What Color is Dirt
#9B7653 is a muted, medium-dark brown that embodies the grounded essence of the natural world. It functions as a sophisticated neutral that bridges the gap between warm clay and cool taupe, offering a sense of honesty and structural permanence in any visual composition.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #54799C
- Brightness: 125/255
- Saturation: 46%
Colors That Pair Well With Dirt
Complementary
Pair with Kashmir Blue for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Hoki 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)
Dirt History
This specific hue traces its lineage back to raw umber, a natural earth pigment used since the Paleolithic era for cave paintings. Historically, these pigments were sourced from iron and manganese-rich clay, providing the foundational layers for Renaissance masters who utilized them for 'imprimatura' to establish depth and shadow.
During the 19th century, earth tones like this became essential for the Barbizon school of painters, who sought to capture the unvarnished reality of the rural landscape. These pigments are among the most lightfast and durable in the history of art, ensuring that ancient works retain their intensity for millennia.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this color provides a sense of profound stability and security. Because it is so closely linked to the soil, it triggers feelings of frugality and resilience, suggesting a lack of pretense or ego that resonates with audiences seeking authenticity.
In a digital context, it counteracts the clinical feel of high-tech interfaces by offering a tactile and humanizing touch. However, if applied without balance, it can feel conservative or heavy, potentially evoking a sense of stagnation or melancholy in modern environments.
In Nature
This shade is found in the nutrient-rich loam of fertile river valleys and the weathered bark of mature oak trees. It mirrors the protective pelage of burrowing mammals and the iron-rich limonite deposits found within sedimentary rock formations.
How To Use Dirt
As a senior designer, I recommend using #9B7653 as a functional neutral for brands emphasizing sustainability or heritage. It provides excellent readability when paired with cream backgrounds, though designers must monitor the contrast ratio strictly to ensure accessibility for those with visual impairments.
To avoid a dull appearance, pair this shade with luminous accents like oxidized copper or soft gold. It serves as an ideal foundation for interior palettes, grounding more volatile colors and providing a sophisticated, organic atmosphere that feels timeless.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Rustic Harvest
A warm, agricultural palette that evokes the transition from late summer to fall.
High Desert
Cool sky tones meet the baked earth of the American Southwest.
Modern Organic
A clean, contemporary take on natural materials like leather, slate, and bone.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #9B7653;
color: rgb(155, 118, 83);
background-color: #9B7653;
border: 3px solid #9B7653;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #9B765366;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #9B7653 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Dirt
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.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge 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 Dirt?
Explore color palettes containing Dirt and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Triadic
Tetradic
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 Dirt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Dirt?
What colors go with Dirt?
Is Dirt accessible for text?
How do I use Dirt in CSS?
You can use Dirt in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.dirt {
background-color: #9B7653;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.