Desert Yellow

#A29259

Yellow Family →

What Color is Desert Yellow

Desert Yellow is a muted, earthy tone that sits between gold and olive. It captures the essence of sun-drenched landscapes and weathered stone. This hue provides a grounded alternative to more vibrant yellows, offering a sophisticated warmth.

What color is opposite Desert Yellow?

The opposite color to Desert Yellow is San Marino (#5968a1).

View San Marino

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Yellow
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #5968A1
  • Brightness: 144/255
  • Saturation: 45%

Colors That Pair Well With Desert Yellow

Complementary

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

#A29259#5968a1

High Contrast

Use San Marino for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#A29259#5d6da6

Harmonious Depth

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

#c7be9b#51492d

Desert Yellow History

The roots of Desert Yellow lie in Yellow Ochre, one of the oldest pigments used by humanity, dating back to the Paleolithic era. Early civilizations derived this shade from naturally occurring limonite deposits, using it to depict the sun and sacred figures in tomb paintings.

During the 19th century, this specific range of desaturated yellow became vital for military camouflage. It served as a precursor to standardized khaki, providing concealment for soldiers in arid environments. This transition moved the color from the realm of sacred artistry into a symbol of tactical utility and endurance.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, this color evokes a sense of resilience and timelessness. Unlike bright lemon yellows that trigger urgency, Desert Yellow fosters a feeling of stability and quiet confidence. It represents the endurance of the natural world under harsh conditions.

In various cultures, it signals wisdom and maturity rather than youth. The muted saturation prevents visual fatigue, making it a symbol of reliability in professional environments. It suggests an organic honesty that more synthetic, brighter tones cannot replicate.

In Nature

This shade appears frequently in the savanna and arid biomes. It is the primary color of lion coats, dried spinifex grass, and the shifting dunes of the Sahara. Geologically, it is found in sandstone formations and sedimentary layers enriched with iron oxides.

How To Use Desert Yellow

In graphic design, Desert Yellow functions as a versatile neutral that pairs exceptionally well with charcoal, navy, or deep forest green. It is an excellent choice for branding that aims to appear heritage-focused or eco-friendly. It provides a high-end, artisanal feel when used in packaging for organic goods.

For interior spaces, it adds warmth to minimalist rooms without overwhelming the senses. Designers must ensure high contrast by avoiding pairings with light grays or pale creams, as these can make the color appear muddy. It works best as a foundation color for upholstery or accent walls.

Related Words

yellow ochrepaleolithiclimonitemilitaryconcealmentartistryresiliencestabilitywisdomreliabilityorganicsavannalionspinifexdunessandstoneneutralbrandingartisanalwarmthcontrastfoundation

Curated Palettes

#A29259
#6B4423
#D4A373
#E9EDC9
#FEFAE0

Saharan Dusk

A warm, earthy combination reminiscent of late afternoon in the desert.

#A29259
#264653
#2A9D8F
#E76F51
#F4A261

Mid-Century Mesa

A retro-inspired palette that balances muted yellow with deep, cool tones.

#A29259
#333533
#202020
#D6D6D6
#4A4E69

Industrial Harvest

A professional and modern take on traditional autumn colors.

Color Conversions

Hex
#A29259
RGB
162, 146, 89
RGB %
64%, 57%, 35%
HSL
47°, 29%, 49%
HSV
47°, 45%, 64%
CMYK
0%, 10%, 45%, 36%
LAB
60.75, -2.19, 32.30
XYZ
26.98, 28.96, 13.62

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #A29259;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(162, 146, 89);
Background Color
background-color: #A29259;
Border
border: 3px solid #A29259;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #A2925966;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #A29259 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Desert Yellow

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
Desert Yellow

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 Desert Yellow?

Explore color palettes containing Desert Yellow 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

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Olive Brown 50%

#736#99895F

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Prismacolor

Metallic Gold

#PC950#AC8B3C

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Polychromos

brown ochre

#182#C4925D

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Desert Yellow?
The hex code for Desert Yellow is #A29259. The RGB values are (162, 146, 89). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Desert Yellow?
Desert Yellow pairs well with its complementary color, San Marino (#5968a1). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Desert Yellow accessible for text?
No, Desert Yellow 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 Desert Yellow in CSS?

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

.desert-yellow {
  background-color: #A29259;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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