays or seasonal events. They give a natural, earthy feel.
Burnt Orange and Terracotta
Burnt orange and terracotta complement each other beautifully because of their shared red undertones. This color scheme has a southwestern vibe. It works well for themes related to clay, pottery, or the desert.
Burnt Orange and Red-Orange
Putting burnt orange with the bolder red-orange creates visual interest through contrast. The muted burnt orange makes the vivid red-orange pop. This bold pairing is perfect for attention-grabbing designs.
Burnt Orange and Pumpkin
Nothing says autumn like burnt orange and pumpkin together. They remind us of falling leaves, pumpkin patches, and Thanksgiving decor. Use this combo for a seasonal or harvest-inspired palette.
Tones, Tints, and Shades of Burnt Orange
In addition to similar colors, varying the tone, tint, and shade of burnt orange itself can provide color options. Here’s how:
Tones
Tones are created by adding gray to a color to make it more muted. An orange tone with hints of gray has an earthy, rustic feel.
Tints
Tints come from lightening a color with white. A burnt orange tint might give off a coral or melon vibe.
Shades
Shades result from adding black to darken a color. Shades of burnt orange can resemble rich mahogany or walnut tones.
Here are some examples of burnt orange tones, tints, and shades:
| Version | Description | RGB Value | Hex Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone | Dusky clay orange | 153, 85, 31 | #99551F |
| Tint | Coral orange | 226, 130, 113 | #E28271 |
| Shade | Deep mahogany orange | 92, 46, 15 | #5C2E0F |
Lightening burnt orange gives it a softer, more energetic vibe. Darkening it amps up the elegance and sophistication.
How Lighting Affects Burnt Orange
The lighting and environment where burnt orange is viewed can impact how it’s perceived. Here’s an overview:
Incandescent Lighting
Under incandescent bulbs that cast warm, yellowish light, burnt orange may appear more reddish and less orange. The light emphasizes its connection to red.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lighting has a cooler, bluer tone. In this setting, burnt orange can take on a darker brown character and seem almost muddy.
Natural Daylight
In natural daylight, burnt orange looks the truest to its actual reddish-orange personality. Natural light shows its colors most accurately.
Candlelight
In the flickering glow of candlelight, burnt orange can resemble a mix of orange and brown with golden undertones. It appears softer and more romantic.
So in summary, warmer yellowish light plays up burnt orange’s red side, while cooler light highlights its brown hues. Natural light shows its true orangey coloration.
Conclusion
While burnt orange has a unique flavor, many other colors share similar properties of being earthy, warm, and reddish-brown. Red-orange, rust, terracotta, and pumpkin provide comparable options. Tones, tints, and shades put a new spin on burnt orange itself. The lighting conditions can also modify how burnt orange is perceived in various environments. Whatever you need an earthy, autumnal color for, burnt orange and its color cousins can get the job done in style.