Merlot
Also known as: Her Fierceness , Wine , Dawn of the Fairies , Renanthera Orchid
Merlot is a rich, vivid red that reads as bold and energetic. It earns its place in food branding and sale banners. Its complement lands in cyan territory, which makes for striking two-color pairings. Accessibility-wise, it clears AA for text on white at 11.74:1.
Reference
Merlot color codes
- HEX
- #730039
- RGB
- rgb(115, 0, 57)
- RGBA
- rgba(115, 0, 57, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(330, 100%, 23%)
- HSV
- hsv(330, 100%, 45%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 100%, 50%, 55%)
- LAB
- lab(23.9 46.7 1.3)
- OKLCH
- oklch(36.0% 0.146 0.6)
Analysis
Color intelligence
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Gamut
The full range of colors a device or space can show. sRGB is the common screen gamut; Display P3 is wider. A color outside a gamut cannot be shown accurately there and must be mapped inward.Full glossary entry →Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
Undertone
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warm
Nearest standard colors
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →- CSS: purple #800080 · ΔE 16.0
- RAL 4004: Claret violet #691639 · ΔE 2.9 · approximate
RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck. Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.
Where Merlot works
- Web & UI: Use it directly for text on light surfaces; it clears AA contrast without adjustment.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land: a front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
- Branding: Commands attention in logos and packaging; balance it with generous neutral space.
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively for dividers, chart series, and illustration accents, and let neutrals carry the type.
- Branding: Best in a brand's supporting palette: packaging interiors, patterns, campaign accents.
Copy as: every ecosystem
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Merlot
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Harmonies
Color harmonies
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →Palettes built from Merlot by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast & accessibility
Aa on white
contrast 11.74:1
AA pass AAA pass AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 1.79:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large fail
Best text color on a Merlot background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Merlot
Merlot with its complement
Soft neighbors of Merlot
Merlot triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Beet Red #7E203F · ΔE 5.0
- Bordeaux #7B002C · ΔE 6.1
- Mulberry #920A4E · ΔE 6.5
- Velvet #750851 · ΔE 6.7
- Siren #69293B · ΔE 6.7
- Macabre #880033 · ΔE 6.8
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Merlot is closest to Cape Verde .
FAQ
Merlot FAQs
What color is Merlot?
Merlot is a dark red with the hex code #730039. In HSL terms it has a hue of 330°, 100% saturation, and 23% lightness.
What is the hex code for Merlot?
The hex code for Merlot is #730039. In RGB it's rgb(115, 0, 57), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 100%, 50%, 55%).
What colors go well with Merlot?
Merlot pairs naturally with cyan tones from its complementary harmony, and with green accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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