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Burnt Orange: Everything to Know About the Color Burnt Orange

  • Writer: The Finest Writer
    The Finest Writer
  • Apr 12
  • 6 min read

Updated: Apr 13

Burnt orange text "The Color Burnt Orange" on a textured, abstract background with wavy patterns, circles, and floral shapes.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the warm and captivating color burnt orange! In this article, we will take you on a journey through the rich and vibrant world of burnt orange, exploring its origins, meaning, symbolism, and diverse applications.


Known for its deep, earthy tone, burnt orange holds a mesmerizing allure that has captured the hearts of artists, designers, and enthusiasts alike. Join us as we dive deep into the depths of burnt orange, unraveling its secrets and uncovering its significance in various aspects of our lives.


Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next creative project or simply curious about this rustic hue, this article is your ultimate resource to unlock everything there is to know about the color burnt orange.



What Color is Burnt Orange?

Embossed floral and leaf pattern on an orange backdrop. Central circle surrounded by ornate symmetrical designs. Elegant, intricate detail.

Burnt orange is a dark, muted shade of orange that sits in the spectrum between orange and brown. It is often described as a deep, earthy tone with a subtle hint of red or brown, reminiscent of the color of autumn leaves, sunsets, or rustic terracotta. Burnt orange is known for its warm, inviting appearance that exudes a sense of coziness and comfort. It combines the vibrant qualities of orange with the grounding attributes of brown, creating a unique and harmonious shade that stands out in various contexts.


How to Make Burnt Orange?

Orange abstract design with wavy lines and leaf patterns. A segmented circle resembles a pie chart on the right. Textured background.

To create the color burnt orange, you can use different color models such as RGB, CMYK, and HEX.


Here are the values and codes for burnt orange in various formats:


Burnt Orange RGB Values

  • Red: 204

  • Green: 85

  • Blue: 0


Burnt Orange HEX Color Code

The HEX code for burnt orange is #CC5500.


Burnt Orange CMYK Code

  • Cyan: 0%

  • Magenta: 58%

  • Yellow: 100%

  • Black: 20%


Burnt Orange Web Safe Color

In the web-safe color palette, the closest approximation for burnt orange is #CC6600.


Paint Mixing to Create Burnt Orange

If you're looking to create burnt orange with physical paint, you can start with a base of orange and add small amounts of red and brown until you achieve the desired burnt orange shade. Experimenting with different proportions will help you achieve the precise hue you're looking for.


Burnt Orange Light and Perception

Burnt orange is a result of the way our eyes perceive specific wavelengths of light. It falls between orange and brown on the visible spectrum and can vary in its exact appearance depending on lighting conditions and surrounding colors.


Burnt orange is a versatile and warm color that can be used in various design, fashion, and artistic applications. Whether you're designing a website, painting a room, or creating artwork, these color values and codes will help you incorporate the rich essence of burnt orange into your projects.


What Colors Match Burnt Orange?

Orange-toned design featuring a central circle with radial lines, surrounded by leaves, flowers, and circular patterns. Text: "natural", "textures".

Burnt orange is a versatile color that can be paired with several complementary and harmonious colors to create visually appealing combinations. Here are some color schemes that work well with burnt orange:


Burnt Orange and Cream


The combination of burnt orange and cream creates a warm and inviting look. Cream provides a soft, neutral backdrop that allows burnt orange to stand out, adding a sense of balance and coziness to the overall palette.


Burnt Orange and Teal


Burnt orange paired with teal creates a vibrant and dynamic color scheme. The cool tones of teal contrast with the warmth of burnt orange, resulting in a visually striking and energetic palette.


Burnt Orange and Navy Blue


The combination of burnt orange and navy blue evokes a sense of depth and sophistication. The deep, rich tones of navy blue enhance the warmth of burnt orange, resulting in a balanced and elegant color scheme.


Burnt Orange and Olive Green


Burnt orange and olive green form a natural and earthy duo. The muted tones of olive green complement the rustic nature of burnt orange, creating a serene and harmonious palette.


Burnt Orange and Gold


The combination of burnt orange and gold adds a touch of luxury and opulence. The warm metallic sheen of gold enhances the richness of burnt orange, creating a striking and elegant contrast.


These are just a few examples of colors that work well with burnt orange. Don't be afraid to experiment and explore different combinations to find the perfect match for your project or personal style.


What is Burnt Orange’s Complementary Color?

