What Color is Bone
Bone is a sophisticated off-white that sits between beige and cream, offering a warmer alternative to stark, clinical whites. It carries a subtle yellow-orange undertone that makes it feel grounded and organic. This shade is highly prized in modern aesthetics for its understated elegance and ability to harmonize with various textures.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Summer
- Complementary Color: #C9D2E3
- Brightness: 219/255
- Saturation: 11%
Colors That Pair Well With Bone
Complementary
Pair with Mischka for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Ebony Clay 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)
Bone History
The term 'Bone' as a specific color name in the English language was first recorded in the early 19th century. Historically, the hue represents the look of calcified remains and weathered calcium, which served as a primary material for tools and early construction. In the history of art, this specific off-white was often used in Neoclassical architecture to mimic the appearance of aged marble or plaster.
During the 20th century, Bone became a staple in industrial design, particularly for plastics and early computer casings before the 'beige box' era. Its timeless quality is rooted in its connection to the ancient world, bridging the gap between raw natural materials and refined, modern interior finishes.
Meaning & Psychology
Bone evokes a powerful sense of stability and structure, stemming from its namesake's biological function. Unlike pure white, which can feel sterile, Bone provides a sense of comfort and history that feels dependable and safe. It is often chosen for environments where a feeling of permanence and quiet confidence is required.
Culturally, this color is linked to wisdom and the passage of time. It carries a resilient energy, suggesting a strength that has survived the elements. In a space, it encourages a mindset of clarity and focus without the harshness of high-contrast color schemes.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is found in the sun-bleached shells of mollusks scattered along coastal shorelines. It appears prominently in the calcified layers of limestone and the dried stalks of wheat left in a field after harvest. This color represents the maturity of natural materials as they lose moisture and mineralize over time.
How To Use Bone
In interior design, Bone is a versatile neutral that warms up a room while maintaining high reflectivity for natural light. It is an ideal choice for large surface areas like walls or cabinetry, where it provides a soft backdrop that complements natural wood and stone. Designers frequently use it to create a 'gallery' feel that allows artwork to stand out.
For digital interfaces, Bone is an excellent choice for backgrounds to reduce eye-strain compared to pure white. When using it in graphic design, ensure a high level of contrast with typography to maintain accessibility standards. It is particularly effective for brands that want to communicate a sense of luxury, heritage, or organic quality.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Desert Nomad
A grounded palette inspired by arid landscapes and natural textures.
High Gallery
A sophisticated, high-contrast palette for modern interiors.
Coastal Drift
Soft, airy tones that mimic the intersection of sand and sea.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #E3DAC9;
color: rgb(227, 218, 201);
background-color: #E3DAC9;
border: 3px solid #E3DAC9;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #E3DAC966;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #E3DAC9 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Bone
Visualize and buy custom cushions made in this exact shade.
Made to order. Ships in 3-5 business days.
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.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge 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 Bone?
Explore color palettes containing Bone and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Bone
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Bone?
What colors go with Bone?
Is Bone accessible for text?
How do I use Bone in CSS?
You can use Bone in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.bone {
background-color: #E3DAC9;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.