Roman silver

#838996

Blue Family →

What Color is Roman silver

Roman Silver is a refined blend of grey with significant blue undertones, resembling metal that has aged gracefully. It offers a stoic presence, avoiding the starkness of pure black or white. This shade captures the essence of weathered stone and antique currency.

What color is opposite Roman silver?

The opposite color to Roman silver is Natural Gray (#959083).

View Natural Gray

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Blue
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Associated Season: Spring
  • Complementary Color: #959083
  • Brightness: 137/255
  • Saturation: 13%

Colors That Pair Well With Roman silver

Complementary

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

#838996#959083

High Contrast

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

#838996#7c7669

Harmonious Depth

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

#b5b8c0#42454b

Roman silver History

Named after the metal that fueled an empire, this shade recalls the silver denarius coin used throughout ancient Rome. While the coins were initially bright, oxidation and impurities eventually turned them this specific, muted blue-grey. To replicate this hue in painting before synthetic dyes, artists combined charcoal black with white lead and faint touches of azurite.

In the 19th century, this color gained prominence during the Neoclassical movement, where it was used to depict architectural elements and idealized armor. It later became a staple of the Industrial Revolution, symbolizing steel and machinery. Today, it remains a testament to structural integrity and engineering.

Meaning & Psychology

This color projects a sense of intellect and cool detachment, often favored in environments requiring concentration. Unlike warmer greys which feel cozy, Roman Silver establishes a professional boundary and suggests impartiality. It quiets visual noise, allowing the mind to focus on structure and form.

Culturally, the shade is linked to maturity and the wisdom associated with aging, much like silver hair. It also carries a futuristic connotation, frequently associated with high-tech interfaces and precision instruments. It bridges the gap between ancient history and modern innovation.

In Nature

In the natural world, this cool grey appears in the weathering of granite peaks exposed to harsh elements. It is the color of a threatening storm cloud just before rain falls. You can also find this specific metallic sheen on the skin of certain sharks and the underside of eucalyptus leaves.

How To Use Roman silver

In design, Roman Silver acts as a perfect anchor for minimalist palettes, providing more depth than flat grey. It is excellent for background elements in technology interfaces where a sleek, modern look is required. It pairs exceptionally well with crisp whites and deep navy blues.

Regarding accessibility, this color has medium luminance, so it requires careful handling with typography. White text may not provide sufficient contrast for smaller fonts (WCAG compliance), so opting for dark charcoal text ensures better readability. Use it for borders, iconography, or non-critical text elements.

Related Words

denariuscharcoalneoclassicalindustrialintellectimpartialitymaturityfuturisticgranitestormsharkseucalyptusanchortechnologytypographyreadability

Curated Palettes

#838996
#702F3B
#E5E0D6
#2C3539
#B8860B

Imperial Forum

Inspired by the stone, marble, and military crimson of ancient Rome.

#838996
#2C3E50
#BDC3C7
#ECF0F1
#34495E

Arctic Twilight

A cool, monochromatic blue-grey gradient suitable for modern web design.

#838996
#556B2F
#8FBC8F
#F5F5DC
#4B5320

Industrial Botanist

Contrasts the mechanical silver with organic, muted greens.

Color Conversions

Hex
#838996
RGB
131, 137, 150
RGB %
51%, 54%, 59%
HSL
221°, 8%, 55%
HSV
221°, 13%, 59%
CMYK
13%, 9%, 0%, 41%
LAB
57.00, 0.56, -7.68
XYZ
23.81, 24.92, 32.41

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #838996;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(131, 137, 150);
Background Color
background-color: #838996;
Border
border: 3px solid #838996;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #83899666;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #838996 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Roman silver

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
Roman silver

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 Roman silver?

Explore color palettes containing Roman silver 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

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#PC1065#7C8C8E

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Roman silver?
The hex code for Roman silver is #838996. The RGB values are (131, 137, 150). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Roman silver?
Roman silver pairs well with its complementary color, Natural Gray (#959083). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Roman silver accessible for text?
No, Roman silver 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 Roman silver in CSS?

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

.roman-silver {
  background-color: #838996;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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