Berry red is a rich, vivid red color that resembles the hue of ripe berries. It’s a popular shade for fashion, interior design, nail polish, and more. But with so many variations of red, it can be tricky to pinpoint exactly what defines the berry red color spectrum. This article will explore the origins, RGB values, hex codes, and distinguishing qualities that characterize different shades of berry red.
Where does the name “berry red” come from?
The name berry red refers to the red pigments found in common berries like raspberries, strawberries, cherries, cranberries, and pomegranates. When ripe, these fruits develop a warm, intense red hue that resembles the color we know as berry red.
The first recorded use of “berry red” as a color name in English was in 1915. It emerged as a way to describe the rich reddish tones found in berry fruits. While berries can range in exact shade, from bright cherry red to deeper burgundy hues, berry red aims to capture their quintessential red color.
Some linguists theorize that berry red got its name because berries were one of the earliest and most accessible sources of natural red dyes. Dye extracted from berries was used for centuries to color clothing, paint, and cosmetics. The vibrant red produced by these dyes likely inspired the berry red color name.
What are the defining qualities of berry red?
So what distinguishes berry red from other shades of red? Here are some of its defining characteristics:
– Deeply saturated – Berry reds are highly chromatic, meaning they are deeply pigmented and saturated rather than muted or dull. This gives them a vivid, bold appearance.
– Slightly bluish undertone – True berry reds have a subtle cool undertone rather than an orangey undertone. This gives them a richer, slightly darker look than warm red tones.
– Resembles ripe raspberries – The quintessential berry red is often described as resembling ripe raspberries in color and intensity. This is a juicy, vivid red with hints of purple.
– Not too pink or purple – While berry reds skew somewhat bluish and purple compared to warm reds, they don’t fully cross into pink or purple territory. The hue stays distinctly red.
– Greater intensity than burgundy – Burgundy is another popular red shade. But compared to berry red, burgundy has more brown undertones and is generally darker and less saturated.
RGB values for berry red
On the RGB or red, green, blue color model, berry red hues generally fall within the following ranges:
– R (red) – 190 to 225
– G (green) – 30 to 125
– B (blue) – 75 to 125
An RGB value with moderately high red, low green, and medium blue values will produce a vivid berry red. Adjusting the values produces shades ranging from bright cherry to deeper raspberry red.
Here are some examples of RGB values for different berry red hues:
| Berry red shade | RGB value |
|---|---|
| Cherry red | (225, 50, 75) |
| Raspberry red | (215, 45, 115) |
| Cranberry red | (190, 30, 100) |
Hex codes for berry red
In hex code, which is a six-digit HTML-based coding system, berry reds generally have values like:
– #C82541
– #D74463
– #DE3B6F
The first two digits represent the amount of red, the middle two represent green, and the last two represent the blue value.
Again, adjusting these values produces warmer, cooler, lighter, or darker berry red tones. Here are some common hex codes for berry shades:
| Berry red shade | Hex code |
|---|---|
| Ruby red | #CA325D |
| Cherry red | #DF304C |
| Strawberry red | #EE3B5B |
| Raspberry red | #B51942 |
| Cranberry red | #9F1D35 |
How berry red appears across design mediums
Berry red maintains its signature vivid, ripe, slightly blue-based red appearance whether it’s used for digital design, print projects, interior design, fashion, or other creative mediums.
However, because of differences in materials, lighting, pigments, and other factors, berry reds can come across slightly differently across contexts. A raspberry red throw pillow may look slightly warmer and lighter than the same hex code implemented on a website.
Always sample physical paint swatches, fabrics, or other materials when working with berry reds for in-person design projects. Digital proofs don’t always capture the true color accurately.
Using berry red in interior design
Berry red is a bold, invigorating shade that makes a dramatic impact in interior spaces. It’s commonly used in interior design in the following ways:
– **Accent walls** – Full walls painted in berry red create an electrifying focal point and instantly warm up a room. Balance it with neutral walls and furniture.
– **Furnishings** – From chairs and couches to pillows and throws, upholstering one or two furnishings in berry red adds an energizing pop of color.
– **Kitchen accessories** – Mixing appliances, cookware, utensils, towels, and other kitchenware in berry red is an easy way to liven up the space.
– **Bathroom accessories** – Soap dispensers, candles, towels, and other bath accessories in berry red add flair to the bathroom.
– **Front doors** – Painting a front door in berry red creates a cheerful, welcoming entryway.
When using berry reds for interior design, opt for a deeper raspberry or burgundy shade rather than bright cherry red for a more sophisticated look. Soft lighting also helps make this bold shade feel more wearable.
