What Color is Desert Willow
Desert Willow is a weathered and organic mid-tone that sits between tan and olive. This shade evokes the dry, sun-drenched landscapes of the American Southwest. It provides a grounded foundation for complex palettes without overwhelming the visual field.
What color is opposite Desert Willow?
The opposite color to Desert Willow is Waikawa Gray (#4c628a).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #4C628A
- Brightness: 117/255
- Saturation: 45%
Colors That Pair Well With Desert Willow
Complementary
Pair with Waikawa Gray for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Ship Cove 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)
Desert Willow History
This hue draws its roots from the ancient use of Yellow Ochre, one of the oldest pigments used by humanity in prehistoric cave art. Throughout the Renaissance, similar shades were achieved by mixing earth pigments to create transition zones in shadows and landscapes.
During the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, muted tones like this became a staple for textiles and wallpapers. It reflected a rejection of industrial synthetic dyes in favor of colors that appeared to be harvested directly from the earth.
Meaning & Psychology
Desert Willow conveys a sense of resilience and understated strength. Because it lacks the vibrancy of pure orange, it suggests maturity and a lack of pretension. It is often perceived as an honest color that rewards long-term observation rather than demanding immediate attention.
In a domestic environment, the color promotes tranquility and deep-rooted comfort. It acts as a psychological buffer against the fast-paced digital world, leaning into the trend of biophilia where nature-based colors reduce stress levels and encourage human focus.
In Nature
The color is most prominently seen in the woody seed pods and rough bark of the Chilopsis linearis tree found in arid regions. It also appears in the stratified layers of sandstone canyons and the protective camouflage of the desert tortoise. This specific pigment is a direct reflection of minerals like goethite found in iron-rich soils.
How To Use Desert Willow
Desert Willow functions best as a neutral base for sophisticated branding or interior design. It pairs exceptionally well with charcoal, cream, or muted sage to create a high-end, rustic aesthetic. This shade should be used for large surface areas like walls or upholstery to provide warmth without the aggression of true red or orange.
For digital interfaces, ensure that text overlaying this color meets WCAG 2.1 standards for contrast. It requires light-colored fonts like off-white or very dark accents to maintain legibility. Avoid placing vibrant neons against this shade, as the clashing saturations can cause visual fatigue.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Arid Modernism
A sophisticated palette inspired by desert architecture and natural stone.
Harvest Twilight
Warm, sunset-inspired tones that evoke the end of a summer day.
Canyon Floor
An earthy, monochromatic exploration of sedimentary layers.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #89734B;
color: rgb(137, 115, 75);
background-color: #89734B;
border: 3px solid #89734B;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #89734B66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #89734B 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Desert Willow
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 Desert Willow?
Explore color palettes containing Desert Willow 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
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Desert Willow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Desert Willow?
What colors go with Desert Willow?
Is Desert Willow accessible for text?
How do I use Desert Willow in CSS?
You can use Desert Willow in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.desert-willow {
background-color: #89734B;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.