Burnt Orange Color – How to Make and Use Burnt Orange Shades
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It seems fascinating that, when we talk of colors, the words “burnt orange” can be regarded as real. Burnt orange is, in fact, a real color, and when thinking about the color without actually seeing it, you will be correct in assuming that it is a dark brown-orange color. In this article, we will explore a little further to see if the burnt orange color is popular and we will also look at the burnt orange color code in more detail.
Table of Contents
What Color Is Burnt Orange?
The color known as burnt orange is an orange color that can be manipulated to be either a “dark burnt orange” color or a “light burnt orange” color. It signifies the flames of a fire. Burnt orange was given its official name in 1915, but it has become quite a discussion point with experts as it is thought that it carries more blue undertones, while others disagree with this finding.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Burnt Orange | #CC5500 | 0, 58, 100, 20 | 204, 85, 0 | |
| Light Burnt Orange | #F0884C | 0, 43, 68, 6 | 240, 136, 76 |
How to Make Burnt Orange Color
The simplified process of making your own burnt orange is relatively easy. When you think of burnt orange, you may immediately be thinking of an orange color with brown undertones or a dark orange with more red undertones. To make your own burnt orange, mix equal parts of yellow and red together and then add a little blue or burnt sienna to the mix. If you add more yellow, you will have a light burnt orange color and if you add a little more red, you have a dark burnt orange color.
The burnt orange color code is #CC5500.
The Burnt Orange Color: A Brief History
Burnt orange has been very popular throughout history and it received its official name in 1915. One of the more influential uses of burnt orange that elevated its status and popularity was when it was used as the official color of the University of Texas whose football team was the Texas Longhorns. In 1966, they put a trademark on their own particular hue of the burnt orange color.
L’Etoile (1878) by Edgar Degas; Edgar Degas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Burnt Orange Color Used in Famous Paintings
Many artists have made use of burnt orange in their palettes, but none may be quite as famous for using the color than Vincent van Gogh, evident in his 1889 oil painting, titled Self Portrait.
The burnt orange color was a much-admired color and because of its brown undertones, became the colors of choice for painting landscapes.
Self Portrait (1889) by Vincent van Gogh
| Artist | Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890) |
| Date Completed | 1889 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Location | Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France |
Self Portrait (1878) shows us the use of burnt orange shades which Vincent van Gogh contrasted with blue. This picture highlights just how little burnt orange is needed to make a huge impact and how it can be used to contrast other lighter or more rusty orange colors.
Self Portrait (1889) by Vincent van Gogh; Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
L’Etoile (1878) by Edgar Degas
| Artist | Edgar Degas (834 – 1917) |
| Date Completed | 1878 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Location | Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France |
Edgar Degas makes use of burnt orange in this painting to contrast a cool palette of peaches, pinks, and dusty blues. Degas used burnt orange to not only create contrasting colors but also contrasting moods. The dominant burnt orange color in his 1878 painting titled L’Etoile, Degas creates an inviting feel which is then enhanced by the use of neutrals and balanced with some blue tones.
The Various Shades of Burnt Orange
Burnt orange is also known by other names, such as titian, chestnut, flaming, foxy, and flaming red. These are all burnt orange shades and in psychology, burnt orange expresses fun and playfulness. It is a color that brings us back to our childhood of sitting around the fire and perhaps roasting marshmallows over an open flame. It is a color that stimulates friendly conversation and is not taken too seriously. The softer or light orange color denotes feelings of romance or warmth.
Red Orange
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Red Orange | #FF5349 | 0, 67, 71, 0 | 255, 83, 73 |
The reddish hues of orange are exciting yet aggressive at the same time. The bright color is invigorating and raw. It is impulsive yet looks tasty as well. When we imagine the red-orange shade, we just need to think about the beautiful bright red-orange colors that are seen in a fire.
True Orange
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| True Orange | #FFA500 | 0, 35, 100, 0 | 100, 64.7, 0 |
This color of true orange stimulates energy. It is an exciting color that creates cheerfulness and most orange fruits are associated with this beautiful shade. It is an autumnal color which is warm.
Golden Orange
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Golden Orange | #D7942E | 0, 31, 79, 16 | 84.3, 58, 18 |
This is a burnt orange shade named so because of its apparent association with gold. This shade of orange is a direct representation of wisdom and wealth and denotes feelings of prestige.
If you are looking at creating a space that is unique to only you, the dark burnt orange colors and rusty orange colors will always make a statement. Because of their rich undertones, the warmth of the rusty orange color will make your friends want to sit down and visit for a long while. With this color in your living room, whenever you are asked the question of what color is burnt orange, you simply need to point to the accent pieces and no further explanation will be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Colors That Go With Burnt Orange?
The burnt orange color matches up perfectly with all shades of gray, and in particular, it matches beautifully with tan colors, browns, and even blush pink colors. So, what are the colors that go with burnt orange? Both pale blue and dark blue colors go well with most orange shades.
What Color Is Burnt Orange?
Burnt orange is created when a shade of orange has been manipulated into either a light burnt orange color or dark burnt orange color. Medium or dark orange colors give the feeling of warmth to a home and strength as it denotes the flames in a fire.
How Do I Make the Burnt Orange Color Myself?
The process of making your own burnt orange is relatively easy. Mix equal parts of yellow and red, and once these are mixed, add a little blue or burnt sienna to the color, and the result will be a burnt orange. The more yellow you add, the lighter the orange. The more red you add, the darker the tone.
Larissa Meyer is a 32-year-old mother from Michigan and creative spirit since childhood. Her passion for painting and drawing has led her to an education as an illustrator and a career as a freelance graphic designer. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration and a degree in Graphic Design. Larissa is a talented artist who is able to master a wide range of styles and techniques to bring her artistic vision to life. Her greatest passion is currently fluid painting and epoxy resin art. Larissa’s love for art and her knowledge and experience in illustration make her the perfect Creative Director for our fluid-painting.com team. She is the creative head of our team and shares her passion and knowledge with our community through articles and tutorials.
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