Marsala color has made many appearances in interior design, but more so recently. Since its title of Pantone Color of the Year in 2015, the color marsala has boomed. The earthy tone touches on the overarching biophilic trend in décor while also providing a punch of color that the eye is instantly drawn to. Marsala color is conveniently versatile across materials, including metals, leathers, and paints. This makes it even more appealing in the mixed-material environment of today’s interiors.

Tap into the psychology of the color marsala.

Marsala color conveys feelings of having both feet planted on the ground. This sense of stability is common among shades of brown. This earthiness also evokes a connection with nature. The red in marsala color inspires even greater depth of meaning, including passion, sophistication, and desire.

Marsala color in multiple materials.

The color marsala is compatible with multiple textures and finishes, even mixed with or paired next to metallics. Marsala color brings slightly different meanings with each texture, too. Marsala color in matte enhances its meaning of security. The color marsala with a gloss or shimmery finish evokes greater sophistication.

Combine marsala with other colors.

Marsala color is warm, thanks to both its brownish and red base. This means the color marsala can pair beautifully with peach, amber, and warm neutrals like khaki. To contrast marsala’s earthy warmth with a cooler hue, combine it with turquoise or teal. Paired with clean neutrals like taupe or white, marsala color embraces jumps off the page to steal the show in seductive sophistication.

Information about marsala color.

The marsala HEX code picker is #B57170. This is the earthy brownish-red inspired by the famous cooking wine from Marsala, Italy.

The color marsala can be achieved in a RGB space with 181 red, 113 green, and 112 blue. Marsala color can be achieved in a CMYK color space with 0% cyan, 38% magenta, 38% yellow, and 29% black.

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What is the meaning of the color marsala?

Marsala color is a rich red-brown inspired by the Italian cooking wine, which is as full-bodied as the color it takes. Marsala color is elegant and depicts many of red’s most potent qualities, like confidence and power. With its earthy warmth, the color marsala also provides a sense of security and comfort. Together, these values make it appealing — even seductive — without being overbearing.

Marsala color flourishes its earthy brown undertones unlike any other brown-based shade. It sits between red and violet on the color wheel.

The history of marsala color.

The color marsala predates the wine.

The color marsala was named after the rich Marsala wine first made in Marsala, Sicily. The full-bodied wine is used in cooking and gained fame around the world, which is why the color took the name. Marsala color predates this association, though. Before that, the color marsala was used as a drawing material in caves from France to Indonesia. Made with a mix of crushed clay ochre and hematite, marsala color was key in cave painters’ palettes.

Marsala color depicts advancements of the Iron Age.

The Iron Age saw new and advanced uses of furnaces, among other technological developments. The color marsala was abundant in this era due to the color in clay furnaces, ore, and smelting slag. You could even say that marsala color is emblematic of this period.

Modern admiration of the color marsala.

The name Marsala entered English in the early 1800s, referring exclusively to the wine. By the end of the 1800s, the color marsala was a familiar hue for all color enthusiasts. Marsala saw a steady increase of recognition and admiration until, in 2015, it was named the Pantone Color of the Year.

The color marsala across different cultures.

The color marsala in American murals.

Tens of thousands of years after the cave paintings in France, Somalia, and Indonesia that featured marsala color clay, marsala gained artistic significance for the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas across Mesoamerica. All three civilizations used the color marsala in their mural paintings, often to depict themes of passion or the rites of gods.

The color marsala in fashion and cosmetics.

Marsala color is a popular choice in fashion and cosmetics. It’s not as bright and bold as red, but it still packs that seductive nature. The color marsala is also versatile across different materials. Suede, leather, and knits can all be found in striking marsala color. Gloss and matte cosmetics in the color marsala each take on their respective allure. Marsala color is considered eye-catching and sophisticated in almost every application, even as its look changes.

The color marsala in famous photography.

One of the most famous photographs of recent history was the award-winning Afghan Girl taken by Steve McCurry and first published in National Geographic in 1984. The young woman looks straight into the camera with her piercing, clear green eyes. Wrapped around her chestnut hair and laying over her shoulders is a thick marsala color textile. The earthy brown-red color contrasts with the teal green wall behind her, exposing one of the most powerful palettes to use with the color marsala.

Design with marsala

Inspiration in the color marsala.

How to use the color marsala.

The color marsala in interior design.