What Color is Charleston green
Charleston green is an incredibly deep, muted shade that appears nearly black until hit by direct sunlight. This sophisticated off-black carries a hidden depth of forest green and teal, making it a staple of traditional American architecture.
What color is opposite Charleston green?
The opposite color to Charleston green is Cocoa Brown (#2a2222).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Dark
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Winter
- Complementary Color: #2A2222
- Brightness: 41/255
- Saturation: 19%
Colors That Pair Well With Charleston green
Complementary
Pair with Cocoa Brown for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Swiss Coffee 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)
Charleston green History
Originating in South Carolina following the American Civil War, this color was born from necessity and resilience. Legend suggests that when the Union sent surplus black paint to help rebuild the city in 1865, residents found the color too somber for their spirits. They began mixing in small amounts of yellow and blue pigments to create a dark, shimmering green that felt more regal and alive.
Technically, the pigment is a mix of carbon black and chrome green or yellow ochre. This heritage color became so iconic that it is now strictly regulated by the Board of Architectural Review in Charleston to maintain the city's unique aesthetic. It represents a pivot from the mourning of the 19th century toward a quiet, enduring elegance.
Meaning & Psychology
This color evokes a sense of stability and historical weight. Because it is an 'off-black,' it feels less aggressive and more approachable than pure jet black, offering a psychological sense of security and shelter. It suggests a personality that values depth over surface-level appearances.
In a space, it commands authority without being loud. It creates an atmosphere of mystery and introspection, often used in libraries or studies to promote deep focus. It carries an emotional weight of dignity, making it ideal for brands or homes that want to project a timeless, established identity.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is found in the deepest shadows of an ancient cypress swamp or the dark, glassy surface of obsidian. It mimics the coloring of a raven wing in the shade or the needles of a hemlock tree just before dusk. It is a color of depth and organic density rather than bright floral displays.
How To Use Charleston green
As a designer, use Charleston green as a grounding element for exterior trim, shutters, and front doors. It provides a crisp contrast against white or cream masonry while feeling more integrated into the landscape than flat black. It is the perfect choice for accents where you want to define a space with sharp, clean lines.
In digital design, use it for typography or backgrounds to reduce eye strain and improve readability. It pairs beautifully with brass or copper hardware, which brings out its hidden warmth. For accessibility, ensure it is paired with high-contrast creams or light grays to maintain clarity for all users.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
The Holy City
A classic palette inspired by historic Charleston architecture and coastal charm.
Midnight Forest
Deep, moody greens and earth tones for a grounded, organic feel.
Gilded Noir
A high-end, luxury palette using dark tones and metallic highlights.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #232B2B;
color: rgb(35, 43, 43);
background-color: #232B2B;
border: 3px solid #232B2B;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #232B2B66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #232B2B 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Charleston green
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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 Charleston green?
Explore color palettes containing Charleston green and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
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
Similar Colors
View all Dark colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Charleston green
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Charleston green?
What colors go with Charleston green?
Is Charleston green accessible for text?
How do I use Charleston green in CSS?
You can use Charleston green in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.charleston-green {
background-color: #232B2B;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.