What Color is Key Lime
Key Lime is a high-visibility hue residing on the border between yellow and green. It captures the sharp essence of citrus and the vibrancy of neon light. This electric shade feels energetic, tart, and distinctly modern.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Yellow
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Summer
- Complementary Color: #978AF4
- Brightness: 229/255
- Saturation: 43%
Colors That Pair Well With Key Lime
Complementary
Pair with True V for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Deep Koamaru 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)
Key Lime History
Historically, achieving such a vibrant yellow-green was difficult with natural materials; ancient artists often relied on toxic pigments like orpiment or fugitive plant dyes that faded quickly. The stability of this hue arrived with the invention of synthetic dyes in the 19th and 20th centuries, liberating the color from the limitations of organic chemistry.
In the 20th century, this shade became a hallmark of the psychedelic art movement of the 1960s, rejecting traditional, muted palettes. It saw a resurgence during the 1990s rave culture and the dot-com boom, where it became a symbol of the digital frontier. It represents a break from the past, favoring the artificial over the pastoral.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Key Lime is a stimulant that creates a sense of urgency and physical tension. Because the human eye is most sensitive to yellow-green wavelengths, this color commands immediate attention and is often associated with high-visibility safety gear. It prevents passivity and demands focus.
Culturally, the color triggers a sensory association with sourness and acidity. It suggests freshness and zest, making it popular in the food and beverage industry to imply a sharp flavor profile. However, if overused, it can induce feelings of anxiety or visual nausea due to its intense vibration.
In Nature
In nature, this specific pale luminosity is found in the inner flesh of citrus fruits rather than their darker skins. It also appears in the tender new shoots of plants in early spring before chlorophyll saturation occurs. Beyond botany, this spectral hue mimics the bioluminescence of fireflies and certain deep-sea marine life.
How To Use Key Lime
For designers, Key Lime is an aggressive tool that serves best as a highlight rather than a foundation. It is incredibly effective in dark-mode user interfaces (UI) where it 'glows' against black or charcoal backgrounds. Avoid using it for body text on white backgrounds, as it lacks sufficient contrast for readability.
When applying this color, anchor it with deep, neutral tones to prevent visual fatigue. It pairs elegantly with slate greys or navy blues, which ground its electric nature. Use it to draw the eye to call-to-action buttons or specific focal points within a layout.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Cyber Citrus
A high-contrast, tech-focused palette ideal for dark mode interfaces.
Garden Tart
A fresh, natural palette mixing acidity with deep organic greens.
Electric Pastels
A playful, youthful combination rooted in 1980s design trends.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #E8F48C;
color: rgb(232, 244, 140);
background-color: #E8F48C;
border: 3px solid #E8F48C;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #E8F48C66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #E8F48C 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Key Lime
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 Key Lime?
Explore color palettes containing Key Lime and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Split-complementary
Tetradic
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
Polychromos
light yellow glaze
#104 • #F3EF6F
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Spring Green
#470 • #ABDE1D
Prismacolor
Spring Green
#PC913 • #85CF66
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Naples Ochre
#821 • #F4DAA3
Polychromos
grass green
#166 • #76C25F
Similar Colors
View all Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Key Lime
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Key Lime?
What colors go with Key Lime?
Is Key Lime accessible for text?
How do I use Key Lime in CSS?
You can use Key Lime in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.key-lime {
background-color: #E8F48C;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.