What Color is Van Dyke Brown
Van Dyke Brown is a deep, translucent earth tone characterized by its warm orange undertones. It occupies a space between burnt umber and lamp black, offering a sophisticated depth that mimics natural shadows. The color provides an organic foundation for traditional and contemporary palettes.
What color is opposite Van Dyke Brown?
The opposite color to Van Dyke Brown is San Juan (#284d67).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #284D67
- Brightness: 74/255
- Saturation: 61%
Colors That Pair Well With Van Dyke Brown
Complementary
Pair with San Juan for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Rock Blue 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)
Van Dyke Brown History
Named after the 17th-century Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck, this pigment traditionally consisted of highly organic peat or lignite soil. Artists prized the color for its deep, transparent quality, which allowed for rich glazing in Baroque masterpieces. During the 1600s and 1700s, it became a staple in European portraiture for rendering deep shadows and textured hair.
By the 19th century, the pigment faced scrutiny for its tendency to fade or turn bituminous over time. Modern versions are typically formulated using synthetic iron oxides or manganese to ensure permanence while maintaining the original hue's warmth. It remains a cornerstone of the Old Masters aesthetic in fine art.
Meaning & Psychology
This shade evokes a sense of stability and historical weight, grounding a viewer in tradition. It carries a somber dignity that avoids the stark coldness of pure black, making it feel more approachable and human. The warmth within the brown suggests a reliable presence that anchors lighter, more erratic colors.
In a cultural context, it represents longevity and the passage of time. Because it is often associated with old manuscripts and antique wood, it triggers feelings of nostalgia and intellectual heritage. It is a color of quiet strength rather than loud, aggressive assertion.
In Nature
This color appears frequently in the peat bogs of Northern Europe and the lignite deposits found in the earth's crust. It is visible in the bark of mature oak trees and the rich, damp humus layer of a forest floor. Many species of birds, such as the thrush, utilize this shade in their plumage for effective forest floor camouflage.
How To Use Van Dyke Brown
Van Dyke Brown serves as an excellent anchor for branding projects that require a vintage or artisanal feel. It functions well as a softer alternative to black for typography, ensuring readability without harsh visual fatigue. When used in interior design, it adds warmth to large spaces through cabinetry or accent walls.
For digital accessibility, this hex code provides high contrast against cream or pale beige backgrounds. It is best paired with muted greens or burnt oranges to create a cohesive autumnal theme. Avoid using it in large, flat blocks without texture, as the density can become oppressive in minimalist interfaces.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Flemish Master
A classic palette inspired by 17th-century oil paintings and dramatic chiaroscuro.
Old Library
A sophisticated combination of textures including leather, ink, and aged paper.
Forest Floor
An organic and grounded selection of colors found in deep woodland environments.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #664228;
color: rgb(102, 66, 40);
background-color: #664228;
border: 3px solid #664228;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #66422866;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #664228 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Van Dyke Brown
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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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 Van Dyke Brown?
Explore color palettes containing Van Dyke Brown and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
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
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Van Dyke Brown
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Van Dyke Brown?
What colors go with Van Dyke Brown?
Is Van Dyke Brown accessible for text?
How do I use Van Dyke Brown in CSS?
You can use Van Dyke Brown in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.van-dyke-brown {
background-color: #664228;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.