Coral Red
HEX: #FF4040 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#FF4040
255, 64, 64
0°, 100% ,62%
0, 75, 75, 0
About Coral Red
Coral Red (#FF4040) is a color with RGB(255, 64, 64) and HSL(0°, 100%, 62.5%). It is commonly associated with Energetic, Bold moods. In design, it fits Vivid, Neon styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Accent. Its complementary color is #40FFFF, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #40FF40 and #4040FF. The name comes from Coral Red (English).
- HEX: #FF4040
- RGB: 255, 64, 64
- HSL: 0°, 100%, 62.5%
- Mood: Energetic, Bold
- Style: Vivid, Neon
- Use case: Text, Button, Accent
- Complementary color: #40FFFF
- Triadic colors: #40FF40, #4040FF
- The name comes from Coral Red (English).
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 #FF4040 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The color 'coral red' is directly inspired by the natural pigmentation of precious coral (Corallium rubrum and related species). This marine invertebrate has been prized since antiquity for its beauty and perceived protective qualities. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used coral for jewelry and amulets. In medieval Europe, coral was believed to ward off evil. The color itself, a vibrant reddish-orange or pinkish-red, became a recognized shade in fashion and art, particularly from the 18th century onwards as natural history and exotic materials gained popularity. The hex code #ff4040 represents a bright, somewhat orange-leaning red, consistent with many interpretations of 'coral red'.
First Recorded Use
The specific phrase 'coral red' as a color name likely emerged as coral itself became more widely known and used in decorative arts and jewelry, requiring a descriptor for its characteristic color. While 'coral' as a material has ancient roots, its use as a specific color adjective became more common in English during the late 18th to early 19th century.
Cultural Associations
**Symbolism:** Often associated with vitality, energy, passion, and protection. Due to its marine origin, it can also evoke themes of the ocean, nature, and exoticism. **Fashion & Design:** A popular color in spring and summer collections, often used for clothing, accessories, and interior design to add a pop of vibrant color. It can be seen as a more playful or softer alternative to true red. **Jewelry:** The material coral itself is a traditional gemstone, and its color is highly valued in various cultures for beads, carvings, and cabochons. **Regional Variations:** The exact shade referred to as 'coral red' can vary slightly, sometimes leaning more pink, other times more orange, depending on cultural context and specific coral species being referenced.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #FF4040;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #FF4040;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #FF4040;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#FF4040,
#40FFFF
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#FF4040,
#40FFFF
);
}// SCSS variable
$coral-red: #FF4040;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$coral-red-r: 255;
$coral-red-g: 64;
$coral-red-b: 64;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $coral-red;
color: rgba($coral-red-r, $coral-red-g, $coral-red-b, 0.8);
}