Coral Color Code: HEX #FF7F50, Meaning & Vibrant Design Palettes
Master Coral color design: from warm energy to modern UI applications. Complete HEX codes, vibrant combinations, and 2026 trends.
What is Coral Color? (HEX #FF7F50)
Coral is a vibrant, reddish-orange shade that strikes a perfect balance between the warmth of orange and the energy of red. Named after sea polyps, this color is a favorite in modern UI design for its ability to stand out without being as aggressive as pure red. In 2026, Coral is increasingly used for creative agencies and lifestyle brands that want to convey approachability and enthusiasm.
The HEX code #FF7F50 represents a color that commands attention while maintaining a friendly, inviting presence. Unlike bright red which can signal urgency or danger, coral suggests energy and warmth—making it perfect for brands that want to appear dynamic but approachable.
Why Designers Love Coral
- High visibility without being overwhelming or aggressive
- Evokes energy, optimism, and approachability
- Perfect balance between red's energy and orange's warmth
- Excellent for CTA buttons that convert without pressuring
Using Coral in Modern UI Design
Coral is a high-performance color for Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons. Its high visibility ensures users' attention, while its soft undertones keep the interface feeling friendly. When using Coral, ensure high contrast by pairing it with dark teals or charcoal grays to meet WCAG accessibility standards.
For optimal accessibility, coral on white backgrounds achieves a contrast ratio of approximately 3.5:1, which requires larger font sizes or bold text for WCAG compliance. However, when paired with dark backgrounds like charcoal or navy, coral exceeds 7:1 contrast ratio, qualifying for AAA compliance—the highest accessibility standard.
Coral CTA Button Examples
Coral (#FF7F50) paired with complementary Teal (#008080) creates perfect visual hierarchy
Best Coral Color Palettes
Professionally crafted coral color schemes for real-world design scenarios. Each palette is tested for contrast, harmony, and visual impact.
Tropical Sunset
vibrantVibrant palette combining Coral with Teal complementary and Golden Yellow warmth. Perfect for creative agencies and lifestyle brands wanting energy and approachability.
#FF7F50#008080#FFD700#FFFFFFModern Professional
professionalSophisticated Coral with Navy Blue depth and soft white neutrals. Ideal for professional services that want to appear modern yet trustworthy.
#FF7F50#000080#F5F5F5#333333Earthy Warmth
naturalNatural palette with Coral, Terracotta, and Sage Green. Creates organic warmth perfect for wellness, beauty, and sustainable lifestyle brands.
#FF7F50#CC553D#9DC183#F5F5DCPopular Coral Shades
Four essential coral shades from soft highlights to deep luxurious tones.
Light Coral
LightestSoft coral with pink undertones, gentle and approachable
True Coral
StandardAuthentic coral - vibrant energy balanced with warmth
Deep Coral
VibrantRich tomato-coral for bold design statements
Dark Coral
DarkestSophisticated deep coral with strong visual presence
Extended Coral Spectrum
A comprehensive range of coral shades from light pastels to deep luxurious tones:
Best Coral Color Combinations
These complementary colors work beautifully with coral for various design contexts:
Teal
Perfect complementary contrast for high visual impact
Navy Blue
Professional pairing for modern UI
Sage Green
Earthy, natural harmony
Charcoal
Premium dark mode base
Coral Color Meaning & Psychology
Energy & Optimism
Coral radiates positive energy and optimism. Its warm tones evoke feelings of joy, enthusiasm, and vitality. Unlike red which can signal danger or urgency, coral suggests friendly energy that invites engagement.
Approachability & Warmth
The soft undertones in coral make it more approachable than pure red or orange. It creates a sense of warmth and friendliness that's perfect for brands wanting to appear welcoming and accessible.
Youthful & Modern
Coral has become associated with contemporary, forward-thinking brands. Its vibrant yet balanced nature appeals to younger demographics while maintaining enough sophistication for broader appeal.
Social & Expressive
As a color that naturally draws attention without overwhelming, coral is perfect for social platforms and expressive interfaces. It encourages interaction and creates an energetic, engaging user experience.
Best Practices for Coral Design
Use Coral for Primary Actions
Coral's high visibility makes it perfect for CTA buttons, "Sign Up" forms, and primary navigation elements. Its warm energy encourages action without creating the urgency that red conveys.
Pair with Dark Backgrounds for Contrast
Coral truly shines against dark backgrounds like teal, charcoal, or navy. These combinations create excellent contrast ratios that meet WCAG standards while creating vibrant, energetic interfaces.
Balance with Neutral Spaces
Coral is a powerful color—use it strategically and balance it with plenty of white space or neutral backgrounds. This prevents visual fatigue and maintains its impact throughout the interface.
Consider Cultural Contexts
While generally positive, coral's warm tones may not be appropriate for all industries. It's perfect for lifestyle, creative, and consumer brands, but may require careful consideration for conservative financial or legal sectors.
CSS Coral Gradient Code
Copy and paste these CSS gradients to achieve vibrant coral effects:
Classic Coral Gradient
background: linear-gradient(
135deg,
#F08080 0%,
#FF7F50 50%,
#FF6347 100%
);Coral Sunset Fade
background: linear-gradient(
180deg,
#FF7F50 0%,
#FFA07A 50%,
#FFDAB9 100%
);Tailwind CSS Custom Config
// tailwind.config.js
module.exports = {
theme: {
extend: {
backgroundImage: {
'coral-gradient': 'linear-gradient(135deg, #F08080 0%, #FF7F50 50%, #FF6347 100%)',
}
}
}
}Quick Reference Table
| Name | HEX | RGB | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Coral | #F08080 | rgb(240, 128, 128) | Lightest |
| True Coral | #FF7F50 | rgb(255, 127, 80) | Standard |
| Deep Coral | #FF6347 | rgb(255, 99, 71) | Vibrant |
| Dark Coral | #C04030 | rgb(192, 64, 48) | Darkest |
Explore Related Colors
Discover colors that pair beautifully with coral for your design projects:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HEX code for Coral?
The hex code for Coral is #FF7F50. In the RGB color space, it consists of 100% red, 49.8% green, and 31.4% blue.
What colors complement Coral best?
Teal and Aqua are the primary complementary colors for Coral. For a softer look, it pairs beautifully with sage green or cream.
Create Vibrant Coral Designs
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