What Color is UCLA Gold
UCLA Gold is a vivid, sun-drenched hue chosen to represent the "Golden State" of California. It sits comfortably between deep yellow and bright orange, radiating an energetic warmth that demands attention. Unlike metallic golds, this shade is flat and saturated, offering high visibility without reliance on shimmer.
What color is opposite UCLA Gold?
The opposite color to UCLA Gold is Blue Ribbon (#004cff).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #004CFF
- Brightness: 181/255
- Saturation: 100%
Colors That Pair Well With UCLA Gold
Complementary
Pair with Blue Ribbon for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Blue Ribbon 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)
UCLA Gold History
The specific identity of this color was established to symbolize the wildflowers of California, specifically the California Poppy, alongside the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. While early university branding used a more muted gold, the shade evolved into this vibrant amber tone to ensure maximum visibility on athletic fields and digital screens. It aligns with the mid-20th-century shift toward synthetic cadmium pigments, which allowed for brighter, more permanent yellows than natural ochres could provide.
Historically, golden yellows have always signified divinity and power, appearing heavily in Byzantine mosaics and Egyptian tombs to represent the sun god. However, this specific non-metallic variation is a modern creation, distinct from the gold leafing used in fine art. It represents the democratization of color in the academic branding era, moving away from heraldic traditions toward high-contrast marketing needs.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this shade triggers feelings of optimism and intense mental activity. It is physically stimulating, mimicking the effect of sunlight to increase metabolic rates and evoke joy. Unlike cooler yellows which can feel sickly, this warm, reddish-yellow implies abundance and success, making it a natural choice for competitive sports and achievement-oriented environments.
Culturally, this hue bridges the gap between the caution of orange and the happiness of yellow. It represents vitality and youthfulness, steering clear of the stagnation associated with darker browns. In branding, it commands authority without being aggressive, utilizing its high visibility to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
In Nature
This specific shade of gold is abundant in the floral world, perfectly matching the petals of the sunflower and the California Poppy. It appears in the insect kingdom on the abdomen of the bumblebee, serving as a warning signal of defense. Mineralogically, it reflects the luster of raw citrine or amber resin caught in direct sunlight.
How To Use UCLA Gold
In design, UCLA Gold acts as a powerful accent color that pairs exceptionally well with deep blues and charcoals. Because it is highly saturated, it can overwhelm the eye if used as a primary background, so it is best reserved for buttons or "call to action" elements. Designers use it to inject warmth into sterile corporate palettes without sacrificing professionalism.
Regarding accessibility, this color presents a challenge when used for text against white backgrounds due to insufficient contrast ratios. It is imperative to use black or dark blue text on top of this gold, or to use the gold as non-text graphics only. Ignoring this rule often results in illegible interfaces for users with visual impairments.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Bruin Spirit
The classic, high-contrast academic pairing representing prestige and coastal vibrancy.
California Poppy
A warm, floral-inspired gradient inspired by the state flower in full bloom.
Mid-Century Kitchen
A retro palette evoking the optimism of 1950s interior design.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #FFB300;
color: rgb(255, 179, 0);
background-color: #FFB300;
border: 3px solid #FFB300;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #FFB30066;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #FFB300 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in UCLA Gold
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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 UCLA Gold?
Explore color palettes containing UCLA Gold and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
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
Spanish Orange
#PC1003 • #FFC12A
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Golden Bismuth Yellow
#820 • #FFC630
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to UCLA Gold
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for UCLA Gold?
What colors go with UCLA Gold?
Is UCLA Gold accessible for text?
How do I use UCLA Gold in CSS?
You can use UCLA Gold in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.ucla-gold {
background-color: #FFB300;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.