What Color is Brass
Brass is a sophisticated muted yellow that mimics the appearance of the classic copper-zinc alloy. It offers a vintage charm without the gaudiness of polished gold, providing a metallic depth to digital and physical spaces.
What color is opposite Brass?
The opposite color to Brass is Cerulean Blue (#4150b4).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Yellow
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #4150B4
- Brightness: 159/255
- Saturation: 64%
Colors That Pair Well With Brass
Complementary
Pair with Cerulean Blue for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Cerulean 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)
Brass History
Ancient metalworkers first produced brass around 30BCE during the Roman Empire using the calamine process. While often confused with bronze, brass was prized for its golden luster and was extensively used for imperial coinage and decorative armor. This alloy became a symbol of authority and technological progress in the Mediterranean world.
During the 19th-century Victorian era, brass transitioned into a household staple. It was the primary material for scientific instruments, maritime tools, and ornate architectural hardware. Its ability to resist corrosion made it the utilitarian backbone of the Industrial Revolution, eventually influencing the aesthetic of the Steampunk movement.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, brass represents reliability and enduring strength. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for an era of craftsmanship, providing a grounding effect in modern, sterile environments. Unlike bright yellow, brass suggests a more mature and modest form of success.
Because of its historical link to musical instruments, the color also carries connotations of harmony and resonance. It creates an atmosphere of security and warmth, making it an excellent choice for brands that want to appear established, trustworthy, and traditional.
In Nature
In the natural world, this specific shade is most prominently found in the mineral chalcopyrite, often referred to as 'peacock ore' before it tarnishes. The metallic sheen of certain insects, such as the tortoise beetle, mimics this yellowish-brown hue to camouflage against dried leaves. Additionally, certain species of lichen and sun-scorched grasses in arid climates exhibit this toasted, greenish-yellow pigment during the late summer months.
How To Use Brass
In contemporary design, brass functions as a versatile neutral that adds warmth to cool palettes. It is most effective when paired with deep jewel tones like emerald or navy to create a timeless and high-end aesthetic. As a Senior Designer, I recommend using it for accent elements rather than large-scale backgrounds to maintain its impact.
From an accessibility standpoint, brass text requires a dark background to meet readability standards. It is a preferred choice for branding in the hospitality and legal sectors, where its association with permanence and 'old-world' values can be leveraged to build immediate consumer trust.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Industrial Scholar
A grounded palette reminiscent of an old library filled with brass instruments and leather books.
Mid-Century Modern
A retro-inspired selection that balances metallic warmth with cool, muted tones.
Antique Nautical
Evokes the feeling of vintage maritime equipment and deep ocean exploration.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #B5A642;
color: rgb(181, 166, 66);
background-color: #B5A642;
border: 3px solid #B5A642;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #B5A64266;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #B5A642 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Brass
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 Brass?
Explore color palettes containing Brass and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Triadic
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 Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Brass
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Brass?
What colors go with Brass?
Is Brass accessible for text?
How do I use Brass in CSS?
You can use Brass in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.brass {
background-color: #B5A642;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.