Skip to content
Log in

Crimson

Crimson is a strong, vibrant shade of red that leans more towards purple on the color wheel. In the Elizabethan era, this color was symbolic of nobility, royalty, and those of high-stature. Likely for this reason, some colleges use various shades of this hue as their trademarks. In nature, this ruby red occurs in flowers, birds, and insects. However, the man-made version, which is what you'll find in curtains, sheets, pillows, and other décor items, tends to be more of a bluish-red, falling somewhere between red and rose. Despite its boldness, crimson works well in various decorating schemes. Paired with other reds like wine, pink-red, and scarlet, in addition to accents of silver, your home will feel like a snow-laden forest. Pair it with lighter, more playful colors such as pale pink, olive green, and peach, and you’ll create a setting reminiscent of a Japanese cherry blossom orchard in spring. Combine crimson with black, dark blues, lilac, and hydrangea for a more sophisticated vibe. When paired with the right hues, this shade looks stunning in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms alike.

#AD1C42
#AD1C5F
#791443
#FFCAE2
#FF94C6

Popular Images for Crimson

More Information About Crimson


What is the hex code?

The hex code for crimson is #AD1C42. Similar hex codes include #CD1C18 (chili red) and #E30B5C (raspberry).


What color is crimson?

Crimson is a strong, vibrant shade of red that leans more toward purple on the color wheel.


What is the history?

Crimson found its origins from the Arabic word qirmizi, which is an oak-dwelling scale insect that produces a dye of the same color. This dye is used in paint sets including oil, acrylic, and watercolor.


What is the color meaning and symbolism of this hue?

In the Elizabethan era, crimson was symbolic of nobility, royalty, and those of a high-born status. However, it is also associated with passion and danger.


What colors go best with crimson?

Paired with other reds like wine, pink-red, and scarlet, in addition to accents of silver, your home will feel like a snow-laden forest. It also pairs nicely with lighter, more playful colors such as pale pink, olive green, and peach.

crimson-v-rose-red
Crimson vs Rose Red
Rose red, inspired by the lovely and fragrant flower, is a bright, vibrant shade with a heavy blend of magenta. This shade adds romance to any room, and pairs nicely with crisp whites, soft pinks, and various shades of purple.
crimson-v-cabernet
Crimson vs Cabernet
Cabernet is a dark, rich, bold shade of red, named after the cabernet grape used to make that particular strain of wine. Neutral-colored rooms love this color, adding just the right amount of sophistication and elegance.
crimson-v-cranberry-red
Crimson vs Cranberry Red
Cranberry red, named after the berry, is a light, lively shade of red. Want to add a slice of spice to your wardrobe? This shade is your go-to. Boots, purses, berets, hats, and belts in this color command attention.

From the Blog: Top Color Resources

The Meaning of Colors in Cultures Around the World

Color quite literally colors the way we view our world. Let’s take a deep dive into the symbolism of colors in cultures around the world.

101 Color Combinations to Inspire Your Next Design + Free Swatch Download

In this roundup, we compiled 101 new color combinations to inspire your next project. Download the free swatch files today!

What Are HEX Colors and How They Work in Design

What exactly is HEX color? Learn the definition of HEX colors, how many there really are, and discover how to use them in your designs.

What Is a Color Scheme? Definitions, Types, and Examples

Learn everything you need to know about color schemes and how to apply them to your next interior design, graphic design, or web design project.

Images to boost your business

High-quality, legally protected images available at a low price.

We have more than 475,000,000 assets on Shutterstock.com as of November 30, 2023.

© 2003-2024 Shutterstock, Inc.