What Color is Shadow
Shadow is a muted, desaturated tone that sits quietly between warm brown and cool grey. It captures the essence of aged stone and weathered parchment, offering a sense of history without demanding attention. As a warm neutral, it provides a sophisticated foundation for more vibrant hues to shine against.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #5D6E89
- Brightness: 123/255
- Saturation: 33%
Colors That Pair Well With Shadow
Complementary
Pair with Lynch for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Lynch 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)
Shadow History
Historically, this shade relies on natural earth pigments like Raw Umber, which have been harvested from clay deposits since the prehistoric era. In the Renaissance, artists utilized these specific drab tones in underpainting to create depth and volume through a technique known as chiaroscuro, literally shaping the shadows of a composition.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, this color moved from the canvas to the battlefield, defining the utilitarian aesthetic of military uniforms. The shift toward global camouflage required hues that blended seamlessly with mud, dust, and dry brush, solidifying the color's association with resilience and practical function.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Shadow represents stability and pragmatic realism. It lacks the energetic vibration of bright orange but retains a hidden warmth that prevents it from feeling stark or cold like a pure grey. It evokes a sense of dependability and being grounded in reality.
Culturally, this hue often suggests modesty and a deep connection to the past. It withdraws rather than projects, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection or serious intent. While it can be comforting, in excess, it may feel mundane or evoke a sense of stagnation.
In Nature
This color is abundant in the natural world, specifically within geological formations like sedimentary sandstone cliffs and dry riverbeds. It appears in the protective plumage of ground-dwelling birds like sparrows and the winter coats of deer, aiding in survival through blending. You will also find this hue in dried silt and the weathered bark of aged oak trees.
How To Use Shadow
In design, Shadow serves as an excellent anchor for minimalist or rustic compositions. It pairs exceptionally well with creamy whites for a sophisticated, 'Old Money' aesthetic, or with deep greens for a natural, organic vibe. Avoid using it as a primary focus; let it support other elements to prevent visual boredom.
Regarding accessibility, this color possesses medium luminance, making contrast a critical challenge for typography. White text may fail WCAG standards at smaller sizes, so opt for deep charcoal or black text to ensure legibility. Use this shade for UI cards, footers, or backgrounds rather than call-to-action buttons.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Rustic Library
A sophisticated, academic palette evoking old books and wood.
Desert Flora
Inspired by succulents growing in dry earth.
Modern Industrial
A sleek combination of metals and warm neutrals.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #8A795D;
color: rgb(138, 121, 93);
background-color: #8A795D;
border: 3px solid #8A795D;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #8A795D66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #8A795D 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Shadow
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 Shadow?
Explore color palettes containing Shadow and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Split-complementary
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
Polychromos
nougat
#178 • #927C6B
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Olive Brown
#039 • #74643D
Prismacolor
Light Umber
#PC941 • #7F633F
Polychromos
bistre
#179 • #7C604C
Prismacolor
70 % French Grey
#PC1074 • #7B6D62
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Shadow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Shadow?
What colors go with Shadow?
Is Shadow accessible for text?
How do I use Shadow in CSS?
You can use Shadow in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.shadow {
background-color: #8A795D;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.