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Scarlet vs Maroon

What's the difference? Side-by-side comparison with color codes, shades, and usage guide.

Scarlet#FF2400
Maroon#800000
#FF2400Blended: #C01200#800000
Quick Answer

Scarlet and Maroon are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Scarlet (#FF2400) and Maroon (#800000) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.

Key Differences

Aspect Scarlet Maroon
BrightnessDark — feels deep, rich, groundedLight — feels airy, bright, lively
SaturationMuted — more subdued, restrainedVivid — more colorful, eye-catching
WarmthCooler — leans more toward blueWarmer — leans slightly toward green
MoodSophisticated, calm, professionalPlayful, energetic, tropical
Best forCorporate branding, interiors, formal designSummer themes, jewelry, casual/fun design
CSS nameteal (built-in)turquoise (built-in)

Can you use them together?

Maroon text on Scarlet
Scarlet text on Maroon
Contrast Ratio:2.87:1Insufficient Contrast

When to use each

Use Scarlet for:
●Corporate websites and branding
●Elegant interior design
●Professional presentations
●Dark-mode friendly UI elements
●Formal event invitations
Use Maroon for:
●Summer and tropical themes
●Children's products and toys
●Beach and travel branding
●Jewelry and gemstone marketing
●Bright, energetic social media posts

Full Color Details

Scarlet#FF2400

Teal is a deep blue-green color named after the Eurasian teal bird. It's widely used in web design, fashion, and interior decor for its calming, sophisticated quality.

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Maroon#800000

Turquoise is a brighter, more vibrant blue-green named after the gemstone. It's lighter and more energetic than teal, evoking tropical waters, summer, and playfulness.

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FAQ

What is the difference between scarlet and maroon?+
Scarlet and Maroon are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Scarlet (#FF2400) and Maroon (#800000) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.
Is scarlet darker than maroon?+
Yes. Scarlet (#FF2400) is significantly darker than Maroon (#800000). Scarlet has a lightness of 50% in HSL, while Maroon has 25% lightness.
Can you use scarlet and maroon together?+
Yes, they can work well together in a monochromatic or analogous palette since they're both blue-green colors. Their contrast ratio is 2.87:1. Use scarlet as the dominant/darker color and maroon as the accent or highlight.
What is the hex code for scarlet?+
The hex code for Scarlet is #FF2400. In RGB, that's rgb(255, 36, 0).
What is the hex code for maroon?+
The hex code for Maroon is #800000. In RGB, that's rgb(128, 0, 0).