Grullo

#A99A86

Orange Family →

What Color is Grullo

Grullo is a sophisticated, muted shade that sits comfortably between cool grey and warm beige. It embodies a rugged elegance often associated with equine coats and arid landscapes. This utilitarian hue acts as a perfect neutral canvas, offering stability without the harshness of industrial greys.

What color is opposite Grullo?

The opposite color to Grullo is Manatee (#8594a8).

View Manatee

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Orange
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Spring
  • Complementary Color: #8594A8
  • Brightness: 156/255
  • Saturation: 21%

Colors That Pair Well With Grullo

Complementary

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

#A99A86#8594a8

High Contrast

Use Blue Bayoux for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#A99A86#566579

Harmonious Depth

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

#cbc2b6#554d43

Grullo History

The term Grullo originates from the Spanish word for "crane," referencing the slate-like grey feathers of the bird. Historically, this terminology became deeply embedded in equine culture to describe horses possessing the dun gene, resulting in a distinct mouse-colored coat with primitive markings. It evokes the dusted trails of the American West and the practical tack of vaqueros.

In art history, achieving this specific tone required mixing raw umber with white lead or utilizing low-chroma ochre deposits found in clay-rich soils. Unlike expensive synthetic dyes, this color represents the accessible, grounded materials available to artisans throughout antiquity. It was a staple in rendering background landscapes and stonework in Renaissance frescoes.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, Grullo projects a sense of unshakeable stability and quiet confidence. Because it lacks high saturation, it does not demand attention, creating an environment of calm resilience that helps reduce visual fatigue. It suggests a connection to the earth that is weathered rather than fertile.

Culturally, this shade is linked to authenticity and the concept of "working gear." It rejects the artificiality of neon trends in favor of pragmatism. It appeals to those seeking a minimalist or wabi-sabi aesthetic, where beauty is found in the imperfect and the enduring.

In Nature

The most literal representation of this color is the plumage of the Sandhill crane or the specialized coat of a Grullo horse, which acts as natural camouflage in scrublands. It is also prevalent in the mineral world, visible in weathered sandstone formations and the dried grasses of the late autumn steppe.

How To Use Grullo

In design, Grullo serves as an impeccable foundation for rustic or industrial interiors. It pairs exceptionally well with organic materials like untreated wood, leather, and linen, emphasizing texture over hue. Designers often use it to warm up a space that feels too clinical with standard grey.

For digital interfaces, this color lacks sufficient luminance for body text on white backgrounds. It should be used for backgrounds or large-scale UI elements, ensuring high contrast by pairing it with deep charcoal or soft cream. Avoid placing it against bright neons, which can make the color appear muddy rather than sophisticated.

Related Words

spanishequineumberochrestoneworkstabilityresilienceauthenticitypragmatismenduringcranecoatsandstonegrassesfoundationtexturecontrastsophisticated

Curated Palettes

#A99A86
#2E2C29
#5C534B
#D6CFC7
#1A1A1A

Equine Dun

Inspired by the classic grullo horse coat, featuring primitive markings and dark points.

#A99A86
#8B5A2B
#6B705C
#E3DAC9
#B85C38

High Desert

A natural palette reflecting the dry scrublands and stone of the American Southwest.

#A99A86
#708090
#F5F5F5
#36454F
#C5A059

Modern Industrial

A sleek, contemporary mix of warm greys and metals for interior spaces.

Color Conversions

Hex
#A99A86
RGB
169, 154, 134
RGB %
66%, 60%, 53%
HSL
34°, 17%, 59%
HSV
34°, 21%, 66%
CMYK
0%, 9%, 21%, 34%
LAB
64.38, 2.18, 12.50
XYZ
32.22, 33.27, 27.28

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #A99A86;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(169, 154, 134);
Background Color
background-color: #A99A86;
Border
border: 3px solid #A99A86;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #A99A8666;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #A99A86 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Grullo

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Grullo

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

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 Grullo?

Explore color palettes containing Grullo 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

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

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

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

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Raw Umber 50%

#846#90816B

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Polychromos

warm grey III

#272#A8A59F

Buy

Prismacolor

50 % French Grey

#PC1072#ABA4A1

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Grullo?
The hex code for Grullo is #A99A86. The RGB values are (169, 154, 134). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Grullo?
Grullo pairs well with its complementary color, Manatee (#8594a8). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Grullo accessible for text?
No, Grullo 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 Grullo in CSS?

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

.grullo {
  background-color: #A99A86;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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