Named after the calcium carbonate skeletons of coral polyps. The colour gained major cultural visibility when Pantone named Living Coral its 2019 Colour of the Year, describing it as "an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone." The colour has become associated with climate consciousness as coral reefs face bleaching.

Warm, social, and nourishing. Coral sits between red's passion and orange's optimism — it is deeply human. It suggests warmth without aggression, energy without tension. Associated with sunset, tropical waters, and physical wellbeing.

Henri Matisse used coral tones extensively in his Fauvist works. The 2019 Pantone choice sparked global conversation about coral reef conservation. In interior design, coral has cycled through as a dominant accent colour multiple times since the 1950s. It is one of the most universally flattering colours for skin tones.