What Color isDark khaki?

#BDB76B

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What Color is Dark khaki

Dark khaki is a muted, earthy yellow-green that acts as a sophisticated neutral. It is deeper than traditional tan, offering a grounded and utilitarian aesthetic for professional environments.

What color is opposite Dark khaki?

The opposite color to Dark khaki is Scampi (#6b71bd).

View Scampi

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Yellow
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Spring
  • Complementary Color: #6B71BD
  • Brightness: 176/255
  • Saturation: 43%

Colors That Pair Well With Dark khaki

Complementary

Pair with Scampi for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#BDB76B#6b71bd

High Contrast

Use Victoria for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#BDB76B#424894

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#d7d4a6#5f5c36

Dark khaki History

The term khaki originated from the Persian word khak, meaning dust. It was first introduced into military dress in 1846 by Sir Harry Lumsden for the Corps of Guides in British India, replacing the impractical red coats.

This darker variant emerged through the use of mineral dyes and natural pigments like manganese to ensure better concealment. Over time, it transitioned from a strictly functional combat textile to a staple of mid-century civilian fashion.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, this shade represents stability and reliability due to its long association with uniforms and structure. It projects an air of authority without the aggression of pure black or the brightness of primary colors.

Because it is heavily desaturated, it can occasionally feel austere or overly conservative if used in isolation. However, its yellow base provides a subtle undercurrent of warmth that prevents it from feeling as cold as traditional gray.

In Nature

This color is frequently observed in the foliage of drought-resistant plants, such as the dusty leaves of the olive tree. It appears in the sediment of dried riverbeds and the protective plumage of ground-nesting birds like the female mallard, providing natural camouflage against the earth.

How To Use Dark khaki

In design, dark khaki is a highly versatile choice for backgrounds that require a sense of permanence and structure. It is particularly effective in minimalist layouts where it can replace clinical grays for a warmer, more organic feel.

Senior designers use it to create sophisticated palettes for outdoor or luxury brands. One must ensure high contrast when placing text over it, as its mid-tone value can sometimes swallow white or light-gray typography, potentially hindering accessibility.

Related Words

dust1846mineralmanganesefunctionalstabilityreliabilityauthorityausterewarmthfoliageolivesedimentplumagebirdsversatilestructureminimalistsophisticatedcontrast

Curated Palettes

#BDB76B
#556B2F
#DAA520
#8B4513
#F5F5DC

Savanna Shadow

An earthy, organic mix inspired by dry grasslands and shadows.

#BDB76B
#2F4F4F
#708090
#1A1A1A
#E9E9E9

Urban Tactical

A modern, high-contrast palette for structured, professional interfaces.

#BDB76B
#E9967A
#8B0000
#483D8B
#FFF8DC

Antique Hearth

A warm, comforting palette that feels historical and established.

Color Conversions

Hex
#BDB76B
RGB
189, 183, 107
RGB %
74%, 72%, 42%
HSL
56°, 38%, 58%
HSV
56°, 43%, 74%
CMYK
0%, 3%, 43%, 26%
LAB
73.38, -8.79, 39.29
XYZ
40.57, 45.75, 20.60

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #BDB76B;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(189, 183, 107);
Background Color
background-color: #BDB76B;
Border
border: 3px solid #BDB76B;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #BDB76B66;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #BDB76B 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup

Shop Premium Products in Dark khaki

Visualize and buy custom cushions made in this exact shade.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Dark khaki

Made to order. Ships in 3-5 business days.

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 Dark khaki?

Explore color palettes containing Dark khaki and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

Accessibility

Contrast with Black and White

Contrast with Black

UI Examples

This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
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AAA Normal Text
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AAA Large Text
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Contrast with White

UI Examples

This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

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#PC1012#FFDD93

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#821#F4DAA3

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Dark khaki?
The hex code for Dark khaki is #BDB76B. The RGB values are (189, 183, 107). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Dark khaki?
Dark khaki pairs well with its complementary color, Scampi (#6b71bd). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Dark khaki accessible for text?
No, Dark khaki is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Dark khaki in CSS?

You can use Dark khaki in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.dark-khaki {
  background-color: #BDB76B;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.