Falu Red
HEX: #801818 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#801818
128, 24, 24
0°, 81% ,50%
0, 81.25, 81.25, 49.8
About Falu Red
Falu Red (#801818) is a color with RGB(128, 24, 24) and HSL(0°, 81.25%, 50.2%). It is commonly associated with Energetic, Bold moods. In design, it fits Vivid, Warm styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Accent. Its complementary color is #188080, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #188018 and #181880. The name comes from Falu rödfärg (Swedish).
- HEX: #801818
- RGB: 128, 24, 24
- HSL: 0°, 81.25%, 50.2%
- Mood: Energetic, Bold
- Style: Vivid, Warm
- Use case: Text, Button, Accent
- Complementary color: #188080
- Triadic colors: #188018, #181880
- The name comes from Falu rödfärg (Swedish).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #801818 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
Falu Red is a traditional Swedish red paint color, deeply rooted in the history of the Falun copper mine in Dalarna, Sweden. The pigment is a byproduct of the copper mining process, specifically from the mine's slag heaps. It consists of iron oxides, copper compounds, and zinc. Its use became widespread in the 16th century, initially as a protective coating for wooden buildings, mimicking the brick houses of the wealthy and nobility. Its popularity grew due to its excellent preservative qualities for wood, its availability, and its distinctive, warm red color. It became a defining feature of Swedish rural and urban architecture, particularly on cottages, barns, and other wooden structures. The paint is known for its matte finish and how it weathers over time, often becoming more subdued and integrated with the landscape.
First Recorded Use
The pigment itself, derived from the copper mine in Falun, Sweden, was likely used locally even earlier, but its widespread use as a house paint began in the 16th century.
Cultural Associations
Falu Red is an iconic symbol of Swedish culture and national identity. It is strongly associated with traditional Swedish cottages ('stugor'), barns, and other wooden buildings, evoking a sense of rustic charm, history, and the Swedish countryside. It represents a connection to nature and traditional craftsmanship. The color is so prevalent that it's often simply referred to as 'Swedish red.' Its use is not merely aesthetic but also practical, reflecting a long-standing tradition of preserving wooden structures in the harsh Nordic climate. It's a color that many Swedes associate with home and heritage.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #801818;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #801818;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #801818;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#801818,
#19E7E7
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#801818,
#19E7E7
);
}// SCSS variable
$falu-red: #801818;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$falu-red-r: 128;
$falu-red-g: 24;
$falu-red-b: 24;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $falu-red;
color: rgba($falu-red-r, $falu-red-g, $falu-red-b, 0.8);
}