Forged Iron

#555257

Gray Family →

What Color is Forged Iron

Forged Iron is a deep, anchored gray with a subtle metallic undertone that suggests weight and permanence. It functions as a heavy neutral, providing a solid foundation for more vibrant palettes while maintaining a sophisticated, quiet presence.

What color is opposite Forged Iron?

The opposite color to Forged Iron is Fuscous Gray (#545752).

View Fuscous Gray

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Gray
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #545752
  • Brightness: 83/255
  • Saturation: 6%

Colors That Pair Well With Forged Iron

Complementary

Pair with Fuscous Gray for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#555257#545752

High Contrast

Use Silver Chalice for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#555257#aaada8

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#99979a#2b292c

Forged Iron History

Historically, this shade mimics the appearance of wrought iron produced during the 18th-century industrial boom. Unlike cast iron, forged iron was hammered into shape, resulting in a surface texture that captured light in a specific, muted way. Artisans used mixtures of charred organic matter and lead whites to replicate this industrial hue in architectural renderings and early mechanical illustrations.

In the late 19th century, the color became synonymous with the metropolitan growth of cities like London and Chicago. It was the primary aesthetic of structural steel and infrastructure before the widespread use of bright synthetic paints, representing the transition from agrarian societies to the modern machine age.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, Forged Iron radiates steadfastness and control. It lacks the starkness of pure black, making it feel more approachable while still commanding respect. The slight cool lean of #555257 evokes a sense of professionalism and emotional maturity.

This color is often associated with the concept of integrity. In high-pressure environments, it serves as a grounding force that reduces visual noise and promotes clarity. It is the color of discipline, suggesting a personality or brand that is unshakeable and deeply rooted in tradition.

In Nature

This shade occurs naturally in high-density minerals such as hematite and magnetite after they have been exposed to oxidation. It is the color of wet basalt found along volcanic coastlines and the deep shadows found within granite outcroppings. While it often appears synthetic in urban contexts, it is a fundamental pigment of the earth's crust.

How To Use Forged Iron

In modern interior design, Forged Iron is a preferred choice for architectural accents, such as window frames and cabinetry, because it provides high contrast without the harshness of black. It is an excellent choice for branding that requires a sense of longevity and heritage, working seamlessly across both print and digital mediums.

For digital accessibility, this hex code provides sufficient legibility against light backgrounds but requires careful pairing with text colors. It serves as a sophisticated background for luxury interfaces, allowing gold or silver accents to pop. Designers should pair it with warm wood tones or soft textiles to balance its inherent rigidity.

Related Words

wroughtindustrialmetropolitanmodernsteadfastnessrespectprofessionalismintegrityclarityhematitemagnetitebasaltgranitecrustarchitecturalcontrastlongevitybackgroundrigidity

Curated Palettes

#555257
#8B4513
#B87333
#A9A9A9
#2F4F4F

Industrial Loft

A rugged, material-focused palette inspired by urban renovation.

#555257
#1B1B1B
#C0C0C0
#4682B4
#F5F5F5

Midnight Mist

A cool, atmospheric selection for high-end digital interfaces.

#555257
#CC7722
#4B5320
#F5F5DC
#8E7618

Earthy Anvil

A grounded combination of minerals and organic vegetation tones.

Color Conversions

Hex
#555257
RGB
85, 82, 87
RGB %
33%, 32%, 34%
HSL
276°, 3%, 33%
HSV
276°, 6%, 34%
CMYK
2%, 6%, 0%, 66%
LAB
35.31, 2.29, -2.49
XYZ
8.48, 8.65, 10.24

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #555257;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(85, 82, 87);
Background Color
background-color: #555257;
Border
border: 3px solid #555257;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #55525766;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #555257 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Forged Iron

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Forged Iron

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

Product Details

Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.

  • Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
  • Feel: Velvety soft finish.
  • Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
  • Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
  • Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials

We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.

  • Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
  • Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
  • Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
  • Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.

What Goes With Forged Iron?

Explore color palettes containing Forged Iron and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

Accessibility

Contrast with Black and White

Contrast with Black

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail
Contrast with White

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

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warm grey VI

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90 % Warm Grey

#PC1058#554A4A

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Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Sepia 50%

#906#605353

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Forged Iron?
The hex code for Forged Iron is #555257. The RGB values are (85, 82, 87). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Forged Iron?
Forged Iron pairs well with its complementary color, Fuscous Gray (#545752). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Forged Iron accessible for text?
No, Forged Iron is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Forged Iron in CSS?

You can use Forged Iron in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.forged-iron {
  background-color: #555257;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.