Sun and moon split design with floral motifs, day in orange and night in blue. Features stars and wavy lines, set against a beige background.

The complementary color of burnt orange is a shade of blue. In the traditional color wheel, burnt orange, which is a combination of orange and brown, sits opposite to the blue spectrum. Shades of blue, particularly those with cool undertones like teal or navy, are considered its complementary colors. When burnt orange and blue are placed together, they create a strong visual contrast that can be visually striking and harmonious.


What Colors are Similar to Burnt Orange?

Abstract orange geometric pattern with circles, leaves, and swirls. Textured and layered design creates a harmonious, artistic feel.

Colors that are similar to burnt orange can be found within the orange-brown spectrum. Here are some colors that share similarities with burnt orange:


Rust: Rust is a deep, reddish-brown color that closely resembles burnt orange. It shares the same earthy and rustic qualities, making it a great alternative to burnt orange.


Terracotta: Terracotta is another color similar to burnt orange. It is a warm, earthy shade of orange-brown, often associated with clay pottery. While it is slightly lighter than burnt orange, it carries the same warm and inviting qualities.


Copper: Copper is a metallic orange-brown color that is similar to burnt orange but with a more metallic sheen. It retains the same warmth and richness as burnt orange.


Sienna: Sienna is a warm, reddish-brown color that is similar to burnt orange but with a more muted and earthy tone. It carries the same grounded and natural qualities as burnt orange.


Amber: Amber is a rich, golden-orange color that is similar to burnt orange but with a more yellowish tone. It shares the same warmth and vibrant qualities as burnt orange.


These colors are closely related to burnt orange and can be used in combination or as alternatives to create a harmonious color palette.


What Does Burnt Orange Symbolize?

Silhouette of a person facing sunrise, surrounded by falling leaves, mountains, a steaming cup, paintbrushes, and a patterned book in orange hues.

Burnt orange symbolizes a variety of meanings and conveys different emotions depending on the context. Here are some common symbolisms associated with burnt orange:


Warmth and Comfort: Burnt orange is often associated with warmth and comfort. Its rich, earthy tones evoke feelings of coziness and security, making it a popular choice for autumnal designs and home decor.


Creativity and Passion: Burnt orange is also linked to creativity and passion. Its vibrant and bold appearance encourages self-expression and artistic endeavors, making it a favorite among creative individuals.


Energy and Vitality: Burnt orange is seen as an energetic and lively color. Its warm and vibrant tones evoke feelings of enthusiasm and positivity, often associated with motivation and action.


Earthiness and Nature: Burnt orange is often associated with earthiness and nature. Its deep, rustic tones evoke the colors of autumn leaves, sunsets, and natural landscapes, making it a popular choice for designs that emphasize a connection to the natural world.


Tradition and Heritage: Burnt orange is a color that is often linked to tradition and heritage. It carries a sense of history and timelessness, often associated with vintage aesthetics and cultural significance.


Individuality and Uniqueness: Burnt orange is a unique color that stands out and captures attention. It is often associated with individuality, nonconformity, and a bold sense of style.


It's important to note that color symbolism can vary across cultures and personal interpretations. The meanings associated with burnt orange can be influenced by personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and the specific context in which it is used.


The History of Burnt Orange

Women in floral dresses, one drapes tapestry on ancient pillars. Vases in foreground, pyramids and sun in background. Orange palette.

The history of burnt orange as a color can be traced back to ancient times. Here are some key points in the history of burnt orange:


Use in Ancient Civilizations: Burnt orange pigments were used in various ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The color was often associated with the earth and nature, and it was used in pottery, textiles, and artwork.


The Renaissance and Baroque Periods: During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, burnt orange became a popular color in European art and design. Its warm and earthy tones were used in paintings, tapestries, and architecture to evoke a sense of richness and depth.


The 19th and 20th Centuries: In the 19th and 20th centuries, burnt orange continued to be a popular color in fashion, interior design, and art. Its warm and inviting appearance made it a favorite for autumnal fashion, rustic home decor, and vintage aesthetics.


Modern Usage: In the 20th century, burnt orange became a recognized color within the art and design world. Its deep and vibrant appearance captured the attention of artists and designers, leading to its incorporation in various creative disciplines, including painting, fashion, and graphic design.


Today, burnt orange continues to be a popular and versatile color used in various applications, from interior design and fashion to branding and digital media. Its warm and dynamic qualities have made it a favorite among artists, designers, and individuals seeking a color that exudes both warmth and sophistication.



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