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.
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.
High Contrast
Use Victoria 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)
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
Curated Palettes
Savanna Shadow
An earthy, organic mix inspired by dry grasslands and shadows.
Urban Tactical
A modern, high-contrast palette for structured, professional interfaces.
Antique Hearth
A warm, comforting palette that feels historical and established.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #BDB76B;
color: rgb(189, 183, 107);
background-color: #BDB76B;
border: 3px solid #BDB76B;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #BDB76B66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #BDB76B 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in Dark khaki
Visualize and buy custom cushions made in this exact shade.
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.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Triadic
Monochromatic
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
Contrast with White
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Dark khaki
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Dark khaki?
What colors go with Dark khaki?
Is Dark khaki accessible for text?
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.