Take a deep dive into dark orange.
Learn some basics about dark orange’s meaning and discover how to combine this shade effectively to create a stunning color scheme.
Every color has a unique meaning, according to color psychology. In other words, the choices we make about colors — especially in terms of design and creative endeavors — can have powerful impacts on our messages, the tones we convey, and how an audience perceives things.
It’s important to have a strong understanding of what each color means. Then, you can use them strategically in graphic design projects. But what does dark orange mean, and what colors can you pair it with to create a beautiful color palette? Keep reading to learn more.
What does dark orange mean?
DARK ORANGE — with its #ffc00 HEX code and RGB value of R: 255, G:140, B:0 — is a shade that intermixes tones of brown, creating a natural, moodier orange color than some of its related hues.
According to some color psychology sources, dark orange can represent negative factors like pride, greed, and selfishness — however, other sources note that this earthy orange color can represent physical strength, extroversion, and positive social characteristics. Some of its hue variations include:
- RED ORANGE — HEX #ff5349
- BURNT ORANGE — HEX #cc5500
- BRIGHT ORANGE — HEX #ffa500
Combine dark orange with complementary colors.
The best part about dark orange? It combines beautifully with a variety of colors. Looking to create a striking contrast? Opt for a combination of dark orange and blue, similar to the University of Florida or the Denver Broncos’ color palette.
Other combinations, like dark orange with purple, create a palette reminiscent of a sunset. Or pair it with a shade of burgundy for a callback to autumn and changing leaves.
Create with every color.
Ready to elevate your design strategy? Unleash your color creativity and check out graphic-design resources that can help take your projects to the next level.
Find out what you can make — from logos and icons to illustrations and poster art — with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.