What Color is Feldgrau
Feldgrau is a muted, desaturated greenish-grey that sits between olive and slate. It evokes a sense of utilitarian strength and historical weight, functioning as a sophisticated and functional neutral for serious environments.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Blue-Green
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #5C4D56
- Brightness: 87/255
- Saturation: 17%
Colors That Pair Well With Feldgrau
Complementary
Pair with Don Juan for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Shady Lady 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)
Feldgrau History
Feldgrau was first introduced by the Prussian Army in 1907 and officially adopted in 1910 to replace the traditional 'Prussian Blue.' The transition was driven by the need for modern camouflage as weaponry became more accurate and smokeless powder made battlefield visibility clearer. It represented a shift toward tactical warfare over ceremonial display.
Historically, the pigment was achieved through a specific blend of white, black, and green dyes, often derived from coal-tar derivatives as the industrial revolution advanced chemical synthesis. By World War II, the shade became synonymous with German military identity, though its exact hue varied significantly due to material shortages and different textile factories.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this color carries a heavy sense of disciplined order and somber duty. It is not an energetic green; instead, it is a color that commands authority and suggests a lack of frivolity. Its proximity to grey makes it feel detached and objective.
In a modern cultural context, it can feel imposing or restrictive to some, while others view it as a symbol of stability and resilience. It provides a grounding effect in visual design, anchoring brighter colors and preventing them from appearing too flighty or unorganized.
In Nature
In the natural world, Feldgrau appears in the lichen that clings to damp limestone or the needles of a spruce tree during a deep winter freeze. It is the color of wet slate stones found in alpine riverbeds and the overcast sky of a Northern European morning. Because it was designed to mimic the shadows of temperate forests, it blends seamlessly with the moss found in shaded woodlands.
How To Use Feldgrau
From a designer's perspective, Feldgrau serves as a powerful neutral that offers more character than a standard charcoal. It works exceptionally well in architectural branding or high-end product design when paired with warm copper or brass accents to provide a metallic contrast.
Regarding accessibility, Feldgrau has a low luminance, making it an excellent background for white or cream typography. It ensures high legibility for user interfaces and provides an architectural feel to digital layouts. Use it when you want to convey heritage without relying on clichéd blues or blacks.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
The Tactician
A rugged, military-inspired palette focusing on durability and historical depth.
Alpine Shadow
A cool, naturalistic set of colors inspired by high-altitude flora and rocky terrain.
Brutalist Modern
An industrial palette that uses Feldgrau as a sophisticated base for a high-energy accent.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #4D5D53;
color: rgb(77, 93, 83);
background-color: #4D5D53;
border: 3px solid #4D5D53;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #4D5D5366;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #4D5D53 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Feldgrau
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 Feldgrau?
Explore color palettes containing Feldgrau 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
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Dark Phthalocyanine Green
#719 • #2F433D
Prismacolor
70 % Warm Grey
#PC1056 • #6D6262
Similar Colors
View all Blue-Green colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Feldgrau
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Feldgrau?
What colors go with Feldgrau?
Is Feldgrau accessible for text?
How do I use Feldgrau in CSS?
You can use Feldgrau in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.feldgrau {
background-color: #4D5D53;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.