orange color

What is orange?

The orange is a warm color, located between red and yellow. In painting (subtractive synthesis), it is obtained by mixing these two primaries. In light (additive synthesis), orange results from an intense red added to green.

Sometimes we refer to orange color to designate natural varieties (fruit, flowers) and orange colors in plural to evoke the diversity of shades.

Meaning of the color orange

The symbolism of the color orange (or meaning of the color orange) refers to:

• Energy & vitality (sport, action, visibility).
• Warmth & friendliness (welcome, comfort, indulgence).
• Creativity & optimism (communication, joy).

Depending on the shades, the interpretation varies: pastel orange = softness, burnt orange = character, coral orange = solar brightness.

Complementary color of orange

The complementary color orange (or inverse color of orange) on the color wheel is blue. The duo orange + blue creates a balanced contrast, widely used in design and decor.

Color codes, color chart, and related names

For web/print uses, here are some guidelines (common examples) for orange color code / color code orange / orange color code:

For translations: orange color in English: orange | orange color in Spanish: naranja.

Mixes and results (paint & light)

Paint — subtractive synthesis

• How to make the color orange / what color to make orange : red + yellow.
• Orange + blue (“blue and orange gives what color?”) → brown / gray (complementary colors neutralize each other).
• Orange + green (“orange + green color?”) → olive brown / khaki depending on proportions.
• Orange + pink → warm pink / salmon.
• Orange + brown → terracotta, more muted.
• Orange + white → pastel orange.
• Orange + black → dark orange (darkened).
• Red + orange → reddish orange ; Yellow + orange → yellowish orange.
• Purple + orange (“purple orange what color?”) → brown (partial neutralization).
• Blue + orange (variants: orange and blue what color, orange blue what color, orange and blue color, blue orange what color) → brown / gray.

Light — additive synthesis (screens)

• Red + green → orange.
• Orange + blue → light gray / white depending on intensities (R+G+B ≈ white).
• Orange + green → warm yellow (depending on settings).

Overview of orange shades

• Pastel orange color / pastel orange: soft, bright.
• Dark orange color: deep, autumnal.
• Light orange: fresh and friendly.
• Coral orange color / orange coral color: summer brightness.
• Burnt orange / burnt orange: character, vintage.
• Yellow-orange color: close to the sun.
• Red-orange / orange red: vibrant and powerful.
• Ochre orange: mineral, terracotta.
• Brownish orange: warm brown.
• Peachy pink / pinkish orange: soft and bright.
• Blood orange color / blood orange: deep red-orange.

To explore a orange color chart, start with a base orange and vary brightness and saturation.

What colors go with orange?

Common questions: what color goes with orange, green and orange what color, blue and orange color, etc.

• Orange + blue (complementary) → strong & balanced contrast (modern decor, visual identity).
• Orange + green → nature atmosphere (favor calm greens: sage, khaki).
• Orange + brown → autumn palette (wood, leather, earth).
• Orange + pink → pop touch (salmon, coral, terracotta).
• Orange + gray / black / white → contemporary looks.
• Orange + yellow → solar energy (to be dosed to avoid overload).

In fashion, if you are wondering what colors go with orange clothing: favor white, cream, denim, navy, gray, camel.

Paint, decor, and color charts

Frequent queries: orange paint color, paint color orange, color paint orange.

• In a living room: pastel orange or orangey ochre for warmth without excess.
• In a kitchen: coral orange or blood orange for dynamism.
• In a bedroom: peach / orangey pink for a soft atmosphere.
• In accent color: a wall section burnt orange with light furniture.

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