What Color is Mustard
Mustard (#FFDB58) is a zesty, warm hue that sits comfortably between bright primary yellow and earthy ochre. It evokes the sharp tang of the condiment and the golden warmth of late afternoon sunlight. This shade carries a distinct retro appeal, instantly recalling the mid-century design movements of the 20th century.
What color is opposite Mustard?
The opposite color to Mustard is Royal Blue (#577bff).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Yellow
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #577BFF
- Brightness: 215/255
- Saturation: 65%
Colors That Pair Well With Mustard
Complementary
Pair with Royal Blue for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use International Klein Blue 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)
Mustard History
Mustard's lineage traces back to ochre, one of the earliest pigments derived from iron-rich clay used in Paleolithic cave art. While ancient variants were earthy and dull, the vibrant version defined by this hex code became achievable with 19th-century chemical advances in cadmium pigments, which allowed for greater saturation and stability.
This shade became an icon of the 1970s, defining the aesthetic of an entire decade alongside avocado green and burnt orange. It moved from kitchen appliances to high fashion, representing a shift away from the psychedelic neons of the 60s toward more grounded, natural domestic tones.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Mustard stimulates the intellect and encourages optimism without the aggressive overstimulation of neon yellow. It is perceived as a welcoming hue, often linked to creativity, open-mindedness, and savory appetite stimulation.
However, it is a complex and polarizing color; while some find it comforting and warm, others associate it with caution or sickness if used in poor lighting. In branding, it communicates sophistication and heritage, suggesting a flavor or experience that is acquired rather than generic.
In Nature
This shade appears famously in the petals of the wild sunflower and the blooming fields of brassica plants used for agriculture. It is also found in the mineral world within deposits of sulfur and certain varieties of citrine. In the animal kingdom, the plumage of the American goldfinch often displays this specific, warm yellow variation.
How To Use Mustard
In interior design, Mustard serves as a perfect accent to neutral grey or stark white environments, instantly adding warmth without overwhelming the eye. It pairs exceptionally well with deep teal or navy blue, creating a complementary scheme that feels both vintage and modern.
For digital interfaces, this hue fails strictly as a background for white text due to low contrast ratios. Designers must use dark text, preferably charcoal or deep blue, to ensure readability and meet strict accessibility standards.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Mid-Century Kitchen
A nostalgic trio evoking the quintessential 1970s interior aesthetic.
Modern Contrast
High-impact pairing of warm mustard against cool, deep blues.
Spice Market
An earthy, monochromatic gradient focusing on warmth and texture.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #FFDB58;
color: rgb(255, 219, 88);
background-color: #FFDB58;
border: 3px solid #FFDB58;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #FFDB5866;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #FFDB58 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Mustard
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 Mustard?
Explore color palettes containing Mustard and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Complementary
Split-complementary
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
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Bismuth Yellow
#810 • #FCD738
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Olive Yellow
#015 • #C0B627
Polychromos
cadmium yellow
#107 • #FFD530
Prismacolor
Sunburst Yellow
#PC917 • #FFD62F
Similar Colors
View all Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Mustard
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Mustard?
What colors go with Mustard?
Is Mustard accessible for text?
How do I use Mustard in CSS?
You can use Mustard in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.mustard {
background-color: #FFDB58;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.