Antique Garnet

#8E5E5E

Red Family →

What Color is Antique Garnet

Antique Garnet is a subdued, earthy red that evokes the patina of age and refinement. Unlike vibrant primary reds, this shade possesses a sophisticated gray undertone, significantly softening its visual impact. It bridges the gap between warm terracotta and cool mauve, offering a sense of quiet luxury suitable for heritage-focused applications.

What color is opposite Antique Garnet?

The opposite color to Antique Garnet is Juniper (#5e8d8d).

View Juniper

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Red
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #5E8D8D
  • Brightness: 108/255
  • Saturation: 34%

Colors That Pair Well With Antique Garnet

Complementary

Pair with Juniper for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#8E5E5E#5e8d8d

High Contrast

Use Sea Nymph for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#8E5E5E#71a1a1

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#bb9e9e#472f2f

Antique Garnet History

The name derives from the garnet gemstone, prized by ancient Egyptians and Romans for protection and adornment. Historically, this specific muted hue resembles madder lake pigments that have softened over centuries of exposure to light. In the 19th century, Victorian fashion and interiors favored these dusty, somber tones as symbols of respectability and moral restraint.

During the Arts and Crafts movement, designers rejected synthetic brightness in favor of natural dyes that produced harmonious, earthy palettes. Antique Garnet mirrors the terracotta clays used in ancient pottery and the architectural bricks found in industrial heritage sites. It represents a shift from the ostentatious royal crimsons to a more grounded, accessible aesthetic rooted in the earth.

Meaning & Psychology

This shade commands a sense of stability rather than the urgent passion associated with bright crimson. It triggers feelings of nostalgia and comfort, often reminding viewers of hearth and home. The grey influence dampens the physiological arousal usually caused by red, resulting in a color that promotes reflection instead of impulsive action.

Culturally, Antique Garnet implies maturity and enduring value. It suggests a connection to the past, evoking the wisdom of history rather than the fleeting trends of the present. In interior environments, it creates an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth, making large spaces feel smaller and more inviting without the aggressive energy of a standard alarm red.

In Nature

The natural world exhibits this hue in the iron-rich sedimentary rocks of the American Southwest. It appears in the fading petals of dried roses just before they turn completely brown. Certain varieties of red beans and the skin of red onions also reflect this desaturated, earthy complexion.

How To Use Antique Garnet

In graphic design, Antique Garnet serves as a sophisticated alternative to black or navy when paired with cream or soft gold. It creates a vintage aesthetic without feeling dated. For user interfaces, it functions well as a background element or a secondary color, though it lacks the high contrast required for primary call-to-action buttons.

Interior designers utilize this shade to anchor airy rooms or to add depth to monochromatic schemes. It pairs exceptionally well with natural materials like oak, leather, and unpolished brass. Care must be taken in low-light environments, where the color may appear muddy; adequate lighting is essential to reveal its rosy undertones.

Related Words

madder lakesombernaturalterracottaaestheticstabilitycomfortreflectionmaturitywarmthalarmsedimentary rocksdried rosesred beansvintagecontrastmonochromaticlighting

Curated Palettes

#8E5E5E
#F5E6CA
#2C2C2C
#CCA43B
#4A3B2A

Victorian Library

A rich, studious palette evocative of leather bindings and old parchment.

#8E5E5E
#D8B5B5
#6D4C41
#F5F5F5
#A98274

Dusty Rose Garden

A soft, monochromatic gradient focusing on faded florals and romance.

#8E5E5E
#BDBDBD
#424242
#E1C16E
#FFFFFF

Industrial Chic

High contrast concrete tones with Antique Garnet as a warming accent.

Color Conversions

Hex
#8E5E5E
RGB
142, 94, 94
RGB %
56%, 37%, 37%
HSL
0°, 20%, 46%
HSV
0°, 34%, 56%
CMYK
0%, 34%, 34%, 44%
LAB
45.03, 19.63, 8.04
XYZ
17.18, 14.56, 12.50

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #8E5E5E;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(142, 94, 94);
Background Color
background-color: #8E5E5E;
Border
border: 3px solid #8E5E5E;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #8E5E5E66;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #8E5E5E 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Antique Garnet

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Antique Garnet

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 Antique Garnet?

Explore color palettes containing Antique Garnet and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

Accessibility

Contrast with Black and White

Contrast with Black

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail
Contrast with White

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

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Burnt Sienna 50%

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caput mortuum violet

#263#824E51

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Prismacolor

70 % French Grey

#PC1074#7B6D62

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Antique Garnet?
The hex code for Antique Garnet is #8E5E5E. The RGB values are (142, 94, 94). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Antique Garnet?
Antique Garnet pairs well with its complementary color, Juniper (#5e8d8d). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Antique Garnet accessible for text?
No, Antique Garnet is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Antique Garnet in CSS?

You can use Antique Garnet in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.antique-garnet {
  background-color: #8E5E5E;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.