What Color is Alabaster
Alabaster is a sophisticated, warm-toned off-white that bridges the gap between beige and pure snow. It carries a subtle yellow-gray undertone that prevents it from feeling clinical or cold. This versatile shade creates an atmosphere of quietude in any environment.
Additional Information
- Color Family: White
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Summer
- Complementary Color: #E7E9F3
- Brightness: 239/255
- Saturation: 5%
Colors That Pair Well With Alabaster
Complementary
Pair with Selago for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Cinder 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)
Alabaster History
The name originates from the Ancient Greek word 'alabastros,' referring to the stone used to craft vases and scent jars. In Ancient Egypt, this translucent mineral was prized for its ability to diffuse light, making it a favorite for funerary objects and temple carvings. During the Middle Ages, thin slabs of the stone were even used as window panes in European churches before glass became common.
In the 14th century, English Alabaster became a major export, particularly from the Nottingham workshops. These artisans created devotional sculptures that were celebrated for their smooth, milky finish. Over time, the name transitioned from a physical material to a timeless color standard in fashion and interior design.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Alabaster represents a sense of serenity and emotional balance. Unlike high-contrast whites that can trigger anxiety or eye strain, this softer hue invites the viewer to linger. It evokes a feeling of purity without the sterile baggage of a laboratory or hospital setting.
This color also signals reliability and historical weight, often associated with high-quality materials and classical architecture. It provides a stable foundation for more vibrant colors to rest upon, making people feel grounded and calm in its presence.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is most famously found in the fine-grained mineral gypsum, which forms the actual alabaster stone. You can also spot these creamy highlights in the interior of a seashell, the petals of a blooming magnolia, and the delicate down of a young swan.
How To Use Alabaster
As a senior designer, I recommend Alabaster as the ultimate neutral for interior walls or digital backgrounds. It offers a high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) while remaining inviting, making small spaces feel larger without the glare of stark white. It is particularly effective in minimalist designs where texture and light are the primary focus.
From an accessibility standpoint, Alabaster provides excellent contrast for dark text while reducing visual fatigue for users with light sensitivity. When pairing, treat it as a flexible canvas that harmonizes equally well with natural wood tones, matte black hardware, or soft pastels.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Ancient Gallery
A palette inspired by classical sculpture and aged stone.
Ethereal Morning
Soft, misty tones for a calming and airy interface.
Modern Heirloom
High-end residential vibes with warmth and depth.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #F2F0E6;
color: rgb(242, 240, 230);
background-color: #F2F0E6;
border: 3px solid #F2F0E6;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #F2F0E666;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #F2F0E6 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Alabaster
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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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 Alabaster?
Explore color palettes containing Alabaster 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
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Prismacolor
10 % French Grey
#PC1068 • #E9E7DD
Prismacolor
Peach Beige
#PC1085 • #F8E4D6
Polychromos
ivory
#103 • #FFF4D8
Similar Colors
View all White colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Alabaster
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Alabaster?
What colors go with Alabaster?
Is Alabaster accessible for text?
How do I use Alabaster in CSS?
You can use Alabaster in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.alabaster {
background-color: #F2F0E6;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.