Aura

#B2A8A1

Gray Family →

What Color is Aura

Aura is a sophisticated greige that bridges the gap between warm earth tones and cool industrial grays. It possesses a luminous quality that prevents it from feeling flat or sterile. This shade functions as a high-end neutral, providing a soft backdrop for more saturated accents.

What color is opposite Aura?

The opposite color to Aura is Hit Gray (#a0aab1).

View Hit Gray

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Gray
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Spring
  • Complementary Color: #A0AAB1
  • Brightness: 170/255
  • Saturation: 10%

Colors That Pair Well With Aura

Complementary

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

#B2A8A1#a0aab1

High Contrast

Use Abbey for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#B2A8A1#4d575e

Harmonious Depth

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

#d1cbc7#595451

Aura History

Historically, shades like Aura were achieved using raw umber and lead white, frequently appearing in 17th-century Dutch interiors. Artists like Johannes Vermeer utilized these muted, desaturated tones to capture the subtlety of indirect northern light. The color mimics the appearance of limewash, a traditional building finish used since antiquity for its antibacterial properties and matte finish.

In the mid-20th century, this specific value of warm gray became a staple of minimalism. Architects and interior designers favored it for its ability to reflect light without the harshness of pure white. It evokes the permanence of Brutalist concrete softened by years of atmospheric exposure and oxidation.

Meaning & Psychology

Aura radiates a sense of equilibrium and quiet confidence. Because it contains both warm and cool undertones, it creates a psychological bridge between comfort and professional detachment. It is often perceived as a grounding force in chaotic environments, making it a preferred choice for healthcare and wellness spaces.

In modern branding, this shade conveys authenticity and timelessness rather than fleeting trends. It avoids the emotional coldness associated with pure charcoal or blue-grays. Instead, it offers a maternal quality, suggesting safety, stability, and unpretentious luxury.

In Nature

This shade is prevalent in the geological world, specifically within deposits of travertine and weathered feldspar. It mirrors the feathers of a mourning dove or the protective bark of a young beech tree. In the mineral kingdom, it is the color of pumice, representing volcanic activity that has cooled and settled into a porous, lightweight state.

How To Use Aura

Aura serves as an ideal foundation for interior design, working effectively on large surface areas like walls and cabinetry. It maintains a high light reflectance value, ensuring spaces feel open while providing more depth than standard off-whites. For accessibility, pair it with dark charcoals or deep navies to meet contrast requirements for typography.

In digital interfaces, this color provides a sophisticated alternative to stark white backgrounds, reducing eye strain for users. It pairs exceptionally well with metallic finishes like brushed brass or blackened steel. The color acts as a neutralizer, balancing vibrant palettes without stripping them of their energy.

Related Words

raw umbersubtletylimewashminimalismpermanenceequilibriumgroundingauthenticitymaternaltravertinefeldsparmourning dovepumicefoundationdepthsophisticatedneutralizer

Curated Palettes

#B2A8A1
#D9D2CD
#8C7E74
#594F48
#26211D

Ethereal Earth

A collection of organic tones that ground the space in natural warmth.

#B2A8A1
#A1ABB2
#CED6D9
#74848C
#414D54

Morning Mist

A balanced palette of cool blues and warm grays mimicking dawn light.

#B2A8A1
#D4AF37
#F2E8CF
#A68D5F
#403A2B

Gilded Greige

A luxury-focused palette pairing muted neutrals with metallic gold accents.

Color Conversions

Hex
#B2A8A1
RGB
178, 168, 161
RGB %
70%, 66%, 63%
HSL
25°, 10%, 66%
HSV
25°, 10%, 70%
CMYK
0%, 6%, 10%, 30%
LAB
69.50, 2.36, 4.89
XYZ
38.80, 40.04, 39.40

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #B2A8A1;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(178, 168, 161);
Background Color
background-color: #B2A8A1;
Border
border: 3px solid #B2A8A1;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #B2A8A166;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #B2A8A1 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Aura

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
Aura

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 Aura?

Explore color palettes containing Aura 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

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

French Grey 10%

#802#B6ABA4

Buy

Prismacolor

50 % French Grey

#PC1072#ABA4A1

Buy

Polychromos

warm grey III

#272#A8A59F

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Aura?
The hex code for Aura is #B2A8A1. The RGB values are (178, 168, 161). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Aura?
Aura pairs well with its complementary color, Hit Gray (#a0aab1). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Aura accessible for text?
No, Aura 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 Aura in CSS?

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

.aura {
  background-color: #B2A8A1;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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