Shades of Red: Hex & RGB Codes + Color Psychology
Red is one of the most expressive and eye-catching colors in design. From fiery scarlets to deep burgundy hues, red shades can evoke everything from love and passion to urgency and power. Whether you’re building a website, crafting a logo, or decorating a space, this color family offers endless versatility.
I’ve curated over 40+ shades of red—each with a HEX code, RGB value, and description of its typical usage. These reds range from warm and rustic to bold and futuristic.
What Makes Red So Powerful?
Red is a color of extremes—passion, energy, alertness, and even elegance depending on the tone. Light red tones like Salmon and Bittersweet are inviting and youthful, while darker reds like Crimson and Burgundy suggest strength, depth, and tradition.
Popular Shades of Red
Below are some of the most frequently used red tones. Each includes a color name, description, HEX code, and RGB value for easy reference.
| Shade | Description | Hex Code | RGB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon | Warm and soft, this pink-orange red works well in casual and coastal-themed designs. | #FA8072 | rgb(250, 128, 114) |
| Tomato | A bright, energetic red perfect for attention-grabbing buttons or food-themed designs. | #FF6347 | rgb(255, 99, 71) |
| Vermilion | Historically used in art and symbolism, this deep red-orange adds authority and warmth. | #E34234 | rgb(227, 66, 52) |
| Rust | Earthy and industrial, rust adds texture and maturity to interiors and branding. | #B7410E | rgb(183, 65, 14) |
| Crimson | A classic, noble red often associated with academia and deep emotion. | #DC143C | rgb(220, 20, 60) |
| Burgundy | Deep and wine-like, Burgundy communicates luxury and timeless elegance. | #800020 | rgb(128, 0, 32) |
Color Meaning: The Psychology Behind Red
Red is associated with action, strength, desire, and courage. Use red in your design when you want to capture attention, evoke emotion, or encourage decision-making. Lighter reds feel playful and friendly; darker reds signal professionalism and luxury.
Color Combinations with Red
- Red + White: Classic contrast that works well in logos and editorial designs
- Red + Black: High-impact, authoritative, and elegant
- Red + Gold: Regal and luxurious, perfect for premium branding
- Red + Beige: A warm and inviting neutral palette
- Red + Pink: Bold and modern for youth brands or fashion
Need Even More Reds?
This is just a small sample of the red hues available. Browse the full collection of shades of red here, or explore other color groups on the full color tools page—including pink, white, and more.