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#BF3936

Brightness
114.7
HSL (°,%,%)
1°, 56%, 48%
HSV V %
75%
Lab
44.6, 53.1, 32.9
PNG size
6.2 KB
Tone / Feel
mid, vivid warm hue
Black text 3.85:1 Fail (normal) · AA (large) (large)
White text 5.45:1 AA (normal) · AAA (large) (large)

Recommended text: White (5.45:1 — AA / AAA (large))

Color Profile: #BF3936

Common Name: Signal Red

RGB: 191, 57, 54

HSL: 359, 58%, 49%

Contrast vs White: 5.5 (AA Pass)

Contrast vs Black: 9.3 (AA Pass)

Overview: The color #BF3936 is a rich, deep red, often associated with strength, passion, and visibility. It is widely used in visual art and design, evoking a sense of urgency and attention. This color is both bold and warm, making it suitable for a variety of high-impact designs, particularly in branding, marketing, and safety-related fields.

Notable Matches:

  • Sikkens 5051 Color Concept: #BF3936 (Exact Match)
  • British Standard BS 381C:1996 - Post Office Red: #C41C22 (ΔE=13.30)
  • Pantone Solid Coated - PANTONE 180 C: #C13832 (ΔE=2.75)
  • Dulux Trade Paints - Poppy / Carnival red: #BE443B (ΔE=4.99)

Why Designers Use It:

  • Bold Statement: This color is often used for making strong, attention-grabbing statements, whether in advertisements, logos, or product designs. Its vivid tone captures the viewer’s attention quickly, making it ideal for urgent calls to action.
  • Industrial & Safety Use: The color’s brightness makes it suitable for safety-related designs like road signs, construction materials, and emergency equipment. It’s commonly seen in high-visibility areas or products that need to stand out.
  • Cultural Significance: Red tones like this one can evoke strong emotional responses, including feelings of excitement, passion, or danger. This is why it’s often used in advertising, automotive design, and even in the arts to generate strong viewer engagement.
  • Tradition & Trend: This red hue is rooted in both historical significance and contemporary trends. It is often linked to traditional uses in postal and military contexts, as well as modern-day branding in high-energy industries.

Notable Structures:

This red is prevalent in both natural and man-made structures. The intensity of its shade draws inspiration from the hues found in fiery elements like lava and sunsets, and is also widely employed in industrial applications such as automotive paint, signage, and heavy-duty machinery. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice across diverse sectors including the arts, architecture, and even tech industries for interface elements.

Palette neighbours