What Color is Cinereous
Cinereous is a desaturated, grayish-red that mimics the appearance of cooled wood ash. It functions as a complex neutral, offering more depth than standard grays through its ashen and muted undertones. This color provides a subtle bridge between warm earth tones and cool stony shades.
What color is opposite Cinereous?
The opposite color to Cinereous is Regent Gray (#7c9298).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #7C9298
- Brightness: 135/255
- Saturation: 19%
Colors That Pair Well With Cinereous
Complementary
Pair with Regent Gray for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Sirocco 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)
Cinereous History
The name derives from the Latin word 'cinereus,' meaning ash. Historically, this shade was critical for naturalists in the 18th and 19th centuries, appearing prominently in Robert Ridgway’s 1886 color nomenclature to describe the specific volcanic debris and fungal growth found in the wild. It was a pigment of observation rather than decoration, used to document the patina of the natural world.
In the realm of art, this hue was often achieved by mixing vine black with earth reds and lead white. It became a staple in the botanical illustrations of the Victorian era, where artists needed a precise middle-ground to represent the weathered bark of ancient trees and the dusty plumage of migratory birds.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Cinereous is the color of stoicism and emotional reserve. Unlike vibrant reds that demand attention, this shade retreats, offering a sense of wisdom and reliability that comes from age and experience. It suggests a grounded personality that is unaffected by fleeting trends.
In many cultures, its proximity to ash connects it to themes of humility and penance. It carries an emotional weight of permanence, reminding the viewer of the natural cycles of fire and regrowth. It is a quiet color that fosters introspection rather than outward excitement.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is most famously embodied by the Cinereous Vulture, one of the largest birds of prey in the Old World. It is also the primary color of pumice stone and volcanic tuff, which are formed during explosive eruptions. You can find this muted red-gray in the dried lichen clinging to granite rocks or the dormant winter fur of the mountain hare.
How To Use Cinereous
From a senior designer's perspective, Cinereous is a highly sophisticated choice for minimalist branding. It serves as an excellent alternative to charcoal or beige, providing a versatile backdrop that feels organic rather than synthetic. It is particularly effective in high-end interior design for creating a 'quiet luxury' aesthetic.
Regarding accessibility, Cinereous pairs beautifully with cream (#F5F5DC) for a harmonious and readable interface. It is an understated powerhouse in UI design, functioning well as a secondary surface color that reduces eye strain while maintaining a warmer, more human feel than clinical grays.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Volcanic Hearth
A palette inspired by cooling lava and charred wood.
Naturalist's Study
The muted tones of old parchment and botanical specimens.
Urban Stone
Modern architectural materials meeting soft twilight.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #98817B;
color: rgb(152, 129, 123);
background-color: #98817B;
border: 3px solid #98817B;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #98817B66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #98817B 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Cinereous
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 Cinereous?
Explore color palettes containing Cinereous and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
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
Similar Colors
View all Red colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Cinereous
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Cinereous?
What colors go with Cinereous?
Is Cinereous accessible for text?
How do I use Cinereous in CSS?
You can use Cinereous in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.cinereous {
background-color: #98817B;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.