The color scarlet crimson is a vibrant, rich shade of red that has been prized and used symbolically for centuries. It sits between crimson and scarlet on the color wheel, combining the bluish undertones of crimson with the orangey undertones of scarlet to create a dramatic reddish hue.
Scarlet crimson is often associated with luxury, passion, excitement, and intensity due to its saturated and eye-catching nature. It has a long history of being used for ceremonial and symbolic purposes in art, fashion, decor, flags, heraldry, and more across many cultures. Understanding the origins, symbolism, and uses of this classic color can provide insight into its enduring appeal.
Definition of Scarlet and Crimson
Before exploring scarlet crimson specifically, it helps to understand the key characteristics of scarlet and crimson as separate shades:
Scarlet is a bright, vibrant red color that leans towards the orange/warm end of the red color spectrum. It is named after the scarlet oak tree and the expensive scarlet cloth dyed in a similar hue. Key attributes of scarlet include:
– Hue – Ranges from around 8-15 degrees on the color wheel.
– Brightness/Value – Very high intensity and brightness.
– Saturation – Fully saturated, pure hue without mutedness.
– Hex code – #FF2400 is a typical scarlet.
Crimson is a rich, deep red that leans slightly toward the blue/cool end of the red spectrum. It is named after the crimson rose and the crimson pigment made from crushing kermes insects. Key attributes of crimson include:
– Hue – Ranges from around 320-350 degrees on the color wheel.
– Brightness/Value – Slightly lower brightness than scarlet.
– Saturation – Fully saturated but slightly darker than scarlet.
– Hex code – #DC143C is a typical crimson.
So in summary, scarlet is brighter and warmer, while crimson is richer and cooler. Combining them creates scarlet crimson.
Definition of Scarlet Crimson
Scarlet crimson sits between these two shades, marrying the coolness of crimson with the warmth of scarlet. Its key attributes include:
– Hue – Ranges between pure scarlet and crimson, around 15-25 degrees.
– Brightness/Value – closer to scarlet – high intensity and brightness.
– Saturation – Fully saturated, pure hue.
– Hex codes – #FF2400 to #CC3366 covers the scarlet crimson range.
– Other names – Cardinal red, alarming red, Turkish red, coquelicot
So scarlet crimson is a vivid, intense red with a balance of warm and cool undertones. It pops against both warm and cool colored backgrounds, allowing versatility in design.
History and Symbolism of Scarlet Crimson
The eye-catching color of scarlet crimson has made it highly symbolic and valued for centuries. Some key history and associations include:
– Ancient Cultures – Scarlet crimson was difficult to produce so became associated with prestige in Ancient Rome, Egypt, and Asia.
– Religion – It represents sacrifice and passion in Christianity. In the Catholic church, cardinals wear scarlet crimson robes.
– Royal Households – The British Royal Guards and other royal courts utilized scarlet crimson to convey luxury.
– Military – Officers historically wore scarlet as a symbol of courage and leadership during battle. The British Redcoats were known for their scarlet crimson uniforms.
– Fashion – Scarlet crimson symbolized glamor and vibrancy in women’s fashion in the 1920s-40s. Christian Dior’s iconic 1947 “New Look” featured scarlet crimson.
– Literature – It represents scandal and transgression in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”.
So whether conveying luxury, passion, intensity, or vibrancy, scarlet crimson has maintained symbolic resonance across history and cultures due to its striking visual impact.
Scarlet Crimson in Design and Decor
Scarlet crimson’s versatility and classic appeal has made it a popular choice for adding visual impact in design and home decor. Some typical uses include:
– Accent walls or feature walls in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms
– Upholstery or pillows on furniture
– Vibrant artwork, vases, decorative objects
– Window treatments like curtains or roman shades
– Rugs, table linens, candles
– Kitchen appliances, cookware
– Front doors and outdoor pots
– Holiday decorations like ornaments and wreaths
Its bold, lively energy pairs well with both warm neutrals like gold, ivory, tan, and grays as well as cooler hues like navy blue, emerald, and even some pastels. Brass hardware and fixtures also complement the reddish hue.
Incorporate it sparingly with mainly neutral palettes for dramatic punctuation, or embrace full-on scarlet crimson accents for maximum visual impact. Just take care not to overdo it in smaller spaces.
How Lighting Affects Scarlet Crimson
The perceived color of scarlet crimson can shift under different lighting conditions, which is important to note for design purposes.
Incandescent/Warm Lighting:
– Enhances the warm, orangey undertones
– Makes it appear slightly lighter and brighter
– Works well where a bold, energizing effect is desired
Natural Light:
– Provides the truest representation of the color
– Balances both the cool and warm undertones
Fluorescent/Cool White Lighting:
– Mutes the warmth slightly and enhances cool undertones
– Can make it appear slightly darker and less intense
– Best for a cooler, more refined look
So test scarlet crimson paints, fabrics, etc under the intended lighting. Incandescent bulbs make it pop, while fluorescent lighting may require going slightly lighter/brighter. Combine lighting types to balance the undertones.
Matching Scarlet Crimson Colors
When coordinating scarlet crimson or looking for the perfect shade, refer to these common color pairings:
Warm neutrals: Cream, Navajo white, tan, ivory, gold, taupe
Cool neutrals: Charcoal, gray, silver, navy blue
Vibrant accents: Royal purple, teal, cyan, chartreuse
Jewel tones: Emerald, sapphire, amethyst
Pastels: Lavender, blush pink, seafoam green, buttercream
Having an existing paint swatch, Pantone color, or hex code makes matching products like curtains, pillows, and artwork much easier. Natural materials like wool and silk take the color differently than synthetics, so swatching is key.
Scarlet Crimson Color Palettes
Some suggested color schemes featuring scarlet crimson include:
Monochrome red – Different shades like burgundy, rust, pink
Analogous – Adjacent on the color wheel like red-orange, red-violet
Complementary – Blue and green
Split complementary – Teal, yellow-green
Triadic – Purple and yellow
Tetradic – Navy and tan
Neutral – Grays, blacks, whites, metallics
Choose palettes based on the desired mood – analogous for high-energy, tetradic for sleek contrast, or neutral for letting scarlet crimson pop. Having one vivid accent color prevents overwhelming.
Conclusion
With its timeless appeal and ability to convey luxury, vibrancy, and intensity, scarlet crimson remains a versatile and dramatic color choice. Understanding its history, symbolism, and how to best utilize its undertones allows for thoughtful use in design, fashion, decor, and beyond. Vibrant yet refined, this rich red hue packs visual impact whether used subtly or boldly.
