What Does Red and Black Make? – Deep Shades of Red

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission from purchases made through them, at no additional cost to you.

Red is a color that is associated with passion, power, and aggression, but what does red and black make? As is the case with many colors, adding black results in darkening the red color, but there is a bit more to it than simply adding a splash of black. Below, we will take a look at everything that you would need to know about red mixed with black, from color theory to different variations!

Red and Black in Color Theory

As you add black to red, the color becomes progressively darker. However, it is no secret that these colors could not be more different from one another. Red is an incredibly bold color, whereas black is generally associated with sophistication and elegance. But when the two colors are combined, you are treated to a blend of boldness and elegance with rich, deep shades of red.

Understanding Red

Red is one of three primary colors alongside blue and yellow, and it is the warmest tone you can use. There are around 445 different variations of red and each color has a unique name and can be paired with a variety of other colors. Red is also extremely popular in advertising and graphic design as it is extremely dominant and easily grabs the audience’s attention. When it comes to the meaning of red, passion and aggression are usually the first things that come to mind. Additionally, many cultures around the world have given red different meanings. For instance, some African countries associate red with death, and it is worn for funerals.

On the contrary, plenty of Asian cultures associate red with luck and prosperity.

Understanding Black

Black is a color often associated with elegance, sophistication, and power, which makes it a very popular choice when advertising luxury products. Additionally, in many cultures, black symbolizes mourning, evil, and darkness, so this would often dissuade people from using it. There are 134 shades of black, with some of them bordering shades of gray and red.

Maroon Symbolism

Maroon is a strong red hue that sometimes seems brown in some arrangements. Given its dark hue, it is frequently linked with power, depth, and emotion. Because of its intimate link with Buddhism, maroon invokes feelings of spirituality as well as wisdom. Maroon may be used with other deep hues such as navy blue or dark purple to create a strong, mysterious appearance. Maroon may also be used with amber or peach for a dramatic yet stronger combination of colors.

Maroon is the ideal blend of black and red and can easily be mixed.

Different Variations of Red and Black Blends

Trying to figure out the answer to “what does red and black make?” should not be too difficult. In fact, there are different ways to combine the two colors to create different shades of red. When looking at the CMYK color codes, you will find that magenta is also used to create these different shades of red. To help you to understand, we have provided some examples below.

Using Red and Black

Red and black will have a drastic impact on whatever you intend to use them for, but the reality is that black is much more versatile. Fortunately, using black with red makes red significantly more conspicuous, hence the two are generally used together. This is done to draw attention to certain design elements to create a striking aesthetic contrast. You would usually find this in books, clothing, posters, and even in restaurants. Apart from understanding what does red and black make, these colors can also be used as a vibrant color scheme.

Red and Black in Graphic Design

Color is essential in the colorful realm of graphic design for evoking emotions and capturing people’s attention. Within the color spectrum, red distinguishes itself as a color with immense power and influence. When red is combined with black, everything is amplified as the black creates contrast, which acts as a platform for the bolder red.

Red is naturally eye-catching and exciting to the senses. Due to its strong, vivid character, which requires quick awareness, it works effectively to call attention to essential components of a design.

Whether used sparingly or aggressively, red draws attention and accentuates critical focal areas. This is the reason for many designers opting to use a red font on a black background as it is impossible to miss. On the other hand, black is much more than just a minor character. It plays a pivotal role in evoking a sense of drama and sophistication, while simultaneously adding depth to a design. Along with power and authority, black also conveys simplicity and minimalism when used.

Red and Black in Fashion Design

Wearing red and black has the opposite effect of trying to blend in. Instead, it will draw more attention to you. To some, it might seem like an outdated color combination, but it is still one of the most popular color combinations available today. Additionally, the shade of red plays an important role, as using a shade that is too bold will look sloppy and cheap. Instead, opt for a deeper shade such as ruby red.

Even adding red accents to a black outfit is enough to draw some attention. This can easily be done with a red belt or even wearing shoes with red soles.

Red and Black in Interior Design

A black and red color combination provides a powerful palette that may be used to create a range of styles. This décor is really fashionable. Black and red are the best colors for a sleek, classy design. This combination, when done appropriately, will also provide you with attractive, polished conventional, and classic interiors. However, it can be challenging for a novice to properly balance black and red. This usually results in a sinister look when too much black is used, much like what you would see in a horror film.

If you add too much red, you will more than likely end up with an overly passionate interior design, which is generally only fit for a honeymoon suite at a cheap hotel.

Using red and black also requires modern styling. This means that you will not be able to get the best out of this color scheme by simply adding a red daybed to a black room. Instead, opt for mid-century modern sofas paired with a minimalistic coffee table. This should easily tie the space together without anything seeming out of place.

Understanding the question of what does red and black make is a great way of adding a variety of bolder and deeper shades of red. You can also incorporate black and red into various areas of design to appeal to a more serious audience. Nevertheless, this striking color combination can be used in your home or as one of your wardrobe themes. Ultimately, what you do with it is entirely up to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Color Will You Get If Red Mixed With Black Paint?

This depends on the amount of black paint that you are adding to the red paint. A splash of black paint will slightly darken the red, but as you add more black paint, you will find that the red paint will gradually begin to resemble black. The key is to slowly add more paint instead of saturating the mixture with one particular color.

Is It Easy to Mix Paint?

Yes, it is! So, if you are wondering what does red and black make, then you can find out for yourself by mixing the two. The most important thing to remember is that you will need to blend the paint properly because if you do not, you will end up with an uneven color. This happens when paint is not mixed properly, resulting in patches once it is applied.

What Is Maroon?

Maroon is a color that is made by mixing equal parts of standard red and black. It is commonly associated with sophistication and power. However, if maroon is too dark, you can also go a shade lighter by adding ruby red or any other similar shade. You can easily modify the color if you are curious about what would happen if more red is used. The same concept can be applied if you are keen on using black.

Duncan van der Merwe( Color Theory Expert, Video Editor )

Duncan graduated with a diploma in Film and TV production from CityVarsity in 2018, after which he continued pursuing film while taking on a keen interest in writing along the way. Since having graduated, he began working as a freelance videographer, filming a variety of music videos, fashion and short films, adverts, weddings and more. Throughout this, he’s won a number of awards from various film festivals that are both locally and internationally recognized. However, Duncan still enjoys writing articles in between his filming ventures, appreciating the peace and clarity that comes with it.

His articles focus primarily around helping up-and-coming artists explore the basics of certain colors, how these colors can be paired with other shades, as well as what colors are created when you mix one with another. All while relating these shades to historically significant paintings that have incorporated them into their color palette. As a lover of the arts himself, he takes great interest in the Renaissance era of paintings, an era that has directly inspired many of his favorite films.

Learn more about Duncan van der Merwe and about us.