What Color is Ecru
Ecru is a sophisticated, muted neutral that sits comfortably between beige and light gray. It conveys a sense of raw elegance, mimicking the appearance of textiles in their natural, unworked state. This shade provides a gentle alternative to stark whites.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Yellow
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Summer
- Complementary Color: #C1C6D7
- Brightness: 209/255
- Saturation: 10%
Colors That Pair Well With Ecru
Complementary
Pair with Ghost for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Ebony Clay 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)
Ecru History
Historically, the term stems from the French word meaning unbleached, referring specifically to the natural color of raw linen and silk. Until the mid-20th century, ecru was often categorized interchangeably with beige, but it eventually earned its own status in the Art Deco movement as a symbol of understated luxury.
Before the advent of modern chemical processing, this was the default tone of the global textile industry. In the 19th century, keeping fabric in its ecru state was often a sign of practicality, yet by the 20th century, it became a deliberate choice for high-end couturiers who valued its organic, authentic appearance over bleached synthetics.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, ecru provides a sense of stability and reliability that clinical whites often lack. It removes the coldness of pure pigments, offering instead a humanizing warmth that feels approachable and calm. It suggests a personality that is grounded and confident, not needing to shout for attention.
In branding and interior spaces, ecru is used to evoke honesty and a connection to tradition. Because it is perceived as a 'living' white, it reduces visual fatigue, making environments feel more spacious yet cozy. It carries a cultural weight of sophistication without the perceived elitism of brighter, more artificial tones.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is most prominent in limestone cliffs, dried grasses, and the protective sheaths of cereal grains like wheat. It is the signature color of raw silk cocoons and unbleached cotton bolls, representing the Earth's enduring and unrefined surfaces found in desert landscapes and coastal dunes.
How To Use Ecru
For designers, ecru serves as a versatile foundation that provides better readability and lower contrast than pure white, making it ideal for long-form editorial layouts and web backgrounds. It acts as a harmonious bridge between warm and cool tones, effectively anchoring palettes that feature deep earth tones or vibrant jewel colors.
When applying ecru in a professional setting, ensure it is paired with textures like wood or matte metals to highlight its organic roots. From an accessibility standpoint, ecru is a superior choice for UI backgrounds as it minimizes glare, though designers must be careful to maintain high contrast with typography to ensure clarity for all users.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Heritage Linen
A classic, grounded palette evoking traditional craftsmanship and natural fibers.
Desert Minimalist
A warm, architectural palette inspired by sun-bleached landscapes and clay.
Art Deco Gilded
A luxurious and high-contrast palette that balances raw tones with opulence.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #D6D1C0;
color: rgb(214, 209, 192);
background-color: #D6D1C0;
border: 3px solid #D6D1C0;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #D6D1C066;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #D6D1C0 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Ecru
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.
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 Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Ecru
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Ecru?
What colors go with Ecru?
Is Ecru accessible for text?
How do I use Ecru in CSS?
You can use Ecru in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.ecru {
background-color: #D6D1C0;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.