What Color is Brown Yellow
Brown Yellow, represented by Hex #cc9966, is a warm, toasted shade that sits at the intersection of sun-baked earth and golden grain. It radiates organic charm and a sense of timeless dependability. This muted orange-family hue functions as a sophisticated neutral that brings warmth to any palette.
What color is opposite Brown Yellow?
The opposite color to Brown Yellow is Danube (#6699cc).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #6699CC
- Brightness: 162/255
- Saturation: 50%
Colors That Pair Well With Brown Yellow
Complementary
Pair with Danube for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Matisse 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 Yellow History
This color traces its primary origins to ochre, one of the earliest pigments used in prehistoric cave art dating back over 30,000 years. As a natural earth pigment composed of hydrated iron oxide, it provided ancient civilizations with a permanent and accessible medium for ritualistic expression and storytelling.
During the Renaissance, artists refined this shade through the use of Sienna, a pigment named after the Italian city-state where the earth was mined. It became a foundational tone for masters like Caravaggio, who used these tawny hues to bridge the gap between light and shadow. By the 1970s, this specific 'harvest' tone saw a massive resurgence as a nostalgic staple of interior decor.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Brown Yellow offers a profound sense of security and physical comfort. It lacks the aggression of pure red or the flightiness of bright yellow, making it feel wholesome and approachable to the human eye, often lowering heart rate through its association with the hearth.
In many cultures, these tawny tones represent honesty and a direct connection to the soil. It is perceived as an authentic color that rejects the artificiality of modern synthetic shades, though it can occasionally be viewed as conservative or old-fashioned if used in isolation without contrasting accents.
In Nature
This hue is ubiquitous in the natural world, seen prominently in the protective fur of lions and the weathered surfaces of sandstone canyons. It is the color of barley stalks swaying in the wind and the complex, honeyed layers of topaz gemstones found within the Earth's crust.
How To Use Brown Yellow
For designers, this shade is a sophisticated choice for background elements where stark white feels too clinical or cold. It provides a tactile quality to digital interfaces, especially when used in textures meant to mimic high-end materials like leather or handmade paper.
To ensure professional results, pair it with deep navy or muted teal to achieve a classic visual balance. When used in accessibility-focused design, it serves as a high-contrast background for black text, ensuring readability while reducing the eye strain typically associated with high-vibrancy palettes.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Desert Oasis
A grounded, earthy selection inspired by southwestern landscapes.
Mid-Century Nostalgia
A retro-inspired palette that balances 1970s warmth with modern cool tones.
Artisan Coffee
A rich, monochromatic leaning palette focused on comfort and texture.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #cc9966;
color: rgb(204, 153, 102);
background-color: #cc9966;
border: 3px solid #cc9966;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #cc996666;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #cc9966 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Brown Yellow
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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 Brown Yellow?
Explore color palettes containing Brown Yellow 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
Polychromos
brown ochre
#182 • #C4925D
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Brown Ochre 50%
#836 • #C99162
Prismacolor
Nectar
#PC1092 • #E2947B
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Brown Yellow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Brown Yellow?
What colors go with Brown Yellow?
Is Brown Yellow accessible for text?
How do I use Brown Yellow in CSS?
You can use Brown Yellow in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.brown-yellow {
background-color: #cc9966;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.