Choosing the right shades of pink and red to coordinate can be tricky. The hue, tone, and intensity of different shades can drastically change how two colors look together. Finding harmonious shades that enhance each other requires understanding color theory and experimenting with different pink and red combinations. This article will examine how to match shades of pink with red for an attractive, coordinated look.
The color wheel
The first step to matching any colors is looking at the color wheel. The color wheel shows the relationships between different hues. Colors that are next to each other on the wheel, like red and pink, are analogous colors. Analogous colors are easy to combine in a harmonious way. Colors that are across from each other on the wheel provide high contrast.
When matching pink with red specifically, you want to choose shades that are as close to each other as possible on the color wheel. Pinks that lean towards red or red-violets will look most cohesive with true reds. Avoid choosing pinks that veer too far towards other hues like orange or blue-pinks.
Tone
Once you have analogous hues picked out, the next factor to consider is tone. Tone refers to how light or dark a color is. The tone impacts the overall look and feel of a color pairing.
For a bold, high contrast look, match a lighter toned pink with a deeper red. Soft pinks and bubblegum pinks pop against true reds.
For a subtler, more elegant look, pair dusky pinks and mauves with brick reds or marsala shades. Soft greige pinks also complement faded reds nicely.
Matching tones that are too similar can make shades bleed together. But tones that are too far apart can also clash. Aim for tones that are 1-3 shades apart for harmony.
Intensity
Intensity describes how saturated or muted a color is. A color’s intensity is impacted by how much gray is mixed in. Pure hues have a high intensity, while muted, grayish shades are low intensity.
With pink and red, you generally want to match intensities that are relatively equal. Pairing a very muted, dusty pink with a super saturated fire engine red risks clashing.
But having some variation in intensity can create depth. Mixing a slightly muted old rose pink with a pure crimson red can work nicely. Just avoid major gaps in saturation.
Cool vs. warm undertones
Some shades of pink and red lean towards cool undertones, containing hints of blue or purple. Others have warm golden undertones.
Matching the undertones brings unity to a color palette. Pairing a warm pink with a cool red (or vice versa) can make the colors appear disconnected.
Cool-toned pinks like blush pink and mauve pink coordinate beautifully with wine reds and burgundies. Warm peachy pinks complement brick reds and rusty tomato shades.
| Cool-toned pinks | Matching cool-toned reds |
|---|---|
| Blush pink | Wine red |
| Mauve pink | Burgundy |
| Warm-toned pinks | Matching warm-toned reds |
| Peachy pink | Brick red |
| Salmon pink | Rusty red |
Use white to transition between shades
Sometimes a pure red and pink palette can feel heavy or overwhelming. Adding crisp white can help soften the palette and make the shades more workable.
White provides separation between the red and pink shades, allowing them each to stand out. It also lightens up the overall look.
Try accessories in white or off-white like shoes, handbags, or jewelry. White trim on clothing or furniture also transitions red and pink nicely.
Match finish and textures
When coordinating multiple shades, repeating textures and finishes ties everything together. Using all matte or all glossy shades creates cohesion.
For example, pair a matte lipstick in a warm red with a soft matte blush in a peachy pink. Or use glossy crimson nails with shiny fuchsia pink heels.
Repeating fabric textures like silk, velvet, or cotton across the shades also brings unity to a palette. Mixing matte and glossy finishes can make shades feel disconnected.
Sample Color Combos
Here are some specifically gorgeous shades of red and pink that complement each other beautifully:
– Pale dogwood pink + blood red
– Baby pink + cherry red
– Blush pink + burgundy
– Cotton candy pink + fire engine red
– Salmon pink + rusty red
– Mauve pink + merlot
– Soft rose pink + oxblood red
– Peachy pink + brick red
– Dusty pink + wine red
– Bubblegum pink + ruby red
These are just a few examples of flattering pink and red pairings. Experiment with different shades and find colors that you love working together.
Tips for combining pink and red
– Choose shades that are as close together on the color wheel as possible
– Pick tones 1-3 shades apart for balance
– Match intensity levels closely
– Coordinate cool and warm undertones
– Add white to soften and transition shades
– Repeat the same textures and finishes throughout
– Layer shades in different proportions for variety
Conclusion
Matching shades of pink with red may seem tricky initially. But understanding color relationships makes choosing flattering, harmonious combinations easy.
Analogous hues at similar tone and intensity levels in the same color family are failproof. Add white for contrast and cohesion. With some practice, you can effortlessly mix and match gorgeous pinks with timeless reds.
Experiment with shades you love until you find your perfect color palette. The ideal pink and red pairing will showcase both colors and create a stylish, put-together look. With the tips above, you can approach pink and red with confidence.
