Salmon Color: Meaning and Uses
Salmon is a pinkish-orange color that resembles the flesh of salmon fish, which varies from white to orange. Salmon represents feelings of warmth, comfort, and serenity.
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon | #FF8C69 | 255, 140, 105 | 0, 45, 59, 0 |
History of Salmon Color
The term “salmon” was first used as a color name in the 18th century. Before that, various shades of pink and orange were often described as “salmon-colored.”
In Native American cultures, salmon was a symbol of life and sustenance. The fish’s distinct color inspired artistic representations and symbolized abundance and renewal.
In European art during the Rococo period, artists used Salmon color in portraits and canvases to convey elegance and femininity. It became popular in the 20th century for clothing and home decor due to the influence of Art Deco and Flapper styles.
In the 1950s, salmon-colored clothing and accessories were common, reflecting the era’s fascination with pastel and muted tones.
Slamon made a comeback in interior design during the 1980s and 1990s, often paired with soft blues and mint greens.
Psychological and Emotional Associations of Salmon
Salmon symbolizes feelings of love, empathy, and compassion. These qualities make it ideal for settings where emotional connection is essential.
A salmon color can stimulate energy and increase heartbeat, pulse rate, and respiration. It also encourages confidence and action. Shades of salmon with strong orange tones induce excitement and are used to grab attention.
Shades of Salmon Color
Salmon Pink
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon Pink | #FF91A4 | 255, 145, 164 | 0, 43, 36, 0 |
Salmon pink is a pale, pastel pink with warm peachy undertones. It has slight orange tones and a soft, subtle appearance that induces calmness.
Terracotta
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta | #E2725B | 226, 114, 91 | 0, 50, 60, 11 |
Terracotta is a deep burnt orange shade with brown undertones. It ranges from intense reddish-brown shades with orange undertones to shades of peach and pink with tan and gray undertones.
Coral
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coral | #FF7F50 | 255, 127, 80 | 0, 50, 69, 0 |
Coral is warm with pinkish tones. It’s bold and brighter and has more pronounced orange undertones.
Salmon Red
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon Red | #EC6C5B | 236, 108, 91 | 0, 54, 61, 7 |
Salmon red is deeper and more saturated. It retains the warmth and vibrancy of salmon but has a richer and more pronounced red undertone.
Light Salmon
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Salmon | #FFA07A | 255, 160, 122 | 0, 37, 52, 0 |
Light salmon is a paler and more pastel version of the traditional salmon hue. It has subtle pink and peach undertones with a soft, soothing appearance.
Dark Salmon
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Salmon | #E9967A | 233, 150, 122 | 0, 36, 48, 9 |
Dark salmon is a more intense shade. It’s richer, bolder, with stronger red undertones than salmon color.
Colors That Go With Salmon
Analogous Salmon Colors
The analogous colors for salmon are:
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Pink | #FF6991 | 255, 105, 145 | 0, 59, 43, 0 |
| Light Orange | #FFD769 | 255, 215, 105 | 0, 16, 59, 0 |
| Mauve | #E0B0FF | 224, 176, 255 | 12, 31, 0, 0 |
| Gold Metallic | #D4AF37 | 212, 175, 55 | 0, 17, 74, 17 |
Complementary Salmon Colors
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon | #FF8C69 | 255, 140, 105 | 0, 45, 59, 0 |
| Light Cyan | #69DCFF | 105, 220, 255 | 59, 14, 0, 0 |
| Mint Green | #98FF98 | 152, 255, 152 | 40, 0, 40, 0 |
| Navy Blue | #000080 | 0, 0, 128 | 100, 100, 0, 50 |
| Teal | #008080 | 0, 128, 128 | 100, 0, 0, 50 |
When salmon is paired with complementary colors, they create contrast and stand out.
Monochromatic Salmon Colors
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon | #FF8C69 | 255, 140, 105 | 0, 45, 59, 0 |
| Pale Reddish-Pink | #FFD7CB | 255, 215, 203 | 0, 16, 20, 0 |
| Dark Red | #2E0B00 | 46, 11, 0 | 0, 76, 100, 82 |
Monochromatic colors include lighter and darker shades of salmon, creating a well-balanced palette.
Triadic Salmon Colors
| Shade | Hex Code | RGB Color Code | CMYK Color Code (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon | #FF8C69 | 255, 140, 105 | 0, 45, 59, 0 |
| Light Lime Green | #69FF8C | 105, 255, 140 | 59, 0, 45, 0 |
| Light Blue | #8C69FF | 140, 105, 255 | 45, 59, 0, 0 |
| Emerald Green | #50C878 | 80, 200, 120 | 50, 0, 4, 11 |
| Light Turquoise | #70E2D9 | 112, 226, 217 | 60, 0, 40, 22 |
Triadic colors are equally spaced around the color wheel, creating an appealing and vibrant effect.