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).
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.
High Contrast
Use Governor Bay 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)
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
Curated Palettes
Academic Legacy
A traditional, authoritative palette often seen in university branding and uniforms.
Vintage Harvest
An earthy, nostalgic palette reminiscent of late autumn fields and retro fashion.
Gilded Noir
A high-contrast luxury palette suitable for evening wear or high-end packaging.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #CFB53B;
color: rgb(207, 181, 59);
background-color: #CFB53B;
border: 3px solid #CFB53B;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #CFB53B66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #CFB53B 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in Old gold
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 Old gold?
Explore color palettes containing Old gold and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
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
Similar Colors
View all Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Old gold
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Old gold?
What colors go with Old gold?
Is Old gold accessible for text?
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.