What Color is Flax
Flax is a soft, muted yellow that mimics the appearance of dried plant fibers. It sits comfortably between cream and gold, offering a wholesome and understated elegance. This shade provides a sense of warmth without the overwhelming intensity of more vibrant hues.
What color is opposite Flax?
The opposite color to Flax is Cornflower Blue (#8193ee).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Yellow
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #8193EE
- Brightness: 215/255
- Saturation: 45%
Colors That Pair Well With Flax
Complementary
Pair with Cornflower Blue for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Resolution Blue 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)
Flax History
The term flax derives from the ancient cultivation of the flax plant, which humans have used for over 30,000 years to create linen. While the flowers are blue, the processed stems and seeds yield this distinct pale golden tone. Historically, flaxen became a standard literary descriptor for fair hair during the Renaissance, signifying purity and youth in European portraiture.
By the early 20th century, specifically around 1915, Flax was officially codified as a color name in the English language. It bypassed the heavy metallic associations of gold pigments like ochre or orpiment, instead aligning with the textile industry and the burgeoning Arts and Crafts movement's love for naturalistic palettes.
Meaning & Psychology
From a psychological perspective, Flax represents stability and approachability. Because it lacks the high-frequency vibration of bright lemon yellow, it evokes a sense of comfort and domestic safety. It suggests a personality that is grounded, reliable, and modest rather than attention-seeking.
In various cultures, this hue is associated with harvest and the rewards of labor. It carries a cultural weight of authenticity, often used to signify items that are handmade or organic. It avoids the perceived cheapness sometimes associated with bright primary colors, leaning instead toward a sophisticated neutrality.
In Nature
In the natural world, this color is most prominently seen in the dried stalks of the Linum usitatissimum plant and the outer husks of various grains like wheat or barley. It appears in the fur of certain mammals, such as the golden retriever, and is a common shade for desert sandstone formations. It is a quintessential organic tone that reflects the life cycle of vegetation as it dries in the sun.
How To Use Flax
For senior designers, Flax serves as an excellent neutral background that is warmer than white but more interesting than beige. It pairs beautifully with deep blues or sage greens to create a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic. In digital interfaces, it works well for paper styles or organic brand identities that want to appear trustworthy.
When considering accessibility, ensure that text placed over a Flax background has high contrast, such as charcoal or navy, as white text will fail readability standards. Use it as a highlight color in minimalist layouts to draw the eye softly toward key information without causing visual fatigue.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Ancient Linen
A grounded, textile-inspired palette suitable for organic branding.
Summer Meadow
A light and airy collection of tones that evoke a breezy afternoon.
Modern Harvest
Sophisticated and rich tones that balance warmth with deep contrast.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #EEDC82;
color: rgb(238, 220, 130);
background-color: #EEDC82;
border: 3px solid #EEDC82;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #EEDC8266;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #EEDC82 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Flax
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 Flax?
Explore color palettes containing Flax and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
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 Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Flax
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Flax?
What colors go with Flax?
Is Flax accessible for text?
How do I use Flax in CSS?
You can use Flax in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.flax {
background-color: #EEDC82;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.