Dark pink is a rich and elegant shade that can add vibrance and depth to any design. But like many colors, it’s made up of a complex mix of different hues and tones. So what are the main color tones that make up the dark pink palette?
The Main Color Tones in Dark Pink
While there are many subtle variations, most dark pink colors contain tones of the following core colors:
- Red
- Purple
- Blue
- White/Light pink
By adjusting the proportions of these key tones, you can create different shades and tints of dark pink:
Rich, Deep Dark Pinks
These have a higher proportion of red and purple tones. They create a rich, jewel-like quality:
| Raspberry Pink | Deep Pink | Fuchsia Pink |
Cool-Toned Dark Pinks
These have more blue/purple tones mixed in. They have a cooler, more subdued feeling:
| Mauve Pink | Dusty Pink | Lilac Pink |
Soft, Light Dark Pinks
These blend in more white/light pink to soften the tone. They are romantic and feminine:
| Blush Pink | Ballet Pink | Baby Pink |
How Color Proportions Affect Dark Pink Shades
Looking closer at some specific dark pink hues can help show how the color proportions affect the tone:
Raspberry Pink
This deep pink is named after the juicy berry. It has a vivid red-purple tone that looks saturated and bold. The high red content gives it brightness and intensity.
| Red | 90% |
|---|---|
| Purple | 60% |
| White/Pink | 10% |
Dusty Pink
As the name suggests, this softer dark pink has a delicate, faded quality. The higher white/pink content mutes the intensity of the red tones.
| Red | 50% |
|---|---|
| Purple | 40% |
| White/Pink | 60% |
Lilac Pink
True to its name, this pink has a pretty lavender tone created by blending purple and pink. The higher purple ratio gives it a cooler, more relaxed look.
| Red | 40% |
|---|---|
| Purple | 70% |
| White/Pink | 50% |
Using Color Theory to Mix Custom Dark Pink Tones
Once you understand the basic color ratios, you can start mixing custom dark pink shades by tweaking the proportions:
Add more red:
Increasing the amount of red adds intensity, brightness and warmth. It makes the pink feel bolder and more energizing.
Add more purple:
Boosting the purple tones creates a cooler, more mellow pink. Too much can make it feel icy, so balance it with warmth from the red/pink.
Add more white/pink:
Adding white/light pink softens the tone and makes it more delicate. Be careful not to dilute the richness though.
Dark Pink Color Palettes and Combinations
Dark pink can be paired with many colors to create stunning palettes. Here are some examples of harmonious dark pink color schemes:
Monochromatic
Sticking to shades of pink allows you to explore subtle variations of tone and depth. Add interest by mixing matte and metallic textures.
| Deep Pink | Blush Pink | Fuchsia Pink |
Complementary
Pairing with green creates vibrant, high-impact contrasts. Dark teal greens work well to enhance the red undertones.
| Raspberry Pink | Deep Green | Forest Green |
Split Complementary
This scheme uses colors on either side of the pink’s complement to form soft, subtle contrasts.
| Dusty Pink | Sea Green | Lime Green |
Triadic
Triadic palettes use three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. The contrast pops but also harmonizes.
| Fuchsia Pink | Chartreuse | Purple |
Conclusion
Dark pink is a versatile color with depth and personality. By understanding the core red, purple, blue and white/pink tones it contains, you can mix custom shades to suit any project. Pair it with accent colors using color theory to highlight its unique qualities. With the right tone and palette, dark pink conveys femininity, warmth and creativity.
