The mixture of dark brown and red is a common color combination that results in an earthy, rustic hue. In color theory, mixing colors together creates new shades and discovering what colors come from combining different pigments can be an interesting experiment. Let’s take a closer look at what happens when dark brown and red are blended together.
Understanding the Color Wheel
To understand what color red and dark brown make when mixed, it helps to visualize colors on a basic color wheel. The color wheel arranges colors into a circle based on their hue and intensity. Complementary colors – those located opposite each other on the wheel – create neutrals like brown or gray when combined. Colors that sit next to each other on the wheel tend to blend together well and create harmonious shades.
Red sits between orange and violet on the color wheel, while brown is a muted shade next to green. When placed adjacent to each other on the wheel, red-brown appears between the two parent colors.
The Science Behind Mixing Paints
On a scientific level, mixing two paint colors involves combining their pigments. Primary paint pigments are red, yellow and blue. Secondary pigments like orange, green and violet are created by mixing two primaries. Red and yellow make orange, blue and yellow make green, and blue and red make violet.
Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and a secondary shade. Red-brown contains traces of the primary red and the secondary brown. Brown paint usually contains undertones of red, yellow and black pigments. The more red added, the more vivid the resulting red-brown hue.
Mixing Red and Dark Brown Paint
When working with paints, combining pure red with a dark brown shade will subdue the vividness of the red. Start with a burnt umber or raw umber brown, which have warm reddish undertones. Add a small amount of crimson or cadmium red to the brown paint, testing the mixture on a practice surface. Too much red overwhelms the brown base and makes the mix look orange.
Here are some tips for blending red-brown paint:
- Use a wooden paint paddle or palette knife to mix the colors thoroughly.
- Start with 3 parts brown paint to 1 part red.
- Add more red for a brighter, more vivid red-brown.
- Add white paint to make a lighter, softer red-brown.
- Use opaque reds like cadmium for a bold red-brown.
Test batches of paint to achieve the exact red-brown hue desired. Allow mixes to dry fully to see the accurate resulting color.
Achieving a Red-Brown Color Palette
Painters often think about developing a cohesive palette when blending custom colors. Here are some additional red, brown and neutral shades that coordinate well with red-brown:
| Reds | Browns | Neutrals |
|---|---|---|
| Crimson | Raw umber | Black |
| Scarlet | Burnt umber | Gray |
| Vermilion | Sepia | White |
| Rust | Tan | Beige |
Use a balanced combination of shades to make red-brown the focal point. Bright reds and neutrals like black, white and beige enhance the red-brown without overwhelming it. Soft umber browns bring out the subtle complexity of the blended color.
Mixing Red and Dark Brown Dyes
Red-brown is also popular for dyeing fabric and other materials. Mixing pure red dye with a dark brown results in a muted brick-red or maroon shade. Start with 2-3 times more brown dye than red for a noticeable red tint.
When working with dyes:
- Make sure both dyes are appropriate for the fabric type.
- Follow the package instructions carefully.
- Use proper dyeing equipment and protect surfaces.
- Wear gloves and an apron to avoid stains.
Perform tests on fabric swatches before dyeing a whole project red-brown. This helps achieve the right color saturation and prevent uneven dyeing.
Using Red and Brown in Home Decor
The blend of red and dark brown has an earthy, rustic feel that lends itself well to home decor. Here are some ways to incorporate red-brown tones into any room:
- Walls – Use red-brown paint for an accent wall or divide rooms with a long red-brown stripe.
- Furniture – Pick a deep red-brown stain for hardwood tables, beds and bookshelves.
- Textiles – Try red-brown upholstery or drapes to warm up a space.
- Decor – Choose floral arrangements, candles, ceramics or artwork in shades of red-brown.
- Floors – Stain hardwood floors a rich red-brown for visual interest.
Coordinating red-brown with natural textures like wood, leather and wool enhances the earthiness. For a bold look, combine with metallics like copper and brass. Use sparingly as an accent for a subtle rustic vibe. The muted vibrancy of red-brown makes it versatile in all different design aesthetics.
Conclusion
The fusion of dark brown and red creates an adaptable hue with vintage character. On the color wheel, red-brown falls between its two parent shades with earthy appeal. Mixing paints and dyes requires carefully controlling the ratio to achieve the perfect tone. Red-brown works for everything from painting to home decor due to its rustic and inviting personality. Whether you’re experimenting with mixing colors or curating a cohesive palette, red-brown is a nuanced, rewarding shade.