The color between red and orange on the visible spectrum is a reddish-orange hue that does not have a universally agreed upon name. Some common names used to describe the reddish-orange color include red-orange, orange-red, vermilion, coral, orange, or even reddish orange. While there are slight variations between each of these colors, they all refer to the transitional shades between the primary colors red and orange. As interior designers, artists or even curious minds, knowing the technical details behind this color can help one better understand color theory and make more informed decisions when trying to achieve a certain color scheme or effect. This article will examine the details behind the reddish-orange color between red and orange, looking at the technical specifications, scientific details, applications, and creative uses of this vivid and energetic hue.
The Visible Spectrum
To understand the reddish-orange color, it is important to first understand the visible spectrum of light. The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. The electromagnetic spectrum is the entire range of radiation wavelengths, from radio waves to gamma rays. Within the visible spectrum are the rainbow colors that the human eye can detect, ranging from violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. These colors relate to specific wavelength ranges, measured in nanometers (nm).
The color red has the longest wavelength that humans can perceive at approximately 625-740 nm. At the other end, violet has the shortest wavelength visible to humans, at about 380-450 nm. Orange falls between red and yellow on the spectrum at wavelengths of 590-625 nm. The transitional reddish-orange color between red and orange therefore falls approximately between 625-590 nm. While the spectrum is a continuous gradient, separating the colors into specific ranges helps quantify and specify colors for various applications. Understanding the visible color spectrum provides the foundation for properly using and manipulating color.
Technical Specifications
While the reddish-orange color occupies a band on the visible spectrum between red and orange, there are technical specifications that further define this color:
RGB values: In the RGB (red, green, blue) color model used for computer screens and digital imaging, the reddish-orange color has R values from 230-255, G values from 69-140, and B values from 0-69. This means the red value is high, while green and blue are lower, creating the vibrant orangey tone.
Hex code: The HEX code used for web design and print production to specify color is #E34234. This code is a reddish-orange shade.
CMYK values: In the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color system used for print production, the reddish-orange tone has 0% cyan, 50-80% magenta, 70-100% yellow, and 0-20% black. The high magenta and yellow combines to make the orange shade.
Hue: On the color wheel, the reddish-orange hue falls between the primary hues of red and orange, around 30-45°
| Color System | Specifications |
|---|---|
| RGB | R: 230-255, G: 69-140, B: 0-69 |
| Hex Code | #E34234 |
| CMYK | C: 0%, M: 50-80%, Y: 70-100%, K: 0-20% |
| Hue | 30-45° |
These specifications help precisely identify the reddish-orange color in order to reproduce it accurately across different mediums. The RGB values create the tone on screen, the CMYK mixes the printed pigment, the hex code defines it digitally, and the hue indicates its place on the color wheel.
Scientific Details
From a scientific perspective, color comes from the way light interacts with materials and our eyes. Light visible to humans consists of different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. When light encounters an object, certain wavelengths are absorbed while others are reflected. The reflected wavelengths determine the color we perceive.
Reddish-orange sits between the longer red wavelengths and shorter orange wavelengths. It is created by a combination of medium-long and medium wavelengths reflecting off an object. These waves of light enter our eye, stimulating cone cells in the retina that detect red and green light. The brain blends these signals into the perception of an orangey-red color.
The specific mix of wavelengths that compose reddish-orange stimulate the eye’s red and green cones almost equally. However, there remains slightly more stimulation of the red cones. This makes the color still trend slightly towards red, giving it that reddish look. The wavelengths for ideal reddish-orange are approximately 610-590 nm.
So in summary, reddish-orange is the result of medium-long to medium wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation reflecting off an object and entering our eyes. This stimulates the red and green retinal cone cells about evenly, with slightly more red response. The brain combines these signals and perceives a vivid color between red and orange. Understanding the science behind color perception allows us to engineer materials and light sources to produce the desired reddish-orange hue.
Uses and Applications
The reddish-orange color has many uses and applications throughout design and nature. Here are some common places you are likely to encounter this vivid shade:
Fruits and Vegetables: Many fruits and vegetables have skins or flesh that display the reddish-orange tone, including oranges, peaches, mangos, carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. This coloration comes from pigments such as beta-carotene that absorb certain wavelengths and reflect back orangey hues.
