Choosing the right shade of red for your design or project can be tricky. With so many options ranging from pink to burgundy, how do you know which one is the “medium dark red” you’re looking for? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about medium dark red and its color codes across different formats.
Defining Medium Dark Red
First, let’s clarify what exactly “medium dark red” means. This term refers to a rich, vivid red that has some depth yet still retains plenty of brightness. It’s darker than a light or bright red, but not as dark as a deep burgundy. Medium dark reds have a moderate amount of black added to the vibrant red base. This results in a bold reddish color that leans slightly toward brown, but not enough to fully mute out the red.
Some examples of medium dark red shades include crimson, oxblood, maroon, and cherry. These colors are clearly red-based but have extra punch from the added black. Medium dark reds pair beautifully with neutrals like gray and tan. They also stand out nicely against lighter backgrounds. This versatility makes them ideal accent colors.
Medium Dark Red Color Codes
Now let’s get into the specific color codes for achieving a medium dark red. The codes will vary based on the exact program, software, or medium you are using. Here are some of the most common color formats and their corresponding medium dark red shades:
RGB Color Codes
The RGB color model combines levels of the three additive primary colors – red, green, and blue – to create millions of colors. Each level ranges from 0 (minimum) to 255 (maximum). Some examples of medium dark red RGB values include:
| Color Name | R Value | G Value | B Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxblood | 102 | 0 | 0 |
| Cherry Red | 161 | 12 | 39 |
| Crimson | 153 | 17 | 80 |
HEX Color Codes
HEX codes represent colors using a 6-digit combination of letters A-F and numbers 0-9. The first two digits represent the amount of red, the middle two digits are the green value, and the last two digits are the blue value. Some medium dark red HEX codes are:
| Color Name | HEX Code |
|---|---|
| Burgundy | 660000 |
| Maroon | 800000 |
| Crimson | 990000 |
CMYK Color Codes
In the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, colors are formed by mixing various percentages of these four ink colors. CMYK is used for print publishing. Some examples of medium dark red CMYK values are:
| Color Name | Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxblood | 0% | 91% | 89% | 46% |
| Cherry | 0% | 100% | 86% | 37% |
| Burgundy | 0% | 100% | 100% | 60% |
HSL Color Codes
The HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) color space is modeled after how humans perceive color. Hue represents the base pigment, saturation is the vibrancy, and lightness adjusts the brightness. Some medium dark red HSL values are:
| Color Name | Hue | Saturation | Lightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maroon | 0 | 100% | 25% |
| Crimson | 348 | 83% | 47% |
| Cherry | 358 | 100% | 45% |
Using Medium Dark Reds in Design
Now that you know how to specify medium dark reds in any color format, let’s look at effective ways to use them in your designs:
- As accent colors – Use medium dark reds sparingly to make details like buttons, headings, or icons pop.
- In backgrounds – They create a bold, elegant backdrop when used as full background colors.
- For emphasis – Highlight important text or elements by applying a medium dark red.
- With neutrals – Gray, tan, and other earth tones complement and balance medium dark reds beautifully.
- Sparingly with brights – Small doses of bright reds, oranges, or yellows make medium dark reds shine.
Medium dark reds should be used with care to avoid designs looking too heavy or dark. Balance them out with plenty of lighter and brighter colors. In the right combinations, these shades add sophisticated, eye-catching style to any project!
Best Uses for Specific Medium Dark Reds
Not all medium dark reds are created equal! Here are some tips on using popular shades:
Oxblood
Oxblood has a muted, earthy quality. It works wonderfully in:
- Fall/winter color schemes
- Academic designs (think Ivy League)
- Sophisticated interiors
Burgundy
Burgundy conveys luxury and elegance. Use it for:
- Upscale, formal designs
- Wine/culinary related projects
- Beauty/makeup branding
Maroon
Maroon is bold and vintage-inspired. It can add flair to:
- Retro styles
- Collegiate designs
- Old world inspired looks
Crimson
Crimson pops against darker backgrounds. Perfect for:
- Dark website color schemes
- Halloween/horror designs
- Carnival/circus themes
Tools and Resources for Medium Dark Reds
Working with color doesn’t have to be guesswork. Take the pain out of the process with these handy tools:
Color Pickers
Quickly sample colors right from your screen and get their codes instantly. Useful picks include:
Color Palettes
Browse ready-made color palettes featuring medium dark reds:
Design Inspiration
See medium dark reds applied in real designs for fresh ideas:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is burgundy a medium dark red?
Yes, burgundy is considered a medium dark red. Its reddish-brown hue sits right between lighter reds and deeper bordeaux shades.
What colors go well with medium dark red?
Some colors that complement medium dark reds include tan, cream, light gray, navy blue, gold, and black.
Is maroon lighter or darker than burgundy?
Maroon is slightly lighter and less brown than burgundy. However, they are very close shades.
Is cherry red the same as medium dark red?
Cherry red is one popular variety of medium dark red. So while all cherry reds are medium dark reds, not all medium dark reds are cherry red.
Conclusion
Medium dark red is such a gorgeous, versatile shade. Whether you’re aiming for an elegant burgundy or bold crimson, the color codes and tips in this guide equip you to easily nail the perfect medium dark red for any project. Have fun exploring the many variations of this timeless tone!