Dark gunmetal

#1F262A

Dark Family →

What Color is Dark gunmetal

Dark gunmetal is a deep, desaturated blue-gray that sits on the edge of black. It conveys a sense of industrial strength and sophisticated reserve.

What color is opposite Dark gunmetal?

The opposite color to Dark gunmetal is Zeus (#29221e).

View Zeus

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Dark
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Associated Season: Winter
  • Complementary Color: #29221E
  • Brightness: 36/255
  • Saturation: 26%

Colors That Pair Well With Dark gunmetal

Complementary

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

#1F262A#29221e

High Contrast

Use Swiss Coffee for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#1F262A#e0d9d5

Harmonious Depth

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

#797d7f#101315

Dark gunmetal History

The term gunmetal originally referred to a specific bronze alloy used in the 1800s to cast cannons and heavy weaponry. Historically, this alloy was valued for its resilience and resistance to corrosion, particularly in naval contexts. In the late 19th century, specifically around the 1880s, the name transitioned from a material to a recognized color designation in fashion and textile dyeing.

Chemically, the color mimics the patina found on oxidized metal surfaces. During the Industrial Revolution, this shade became a staple in machinery design, representing the raw power of steam-age technology and the durability of iron and steel production.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, Dark gunmetal evokes feelings of authority and unyielding power. Unlike the absolute void of black, its slight blue undertone suggests a level of logic and calculation. It is the color of discipline, often associated with military precision and professional distance.

This shade also carries an emotional weight of stoicism. In a space or branding context, it can feel impenetrable, providing a sense of safety and heavy permanence that lighter grays lack. It commands respect without the aggressive intensity of warmer dark tones.

In Nature

In the natural world, this shade is found in the metallic sheen of hematite crystals and certain types of volcanic basalt. It appears in the wet skin of a minke whale or the deep plumage of a raven when caught in indirect light. While not synthetic, its association with refined metals often makes it feel more aligned with the crust of the earth than organic life.

How To Use Dark gunmetal

From a design perspective, Dark gunmetal serves as a high-end alternative to black for typography and backgrounds. It provides excellent readability while reducing the harsh eye strain often caused by pure black on white screens. It pairs exceptionally well with metallic foils like silver or copper for luxury branding.

In UI design, use it to create depth and hierarchy in dark mode interfaces. Because it is a cool neutral, it balances vibrant accent colors like electric blue or neon orange without competing for attention. It is a cornerstone of minimalism, offering a grounded base for modern, tech-oriented layouts.

Related Words

cannonsresilienceoxidizedmachineryauthoritylogicstoicismimpenetrablehematitebasaltminke whaleravencrusttypographyreadabilitydepthminimalism

Curated Palettes

#1F262A
#3A4750
#D1D9E0
#00ADB5
#EEEEEE

Industrial Tech

A sharp, modern palette for high-end technology interfaces.

#1F262A
#2C3333
#E7E2CC
#C69749
#735F32

Midnight Luxury

A heavy, premium feel using metallic gold accents and deep neutrals.

#1F262A
#2E4C6D
#396EB0
#DADDFC
#D6E5FA

Arctic Deep

Cool, wintry tones that highlight the blue undertones of gunmetal.

Color Conversions

Hex
#1F262A
RGB
31, 38, 42
RGB %
12%, 15%, 16%
HSL
202°, 15%, 14%
HSV
202°, 26%, 16%
CMYK
26%, 10%, 0%, 84%
LAB
14.65, -1.97, -3.68
XYZ
1.68, 1.84, 2.46

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #1F262A;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(31, 38, 42);
Background Color
background-color: #1F262A;
Border
border: 3px solid #1F262A;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #1F262A66;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1F262A 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Dark gunmetal

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Dark gunmetal

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

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 Dark gunmetal?

Explore color palettes containing Dark gunmetal 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

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

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

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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Black

#009#292A2C

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dark sepia

#175#474948

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Prismacolor

90 % Cool Grey

#PC1067#2D4A5A

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Dark gunmetal?
The hex code for Dark gunmetal is #1F262A. The RGB values are (31, 38, 42). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Dark gunmetal?
Dark gunmetal pairs well with its complementary color, Zeus (#29221e). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Dark gunmetal accessible for text?
No, Dark gunmetal 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 Dark gunmetal in CSS?

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

.dark-gunmetal {
  background-color: #1F262A;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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