Marsala is a rich, robust color inspired by the Italian fortified wine Marsala. It is a full-bodied blush color with red-brown tones, sitting between red and violet in the color wheel. The hex code for Marsala is #B57170.
As a warm color, Marsala groups well with peach and neutral tones such as beige and grey. Marsala also well pairs with amber, turquoise, and teal to create more vivid combinations.
Marsala Color Codes
The hex code for marsala is #B57170. Marsala has a 0.9-degree hue angle, 31.8% saturation, and 57.5% lightness.
Marsala in an RGB color model (red, green, and blue) comprises red = 71%, green = 44.3% and blue = 43.9%. Marsala in a CMYK color model (cyan, magenta, yellow, key) comprises cyan = 0%, magenta =38%, yellow = 38% and black = 29%.
History of Marsala Color
This unique mix of crushed clay ochre and hematite, combined with a bit of cave water, was a key color for early cave painters’ palettes all over the world. It has appeared everywhere from the Lascaux, France subterranean chambers to the Sulawesi, Indonesia rock shelters, and the Laas Gaal, Somalia caves.
Marsala is at the core of some of the world’s most spectacular civilizations since then, with the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas all using it in their magnificent mural paintings.
However, marsala is not only about the revolution of the arts. This color also conjures up images of technical advancements, such as clay furnaces, ore, and smelting slag, which marked the beginning of the Iron Age.
The Meaning of Marsala Color
The color marsala is elegant and exudes qualities of confidence and power. It also gives you a sense of security, comfort, warmth, and satisfaction. Moreover, marsala is both earthy and natural, making it appealing but not overpowering.
When marsala layers have texture, the color brings more depth and meaning. Marsala has a classy and natural style with a shimmering or glossy texture. A matte texture evokes earthiness and a sense of being grounded.
The psychological meaning of marsala, as well as how it transforms with texture, enables the color to convey feelings in a variety of ways and to function through a wide range of design purposes.
Suggested color combination with Marsala
- Grey
- Beige
- Amber
Looking for Marsala-related hues? These would work too:
- Violet
- Taupe
- Chocolate
The Bottom Line
Marsala is a rich, captivating color of red-brown that is both alluring and versatile. Now you know how to use Marsala in a variety of applications such as in fashion, beauty, and home interior design.