Cardinal

Cardinal (#C41E3A) is a true red with a vibrant character. It holds its own as a focal accent, carrying visual weight without tipping into neon territory. Its HSL profile (350°, 73%, 44%) places it in the balanced band at a mid lightness. It works across type, buttons, and borders, saturated enough to feel deliberate but balanced enough to not fight the rest of the palette. For a confident two-color system, pair it with its complementary teal. For something softer, pull in its analogous neighbors on either side of the wheel. The vivid red of the male Northern Cardinal, whose feathers draw their pigment from the carotenoids in his diet. Duller males eat less well and attract fewer mates — the color is an honest signal.

Harmonies

Related Colors