Independence

#4C516D

Blue-Violet Family →

What Color is Independence

Independence is a sophisticated blend of marine blue and charcoal grey, sitting comfortably between navy and slate. It lacks the aggressive brightness of royal blue, preferring a more stoic presence. This shade suggests depth and stability without being overpowering, functioning as a modern neutral that anchors lighter palettes.

What color is opposite Independence?

The opposite color to Independence is Go Ben (#6c674b).

View Go Ben

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Blue-Violet
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #6C674B
  • Brightness: 83/255
  • Saturation: 30%

Colors That Pair Well With Independence

Complementary

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

#4C516D#6c674b

High Contrast

Use Heathered Gray for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#4C516D#b3ae92

Harmonious Depth

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

#9497a7#262937

Independence History

Ancient blues like Lapis Lazuli were reserved for royalty, but this muted shade relates more to the utilitarian history of indigo. Sailors and industrial workers wore dyed wool that faded into this dusty blue tone, representing resilience and labor. It became inextricably linked to the practical uniforms of the 19th and 20th-century navies, symbolizing service and discipline.

In art history, this color mimics the atmospheric perspective used by Renaissance painters to show distance and depth. It is not a raw primary pigment but a complex mixture, similar to Payne's Grey created in the 19th century. Modernist architects later embraced such tones for their industrial sobriety, moving away from the decorative pastels of the Rococo era.

Meaning & Psychology

This color commands respect through silence rather than volume. It triggers a physiological response that calms the pulse, conceptually linked to the darkening twilight sky. It embodies authority without aggression, making it a trusted staple for financial institutions, legal firms, and government bodies.

Culturally, the name itself suggests self-reliance and autonomy. It appeals to introverted personalities who value privacy, logic, and deep thought. Unlike bright electric blues which signal high energy, Independence signals established competence and a grounded, unwavering wisdom.

In Nature

While rare in flora, this desaturated blue appears frequently in the abiotic, mineral world. It is the color of wet slate rocks battered by the ocean and distant storm clouds heavy with rain. In the animal kingdom, it resembles the shadowy plumage of the Great Blue Heron or the protective camouflage of deep-sea fish seeking to blend into the abyss.

How To Use Independence

As a senior designer, treat Independence as a softer, more thoughtful alternative to black. It provides high readability for typography on white backgrounds but feels less harsh to the eye. It works exceptionally well in minimalist layouts where rigid structure is paramount.

For interior design, use this shade on accent walls to create a cozy, den-like atmosphere. It pairs beautifully with metallic accents like brass or copper to add warmth. However, avoid pairing it with dark browns or forest greens, as the low contrast can make the overall design look muddy and indistinct.

Related Words

indigouniformsmixturesobrietysilenceauthorityautonomycompetenceslatecloudscamouflagereadabilitystructurebrasscontrast

Curated Palettes

#2E3141
#4C516D
#6F7596
#9AA0C2
#DCE0F2

Nautical Twilight

A moody, maritime gradient perfect for sleek UI backgrounds.

#4C516D
#E5DCC5
#C99E10
#8C3B3B
#F2F0EB

Academic Study

Sophisticated pairing of cool intellect and warm history.

#4C516D
#B8B8B8
#858585
#FFFFFF
#000000

Urban Slate

Modern industrial tones for architecture and branding.

Color Conversions

Hex
#4C516D
RGB
76, 81, 109
RGB %
30%, 32%, 43%
HSL
231°, 18%, 36%
HSV
231°, 30%, 43%
CMYK
30%, 26%, 0%, 57%
LAB
35.05, 5.13, -16.75
XYZ
8.68, 8.53, 15.66

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #4C516D;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(76, 81, 109);
Background Color
background-color: #4C516D;
Border
border: 3px solid #4C516D;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #4C516D66;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #4C516D 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Independence

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
Independence

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.
  • 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 Independence?

Explore color palettes containing Independence 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

Polychromos

dark indigo

#157#3E4A5B

Buy

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Payne’s Grey 60%

#507#4D5969

Buy

Prismacolor

90 % Cool Grey

#PC1067#2D4A5A

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Independence?
The hex code for Independence is #4C516D. The RGB values are (76, 81, 109). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Independence?
Independence pairs well with its complementary color, Go Ben (#6c674b). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Independence accessible for text?
No, Independence 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 Independence in CSS?

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

.independence {
  background-color: #4C516D;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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