Peach is a recognized color, a pale, yellowish-pink hue named directly after the exterior of the fruit. This color is formally defined and used across various industries, including digital design, fashion, and interior decorating.
Defining the Color Peach
Peach is a warm, soft hue, often considered a tint of orange or a pale pink-orange. It is created by blending red and yellow pigments, which are then lightened with white to achieve its characteristic softness. This combination results in a gentle and inviting color, avoiding the intensity of pure orange or saturated pink.
Peach features a delicate balance of warmth and lightness, which is why it is frequently described as a pastel. While the fruit can range from a deep blush to a golden yellow, the color standard is typically a pale yellow-pink that evokes freshness and comfort. Variations exist, ranging from a lighter, yellow-dominant shade to a deeper peach that leans closer to coral.
The Technical Specifications of Peach
In digital and print media, the color peach is defined using specific numerical codes to ensure consistency. A common representation is the Hex code #FFE5B4. This hexadecimal value is used in web design and digital applications to render the color accurately on screens.
The Hex code #FFE5B4 translates to the Red, Green, Blue (RGB) values of (255, 229, 180). In the RGB color model, which is additive and used for electronic displays, the high red and green values, combined with a lower blue value, produce the warm, yellowish-pink appearance. For professional printing, the subtractive CMYK model is used. The CMYK values for this shade of peach are 0% Cyan, 10% Magenta, 29% Yellow, and 0% Black, indicating a light color that is free of blue tones.
Cultural History and Usage
The color peach takes its name from the fruit, which was first cultivated in China and later introduced to Europe via Persia. The name is derived from the Latin word persica, meaning “Persian apple.” In ancient Chinese culture, the peach was a powerful symbol of immortality and longevity, a meaning carried over to the color. The color gained popularity in Western fashion and interior design during the 18th century, where it was associated with sophistication and luxury.
It saw a resurgence in the 1980s, becoming a staple pastel in clothing and home decor. Psychologically, peach is associated with warmth, comfort, and innocence, making it a popular choice for creating inviting and serene environments.