Burnt orange is a dark orange color that resembles the color of pumpkin or autumn leaves. It’s a popular fall shade that evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. But describing the exact shade of burnt orange can be tricky. Like many colors, burnt orange can vary depending on lighting conditions and how it’s produced. Here’s a quick look at the characteristics that define burnt orange.
What is burnt orange?
Burnt orange is a reddish-orange color that sits between regular orange and brown on the color wheel. It’s darker and deeper than bright orange. The color resembles pumpkins, fallen leaves, rust, terra cotta, and other earthy natural elements.
The name comes from the process of burning or charring orange products like wood or clay to create a darker, richer shade. This burnt quality gives the color its signature depth.
Burnt orange color codes
In design programs like Photoshop or web design codes like HTML/CSS, burnt orange is defined by specific RGB, CMYK, and HEX codes:
RGB: R 204, G 85, B 0
CMYK: C 0, M 58, Y 100, K 20
HEX: #CC5500
These codes allow designers to precisely recreate the burnt orange shade in any medium. While there are some variations, these codes generally define the standard burnt orange tone used in most contexts today.
How burnt orange looks in different lighting
Like any color, burnt orange can look slightly different depending on the type of light it’s viewed in. Here’s how burnt orange tends to appear in different lighting conditions:
Natural Daylight: In outdoor natural light, burnt orange looks rich and warm, with a slightly brighter orange tone.
Indoor Incandescent Lighting: Under incandescent bulbs, burnt orange looks more muted and earthy, with subtle brown undertones.
Fluorescent Lighting: Fluorescent lighting tends to drain burnt orange of vibrancy, resulting in a paler, slightly duller shade.
LED Lighting: LED lights give burnt orange a bold, saturated appearance, enhancing the bright orange aspect.
The light source can noticeably alter how burnt orange is perceived. It’s important to view burnt orange samples in the intended lighting conditions.
Where burnt orange is found in nature
In the natural world, burnt orange hues appear in:
– Pumpkins and squash
– Leaves in autumn
– Red clay soils
– Rust
– Orange minerals like amber
– Some flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and lilies
Patterns inspired by nature often incorporate burnt orange tones. The color is associated with the harvest season and earthy natural materials.
Uses of burnt orange
Some popular uses of burnt orange include:
– A fall seasonal color in design and fashion
– Accent colors in home decor
– A university color (University of Texas colors include burnt orange)
– Paint colors for accent walls or crafts
– Autumn-themed party decorations and details
– Baked goods like cakes, cookies, breads to give a warm, autumnal look
– Jack-o-lanterns and Halloween decorations
– Rustic details in weddings like flowers, table runners, and invitations
The warm, earthy tone suits many purposes related to the fall season and natural materials. It provides a cozy, nostalgic feel.
Similar colors to burnt orange
Some shades that are similar to burnt orange include:
| Pumpkin | Slightly lighter, brighter orange |
| Terra cotta | Reddish clay orange |
| Rust | Metallic orange-brown |
| Sunburst yellow | Warm golden orange |
| clay | Earthy red-orange |
While these colors are related, burnt orange is darker and browner compared to bright shades like pumpkin. It also contains less red than terra cotta.
How burnt orange makes you feel
Burnt orange is often described as a warm, cozy, and nostalgic color. It can evoke feelings like:
– Warmth
– Comfort
– Nostalgia
– Belonging
– happiness
– Calm
– Safety
– Excitement
These positive associations make burnt orange popular for autumn activities and decor. The rich hue provides a sense of warmth perfect for the fall season.
Using burnt orange in design
In graphic design, burnt orange can be an accent pop of color to make things like logos, websites, or stationery feel warm and friendly. It works well with other fall colors like:
– Yellow
– Red
– Brown
– Olive Green
– Rust
– Beige
Burnt orange complements and plays off these shades nicely in seasonal color palettes.
Too much burnt orange can feel overwhelming, so it’s often best used sparingly or in combination with neutrals like white, black, gray, and tan.
Conclusion
Burnt orange is a nostalgic fall tone that evokes warmth, comfort, and the natural colors of autumn. It sits between orange and brown on the color wheel. While the exact shade can vary based on lighting and medium, burnt orange is generally defined by RGB, CMYK, and HEX codes for consistent reproduction. It’s found in nature in things like pumpkins, clay, and fallen leaves. In design, burnt orange works great for accent colors in autumnal themes. It provides a cozy, uplifting feel perfect for the fall season. So the next time you see that familiar burnt orange hue, you’ll know exactly what warm shade you’re looking at.
