What Color is Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is a deep, resilient shade of brown with subtle olive undertones, resembling the color of steeped black tea leaves. It serves as a grounding neutral that conveys a sense of timeless stability and quiet luxury. This color bridges the gap between organic warmth and industrial utility.
What color is opposite Afternoon Tea?
The opposite color to Afternoon Tea is River Bed (#404b59).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #404B59
- Brightness: 80/255
- Saturation: 28%
Colors That Pair Well With Afternoon Tea
Complementary
Pair with River Bed for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Cadet Blue for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Afternoon Tea History
Historically, this shade derives from Umber, a natural earth pigment used since the Paleolithic era. Consisting of iron oxide and manganese oxide, darker versions like this were achieved by calcining the raw pigment to create Burnt Umber. Renaissance masters utilized this deep tone for underpainting, establishing shadows and volume before applying brighter colors.
During the Victorian era, such sombre, muddy hues became fashionable in interior design, representing respectability and hiding soot from coal fires. The Arts and Crafts movement later embraced this color for its honesty, celebrating the natural beauty of untreated timber and stone. It remains a staple in heritage palettes, signifying a connection to the past.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Afternoon Tea emanates a profound sense of security. It is a serious color that demands respect without seeking attention, often associated with maturity and reliability. The heavy visual weight provides a grounding effect, reducing anxiety and promoting a feeling of protection within a space.
Culturally, the name suggests a ritual of pause and refreshment. It evokes the cozy intimacy of a dimly lit library or a quiet conversation, fostering connection and reflection. However, excessive use without lighter accents can lead to feelings of heaviness or stagnation.
In Nature
This hue is fundamental to the forest floor, visible in the textured bark of aged oak trees and wet, decomposing leaves. It appears in the protective plumage of ground-dwelling birds and the sturdy shells of walnuts. Geologically, it mirrors the appearance of damp silt found along riverbanks.
How To Use Afternoon Tea
In graphic design, this color functions as a sophisticated alternative to pure black, offering high contrast for typography while feeling less harsh on digital screens. It excels in heritage branding, particularly for artisanal products like coffee, leather goods, or craft spirits.
For interiors, designers utilize this shade for cabinetry or wainscoting to create moody, enveloping spaces. Proper lighting is crucial, as the color absorbs significant light; pairing it with warm metals like brass prevents the aesthetic from becoming too dreary. It serves as an anchor for lighter, airier neutrals.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
English Library
A traditional palette evoking leather-bound books and dim lighting.
Steeped Ritual
A monochromatic study of neutrals ranging from cream to deep roast.
Autumnal Floor
Organic tones found in nature during late harvest season.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #594E40;
color: rgb(89, 78, 64);
background-color: #594E40;
border: 3px solid #594E40;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #594E4066;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #594E40 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Afternoon Tea
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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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 Afternoon Tea?
Explore color palettes containing Afternoon Tea and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Afternoon Tea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Afternoon Tea?
What colors go with Afternoon Tea?
Is Afternoon Tea accessible for text?
How do I use Afternoon Tea in CSS?
You can use Afternoon Tea in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.afternoon-tea {
background-color: #594E40;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.