Pantone Named This the Color of the Year (And They Were Right)
In 2019, Pantone chose "Living Coral" as their Color of the Year. Bold move. But walk into any room bathed in coral light and you'll understand why.
There's something almost uncomfortable about how instantly likeable coral makes everything. Your video calls look friendlier. Your workspace feels less like an office. Even your Monday morning feels slightly less Monday-ish.
| What Coral Does | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Warms cool rooms | Orange base without the intensity |
| Flatters skin tones | Pink undertones complement most complexions |
| Creates instant approachability | Psychologically associated with tropical welcomes |
The coral screen works on any device—phone, tablet, laptop. Click the button above and your entire display becomes this warm, energetic color. It's oddly effective at making spaces feel more human.
How People Actually Use Coral Screens
I didn't expect coral to have so many practical applications until I started cataloging them:
The Zoom Background Hack
Put a coral screen on a second monitor or tablet behind your webcam. Instant fill light that makes you look approachable instead of washed-out or harsh. Coaches and counselors swear by this.
Brainstorm Mode
Orange energizes. Pink calms. Coral somehow does both. When you need creative thinking without anxiety, coral creates the right mental state.
Party Ambiance
Transform a TV or monitor into instant mood lighting. Coral says "welcome, this is fun" without screaming it.
Morning Wake-Up
Gentler than yellow's assault on your eyeballs, warmer than white's clinical brightness. Set as your morning screen for optimistic energy.
Also: kids' rooms (cheerful without hyperactivity), fashion photography backdrops, food photography (coral makes most foods look more appealing), romantic ambiance (softer than red), seasonal decoration, and wellness spaces.
The Psychology of Coral: How Coral Affects Your Mind
Coral occupies a unique psychological space as a color that combines warmth with gentleness, energy with approachability.
Mental Associations
Coral is universally associated with:
- Warmth and friendliness — Coral is immediately inviting and approachable
- Vitality and health — The healthy glow of coral skin, tropical life
- Optimism and enthusiasm — Cheerful without being aggressive
- Nurturing care — Combines pink's tenderness with orange's energy
- Tropical paradise — Sunsets, coral reefs, vacation vibes
Emotional Effects
Research on coral and warm-toned colors suggests:
- Increased sociability — Coral encourages openness and connection
- Reduced defensiveness — People feel more relaxed and trusting
- Enhanced creativity — The playful quality inspires innovative thinking
- Improved mood — Warm colors generally elevate emotional state
Why Coral Feels Friendly
Coral's friendliness comes from its unique position between pink and orange. Pink adds nurturing, caring qualities while orange contributes enthusiasm and warmth. This combination creates a color that says "welcome" without being too intense. It's no coincidence that coral is popular in hospitality, healthcare, and social spaces where making people feel comfortable is essential.
How to Use the Coral Screen Tool
Using our free coral screen tool is simple:
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Click "Launch Coral Screen"
Click the button at the top of this page to instantly display a full coral screen.
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Automatic Fullscreen
The tool automatically enters fullscreen mode. If it doesn't, press F11 (Windows/Linux) or Control+Command+F (Mac).
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Adjust Brightness
Full brightness for energy, or reduce to 70-80% for extended, relaxing use.
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Exit When Done
Press the ESC key, click the X button in the corner, or press F11 again to exit fullscreen mode.
Pro Tips for Maximum Warmth
- For video calls: Use as background to appear friendly and approachable
- For creativity: Display during brainstorming for optimistic thinking
- For ambiance: Combine with warm white lighting for cozy atmosphere
- For mornings: Use at 80% brightness for gentle, warm wake-up
Technical Specifications
For those who need precise technical details about our coral screen display:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hex Color Code | #FF7F50 |
| RGB Values | R: 255, G: 127, B: 80 |
| HSL Values | H: 16°, S: 100%, L: 66% |
| CMYK Values | C: 0%, M: 50%, Y: 69%, K: 0% |
| Color Name | Coral |
| Wavelength | ~590-620 nm (orange-red range) |
Coral (#FF7F50) is a warm, saturated color positioned between orange and pink on the color wheel. It has maximum red, moderate green, and lower blue values, creating its distinctive warm, friendly appearance.
Coral Screen vs. Other Screen Colors
Understanding how coral compares to other colors helps you choose the right screen for your needs:
Coral vs. Orange Screen
Coral: Softer, more approachable, with pink undertones.
Orange: More intense, energizing, better for active creativity.
Coral vs. Pink Screen
Coral: Warmer, more energetic, with orange undertones.
Pink: Cooler, more nurturing, better for gentle calm.
Coral vs. Red Screen
Coral: Gentler, more friendly and welcoming.
Red: More intense, better for passion and urgency.
Coral vs. Gold Screen
Coral: More approachable and casual.
Gold: More prestigious, better for success visualization.
Not sure which color is right for you? Explore all 19 screen colors to find your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coral Screens
A coral screen is used for creating warm, friendly atmospheres, boosting approachability on video calls, energizing creative work, social event ambiance, and establishing welcoming spaces. Coral combines orange's energy with pink's gentleness.
Yes, coral is excellent for video calls when you want to appear friendly and approachable. It's particularly good for coaching, counseling, customer service, or any context where warmth and openness are important.
Yes, coral can boost creativity. Its warm, optimistic quality encourages playful thinking and reduces creative blocks. The combination of orange's energy and pink's openness creates a mindset conducive to innovative ideas.
Coral pairs beautifully with teal (complementary), navy (sophisticated contrast), gold (warm harmony), mint (fresh contrast), and cream (soft warmth). These combinations create visually appealing and psychologically balanced environments.
Explore Related Screen Colors
Looking for something different? Explore our other free screen color tools: