What Color is Brown Gamboge
Brown Gamboge is a deep, resinous hue that sits squarely between golden yellow and earthy brown. It evokes the visual weight of antique varnish or crystallized honey found in shadow. Unlike bright synthetics, this shade feels established and organic, offering a sense of historical permanence.
What color is opposite Brown Gamboge?
The opposite color to Brown Gamboge is Smalt (#003399).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #003399
- Brightness: 106/255
- Saturation: 100%
Colors That Pair Well With Brown Gamboge
Complementary
Pair with Smalt for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Cornflower 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)
Brown Gamboge History
The name 'Gamboge' derives from the Latin gambogium, referencing the pigment's origin in Cambodia. The authentic pigment is produced by tapping the poisonous resin from various species of Garcinia evergreen trees. For centuries, this mustard-yellow gum was used in traditional East Asian painting and illuminated manuscripts before arriving in Europe in the 17th century. While the raw pigment is bright yellow, 'Brown Gamboge' represents the color in its dense, concentrated form or as seen in aged oil glazes.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this color represents a bridge between material wealth and earthly grounding. It carries the weight of stability without the somberness of black or charcoal. It suggests a connection to the soil and the past, triggering feelings of reliability and wholesomeness in the viewer. It is a color of endurance rather than fleeting excitement.
Culturally, shades of gamboge are deeply tied to spiritual detachment. It closely mimics the dye used for the robes of Theravada Buddhist monks, symbolizing humility and renunciation of materialism. Consequently, the color can evoke a sense of calm introspection and discipline, moving the mind away from chaos toward order.
In Nature
This specific shade is abundant in the autumnal decay of the forest floor, particularly in the browning of fallen oak leaves. It is also found in the mineral world, specifically in deposits of limonite ore which stain the earth. In the animal kingdom, this brownish-gold serves as effective camouflage, visible in the dense fur of the muskox.
How To Use Brown Gamboge
In modern design, Brown Gamboge serves as a sophisticated anchor for organic branding. It works exceptionally well in packaging for coffee, spices, or heritage menswear, where it communicates quality and authenticity. To avoid a muddy appearance, pair it with crisp creams or deep teals rather than standard greys.
From an accessibility standpoint, this color functions well as large typography on white backgrounds but lacks sufficient contrast for body text on dark backgrounds. It is best utilized as a border or accent element to draw attention without the aggressive urgency of bright red or orange.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
The Old Master
A chiaroscuro-inspired palette evoking 17th-century oil paintings.
Spice Route
Warm, aromatic tones derived from market spices.
Oxidized Earth
A high-contrast nature palette mixing metals and minerals.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #996600;
color: rgb(153, 102, 0);
background-color: #996600;
border: 3px solid #996600;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #99660066;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #996600 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Brown Gamboge
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 Brown Gamboge?
Explore color palettes containing Brown Gamboge and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
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
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Brown Gamboge
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Brown Gamboge?
What colors go with Brown Gamboge?
Is Brown Gamboge accessible for text?
How do I use Brown Gamboge in CSS?
You can use Brown Gamboge in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.brown-gamboge {
background-color: #996600;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.