Berry red fashion and clothing
Berry red is a flattering, feminine shade that stands out in fashion and clothing. Some ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe include:
– **Dresses** – A berry red dress makes a sensational statement for formal occasions or holidays.
– **Coats and jackets** – Top off an outfit with a berry red overcoat for a dose of color even on cold weather days.
– **Shoes and bags** – Shoes, purses, and other accessories pop in berry red hues.
– **Activewear** – Leggings, sports bras, sneakers, and workout apparel make a vibrant style statement in this shade.
– **Lingerie and swimwear** – For special occasion undergarments and swimsuits, berry red brings seductive appeal.
– **Tops** – Blouses, sweaters, and tees in berry red hues add flair when paired with neutral bottoms.
When wearing berry reds, aim for a blue-based cranberry or raspberry shade rather than an orangey red, which can clash with skin undertones. Softer fabrics like jersey or satin also enhance the elegance of the shade.
Berry red makeup
In makeup, berry red is a universally flattering lip color. It brightens the complexion and teeth while adding a sensual pop of color. Berry red lipsticks and glosses pair well with both cool and warm skin tones.
Some tips for rocking berry red lips include:
– **Prep** – Exfoliate and moisturize lips first to ensure lip color applies smoothly.
– **Lipliner** – Use a coordinating berry lip liner to prevent feathering.
– **Apply** – Use a lip brush for the most precise application. Blot first before adding a second layer.
– **Finish** – Avoid gloss on top of berry red lipstick, which can make the shade migrate. Opt for a coordinating berry balm instead.
When wearing berry red lips, keep eyes soft and cheeks subtle so the focal point remains the mouth. Aim for a blue-based berry versus an orangey red.
Nail polish
No nail polish color makes a statement quite like a rich berry red. It instantly dresses up fingers and toes. When shopping for the perfect berry red polish, look for:
– A creamy (rather than translucent) formula
– A balanced mixture of blue and red undertones
– A hint of purple for added intrigue
– A high-shine finish
Avoid berry reds with shimmer or frost, which downplay the intensity of the color. Make sure nails are filed into a clean oval shape first so the polish looks its sharpest. Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat for lasting wear.
Berry red for websites and digital design
Berry red brings energy and vibrancy when incorporated into websites and digital projects. It’s particularly effective for:
– **Headlines and typography** – Using berry red for headlines helps key information pop on the page. Just use it sparingly since it is high contrast against black text.
– **Graphics and icons** – Icons, logos, graphics, and other accents stand out in berry red against neutral backgrounds.
– **Borders and dividers** – Lines and borders in berry red strategically separate content or sections.
– **Buttons and links** – Call-to-action buttons gain attention in berry red, especially against grey or white backgrounds.
When using berry red digitally, test different hex codes and RGB values first to find the exact shade that conveys the desired look and vibe.
Berry red for print projects
Berry red makes projects like stationery, invitations, brochures, and signs instantly more eye-catching. When using it for professional printing, request a Pantone matching system (PMS) swatch of the exact berry red shade you want. This ensures color accuracy.
Since berry red is so bold, consider balancing it out on print pieces by:
– Using it for small accents like logos rather than large backgrounds
– Incorporating plenty of white space to prevent overwhelm
– Adding a touch of metallic gold, which complements berry red beautifully.
Experiment with different paper stocks like cotton, linen, or speckletone to find the surface that showcases berry red best. The color truly pops against crisp white paper.
Complementary colors for berry red
Certain colors naturally enhance berry red’s allure when paired together. Fresh color combinations include:
– **Berry red and cream** – This combo evokes strawberries and cream. Use it for food photography.
– **Berry red and grey** – From fashion to home decor, red pops against neutral grey backdrops.
– **Berry red and olive green** – Earthy olive green helps ground berry red’s intensity.
– **Berry red black** – This fashionable duo feels luxe and sophisticated.
– **Berry red and gold** – Gold’s warmth spotlights the subtle coolness in berry reds.
– **Berry red and navy** – Navy blue amplifies berry red’s richness. Use this nautical combo for summer.
– **Berry red and chocolate brown** – Brown’s earthiness offsets berry red’s sweetness.
Avoid pairing berry reds with similar shades like pink, purple, or orange, which creates vibration. Bright yellow can also overpower berry red. Instead let it stand out against neutrals.
Conclusion
Berry red is one of the most festive, playful shades of red. Its chic, seductive nature makes it a versatile color for anything from clothing to interiors to digital design. Just keep in mind berry red’s subtly bluish leanings to find a shade that pops without clashing. Experiment with different pigments and materials until you discover your perfect berry red match.
