What Color is Outer Space
Outer Space is a deep, desaturated charcoal with subtle cool undertones that mimic the vastness of the cosmos. Unlike pure black, which can feel stark, this shade offers a softer, more sophisticated neutral for modern palettes. It serves as an anchoring color, suggesting depth and infinity without overwhelming the viewer.
What color is opposite Outer Space?
The opposite color to Outer Space is Tundora (#4d4442).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Dark
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #4D4442
- Brightness: 72/255
- Saturation: 14%
Colors That Pair Well With Outer Space
Complementary
Pair with Tundora for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Pink Swan 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)
Outer Space History
While the specific name 'Outer Space' was popularized by Crayola in 1998, the pigment lineage traces back to ancient mixtures of soot and lead white used to create atmospheric depth. In the Renaissance, artists sought reliable dark neutrals, eventually leading to the creation of complex gray mixtures that closely mirrored this hue's cool complexity.
In the 20th century, this shade became a staple of Brutalism and industrial design, representing the raw honesty of concrete and steel. It moved away from the romanticized shadows of the past to symbolize the utilitarian future. Today, it reflects the digital age's fascination with dark modes and the cosmic unknown.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this color commands authority without the aggression of stark black. It evokes a sense of stability and introspection, encouraging the viewer to focus inward. Because it recedes visually, it creates a feeling of vastness and mystery, much like the night sky it is named after.
In professional settings, the shade communicates intelligence and neutrality, making it a favorite for corporate identity. It lacks emotional volatility, projecting a dependable and grounded presence. However, overuse in isolation can lead to feelings of isolation or coldness if not balanced with warmer accents.
In Nature
While the vacuum of space is theoretically black, Earth offers tangible examples of this hue in sedimentary slate deposits and volcanic basalt. It appears in the stormy plumage of the heron and the protective shells of deep-sea mussels. This color also manifests during twilight, specifically in the penumbra of shadows before total darkness sets in.
How To Use Outer Space
In interface design, Outer Space is superior to pure black for typography on white backgrounds, as it reduces eye strain while maintaining high readability. It serves as an elegant background for dark-mode applications, allowing brighter accent colors to pop vividly without vibration.
Interior designers use this shade to create focal walls that add depth to a room without shrinking it visually. It pairs exceptionally well with metallic finishes like brass and natural wood textures. When strictly adhering to accessibility standards, ensure sufficient contrast ratios when pairing with muted mid-tones.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Orbital Sunrise
A high-contrast palette mixing the dark void with the warm glow of a star.
Industrial Zen
A calming, structural palette focused on raw materials and balance.
Nebula Drift
Cool tones evoking deep space exploration and technology.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #414A4C;
color: rgb(65, 74, 76);
background-color: #414A4C;
border: 3px solid #414A4C;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #414A4C66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #414A4C 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Outer Space
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 Outer Space?
Explore color palettes containing Outer Space and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
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
Prismacolor
90 % Cool Grey
#PC1067 • #2D4A5A
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Slate Grey
#495 • #3E434A
Polychromos
dark indigo
#157 • #3E4A5B
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Payne’s Grey 60%
#507 • #4D5969
Prismacolor
90 % Warm Grey
#PC1058 • #554A4A
Similar Colors
View all Dark colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Outer Space
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Outer Space?
What colors go with Outer Space?
Is Outer Space accessible for text?
How do I use Outer Space in CSS?
You can use Outer Space in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.outer-space {
background-color: #414A4C;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.