Flowers: Certain flowers exhibit the reddish-orange tone in their petals and buds, like marigolds, chrysanthemums, gerbera daisies, poppies, and coral roses. This helps attract pollinators but also adds vibrant color to gardens.
Gemstones: Precious gemstones found in nature that display an orangey-red color include carnelian, fire opal, and red beryl. These minerals contain trace elements that influence their coloration.
Autumn Leaves: During autumn, leaves on deciduous trees undergo chemical changes that bring out vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. The reddish-orange shade appears prominently among maple, copper beech, and sweetgum trees.
Sunrises/Sunsets: As the sun dips below the horizon during sunrise or sunset, its light must pass through more atmosphere which filters out bluer wavelengths. This leaves the warmer reddish-orange hues to dominate the sky.
Cooking: Reddish-orange is an appetizing color and is often used in cooking with ingredients like saffron, paprika, cayenne, and orange zest to add both flavor and visual appeal.
Design: In interior design and decoration, reddish-orange is used to cultivate an energetic, warm, and vibrant ambiance. It commands attention while still feeling friendly and cozy.
The natural occurrence and intentional use of the reddish-orange color takes advantage of its ability to catch the eye while also promoting comfort and appetite appeal. It straddles the line between the stimulation of red and the cheeriness of orange for dynamic effects.
Cultural and Symbolic Meaning
Beyond aesthetics and design, color also has cultural, symbolic, and metaphorical meaning attached to it. Here are some of the common associations with reddish-orange:
- Energy and Vibrancy: The reddish tone brings feelings of excitement, activity, and passion.
- Appetite: As an energetic, warm tone, reddish-orange promotes hunger and cravings.
- Autumn and Fall: The reddish oranges of falling leaves signify the changing seasons.
- Warning and Danger: Orangey reds are often used as warning signs and safety alerts.
- Heat, Fire, and Warmth: The color’s association with heat sources like fire and sunlight give it warming connotations.
- Tropical: Vivid reddish-orange evokes tropical images of sunsets, fruit, flowers, spices, and warmth.
- Friendly and Inviting: While vibrant, it maintains a cheerful friendliness compared to the aggression of pure red.
These symbolic meanings and metaphors for reddish-orange give designers and artists additional context to draw from when using the color for intentional effects. Choosing red-orange for a fiery spicy dish or an energetic dance studio space, for example, taps into the cultural associations people attach to that hue. Color psychology gives extra depth to the application of color.
Creative Uses
There are many creative ways artists and designers can take advantage of the energy and visual impact of reddish-orange:
Accent Color: Use touches of reddish-orange as an accent color to draw attention and provide contrast against more neutral backgrounds. Vivid orangey reds lend visual excitement.
Fall Theme: The reddish-orange hues of falling leaves can inspire a fall or autumn themed design. Incorporate elements like leaves, trees, and seasonal produce.
Tropical Design: Use a bright reddish-orange as part of a tropical theme, potentially along with greens, turquoise, pinks and yellows to evoke the colors of tropics.
Fire and Heat: For designs related to fire, sunlight, deserts, and other warm themes, a reddish-orange color scheme calls to mind heat and sunlight.
warning Signs: For warning labels, safety signage, and hazard alerts, a reddish-orange hue combines the attention-grabbing traits of red and orange.
Appetite Appeal: In food packaging, restaurant branding, menus, and photography, reddish-orange can help stimulate the appetite.
High Energy: To promote energy, excitement and vibrant fun, reddish-orange makes an impactful accent color for brands, events, and websites.
By considering the cultural associations and meanings behind reddish-orange, creators can wield it for maximum effect in their visual designs and artistic compositions.
Conclusion
The reddish-orange color that falls between the primary colors of red and orange on the visible spectrum occupies an interesting place. It takes on qualities of both red and orange for unique effects. While there may not be a universally accepted name for the color, it can be precisely identified by its technical specifications across color systems. Scientifically, it arises from medium-long to medium wavelengths of light. Nature displays reddish-orange prominently in plant life and minerals. We also use it intentionally for impact across design, food, and culture. The combination of moderate red tones and vivid orange produces a shade that catches the eye, feels friendly and energizing, and evokes imagery of fire, autumn, and the tropics. So whether it be called red-orange, orange-red, or something in between, this color captures our attention while stimulating our senses and emotions.
