What Color is X11 Gray
X11 Gray is a perfectly neutral mid-tone gray that balances light and dark values. It serves as a fundamental benchmark in digital interface design. This shade provides a stable background that allows more vibrant colors to stand out.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Gray
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #BFBFBF
- Brightness: 190/255
- Saturation: 0%
Colors That Pair Well With X11 Gray
Complementary
Pair with Silver for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Cape Cod 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)
X11 Gray History
The origin of X11 Gray traces back to the development of the X Window System in the mid-1980s at MIT. It was defined as a standard shade for graphical user interfaces to ensure consistency across different hardware vendors. Unlike traditional artist pigments such as bone black or lead white, this color was mathematically derived to provide a reliable mid-tone for early digital displays.
In the broader history of art, this specific value of gray aligns with the Grisaille technique used by Renaissance masters. Painters used varying shades of gray to create underpaintings that established volume and light before applying transparent glazes. X11 Gray represents the digital evolution of these classical monochrome studies, bridging the gap between physical canvas and electronic phosphorus.
Meaning & Psychology
This shade of gray evokes feelings of detachment and impartiality. It does not demand attention, acting instead as a psychological anchor that suggests reliability and professionalism. In color theory, it is considered a non-emotional hue that promotes a sense of calm and logic over passion or impulse.
Culturally, this mid-tone represents balance and compromise. It sits at the intersection of black and white, avoiding the extremes of either. In high-pressure environments, the presence of this color can reduce visual fatigue and foster a composed mindset, allowing for clearer decision-making and focus.
In Nature
While often associated with industrial settings, this shade appears in the natural world through limestone formations and the weathered surfaces of granite. It is the color of a clouded sky just before a storm, where light is diffused evenly across the horizon. The plumage of certain birds, such as the pigeon, frequently displays this exact value to provide camouflage against stony cliffs and urban environments.
How To Use X11 Gray
From a design perspective, X11 Gray is a versatile foundation for both web and print layouts. It functions exceptionally well as a border or divider, providing structure without creating harsh visual breaks. Because it is a true neutral, it maintains high readability when used behind dark text, though designers must ensure sufficient contrast ratios to meet WCAG accessibility standards.
This color is ideal for minimalist branding where the goal is to appear sophisticated and timeless. It pairs effectively with high-saturation accents like neon green or electric blue to create a modern, high-tech aesthetic. Using this shade for non-interactive elements helps users distinguish between background components and actionable buttons or links.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Silicon Valley
A sleek, industrial palette inspired by early computing and modern hardware aesthetics.
Overcast Shore
A natural, atmospheric selection reflecting misty mornings and stony coastlines.
Brutalist Structure
A raw and architectural palette that highlights the strength of concrete and urban materials.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #BEBEBE;
color: rgb(190, 190, 190);
background-color: #BEBEBE;
border: 3px solid #BEBEBE;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #BEBEBE66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #BEBEBE 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in X11 Gray
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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 X11 Gray?
Explore color palettes containing X11 Gray 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
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Gray colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to X11 Gray
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for X11 Gray?
What colors go with X11 Gray?
Is X11 Gray accessible for text?
How do I use X11 Gray in CSS?
You can use X11 Gray in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.x11-gray {
background-color: #BEBEBE;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.