What Color isOld gold?

#CFB53B

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What Color is Old gold

Old Gold is a dark, warm yellow that mimics the appearance of weathered metal. Unlike bright primary yellows, it offers a dignified and mature aesthetic, bridging the gap between metallic tones and organic earth colors. It suggests value that has stood the test of time.

What color is opposite Old gold?

The opposite color to Old gold is Cerulean Blue (#3a55cf).

View Cerulean Blue

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Yellow
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Spring
  • Complementary Color: #3A55CF
  • Brightness: 175/255
  • Saturation: 71%

Colors That Pair Well With Old gold

Complementary

Pair with Cerulean Blue for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#CFB53B#3a55cf

High Contrast

Use Governor Bay for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#CFB53B#304ac4

Harmonious Depth

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

#e2d389#685b1e

Old gold History

Historically, artists achieved this look using natural ochre pigments mixed with raw sienna to represent shadowed metal in Renaissance oil paintings. The specific color name "old gold" was first recorded in English in the late 19th century, reflecting the Victorian era's obsession with rich, heavy fabrics and sombre tones.

In academic and military contexts, this shade signifies tradition. It moved away from the literal application of expensive gold leaf to a pigment that represented the concept of value. It became a staple in heraldry, often paired with black or dark blue to symbolize long-standing authority and academic excellence.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, Old Gold communicates wisdom gained through experience. While bright gold asks for immediate attention, this deeper shade commands respect through understated elegance. It serves as a visual cue for stability, suggesting that the object or brand has proven its worth over many years.

Culturally, it represents heritage and high standards. It avoids the cheap or garish associations sometimes linked to bright synthetic yellows or neon golds. In branding, it is frequently used to evoke nostalgia and establish a sense of premium, legacy quality rather than fleeting trends.

In Nature

While gold is a mineral, the color Old Gold appears frequently in organic settings, particularly during decomposition or dormancy. It matches the hue of dried wheat stalks ready for harvest and the protective scales of a common carp. It is also seen in the camouflage plumage of female pheasants and the turning leaves of willow trees in late autumn.

How To Use Old gold

In design, this color adds sophistication to branding packages, particularly for institutions, law firms, or luxury heritage goods. It pairs magnificently with deep navy or forest green, creating a timeless, serious aesthetic. Avoid using it in large, unbroken blocks, as it can appear muddy; instead, use it for borders, lines, or iconography.

Regarding accessibility, Old Gold poses a challenge due to its medium luminance. White text typically fails contrast ratios on this background, rendering it unreadable for visually impaired users. Always opt for dark charcoal or black type when placing text over this color to ensure strict legibility.

Related Words

ochrevictoriantraditionheraldrywisdomrespectheritagenostalgiawheatcarppheasantswillowsophisticationnavyluminancecontrastlegibility

Curated Palettes

#CFB53B
#000080
#F5F5F5
#333333
#708090

Academic Legacy

A traditional, authoritative palette often seen in university branding and uniforms.

#CFB53B
#556B2F
#8B4513
#D2B48C
#5F9EA0

Vintage Harvest

An earthy, nostalgic palette reminiscent of late autumn fields and retro fashion.

#CFB53B
#1A1A1A
#4B0082
#E5E4E2
#2C3E50

Gilded Noir

A high-contrast luxury palette suitable for evening wear or high-end packaging.

Color Conversions

Hex
#CFB53B
RGB
207, 181, 59
RGB %
81%, 71%, 23%
HSL
49°, 61%, 52%
HSV
49°, 71%, 81%
CMYK
0%, 13%, 71%, 19%
LAB
73.95, -3.75, 62.31
XYZ
43.05, 46.63, 10.87

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #CFB53B;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(207, 181, 59);
Background Color
background-color: #CFB53B;
Border
border: 3px solid #CFB53B;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #CFB53B66;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #CFB53B 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup

Shop Premium Products in Old gold

Visualize and buy custom cushions made in this exact shade.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Old gold

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 Old gold?

Explore color palettes containing Old gold and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

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

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

This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.

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

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Olive Yellow

#015#C0B627

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Prismacolor

Yellow Ochre

#PC942#DAAD41

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Polychromos

Naples yellow

#185#F8D25A

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Old gold?
The hex code for Old gold is #CFB53B. The RGB values are (207, 181, 59). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Old gold?
Old gold pairs well with its complementary color, Cerulean Blue (#3a55cf). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Old gold accessible for text?
No, Old gold 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 Old gold in CSS?

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

.old-gold {
  background-color: #CFB53B;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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