What Color is Wenge
Wenge is a deep, desaturated brown with distinct red undertones. It represents the dense heartwood of tropical timber and functions as a sophisticated neutral in high-end environments.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #536365
- Brightness: 89/255
- Saturation: 18%
Colors That Pair Well With Wenge
Complementary
Pair with Nevada for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Edward 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)
Wenge History
The name originates from the Millettia laurentii tree native to the Congo Basin in Central Africa. Historically, the wood was harvested for its extreme durability and weight, used by local communities for ceremonial masks and structural supports. It entered the global design lexicon during the colonial era but gained prominence in the mid-20th century as a luxury substitute for endangered ebony.
During the Modernist movement of the 1960s, Wenge became a signature material for minimalist furniture designers who sought to highlight natural grain without the brightness of oak or cherry. In pigment history, this shade is often replicated by mixing burnt umber with a touch of alizarin crimson. It remains a hallmark of refined international style and artisanal craftsmanship.
Meaning & Psychology
Wenge carries a psychological weight that provides an immediate sense of stability and permanence. It is associated with authority and maturity, making it a preferred choice for corporate environments where a serious tone is required. Unlike pure black, its underlying red tint offers a subtle warmth that prevents a space from feeling sterile or clinical.
In various cultures, such dark earth tones represent a connection to the ancestral soil and the passage of time. It evokes exclusivity and high value due to its historical association with rare timber. The color encourages a grounded mental state, helping to reduce anxiety by providing a visual anchor in complex visual fields.
In Nature
This color is found most prominently in the timber of old-growth tropical forests and the rich sediment found in river deltas. It appears in the protective bark of mature trees and the deep foliage shadows of a dense canopy. The shade is also visible in the mineral hematite and certain volcanic basalt formations where iron oxide provides a muted, reddish-gray tint.
How To Use Wenge
Wenge serves as a powerful anchor in interior design, providing the necessary contrast to make lighter colors pop. It is most effective when used for flooring, cabinetry, or statement furniture pieces paired with metallic accents like brass or copper. In graphic design, it acts as a soft, readable background that is less harsh than black, improving visual comfort in long-form layouts.
From an accessibility standpoint, designers must ensure high luminance contrast when placing text over Wenge to meet WCAG standards. It is best used in well-lit areas, as its high absorption of light can create a claustrophobic atmosphere in small, windowless rooms. It functions as a timeless foundation for both contemporary and traditional color schemes.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Equatorial Earth
A grounded, organic palette inspired by Central African landscapes.
Executive Minimalist
A high-contrast, professional selection for modern corporate branding.
Twilight Vineyard
A rich, sophisticated palette highlighting the red-violet undertones of Wenge.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #645452;
color: rgb(100, 84, 82);
background-color: #645452;
border: 3px solid #645452;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #64545266;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #645452 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Wenge
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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 Wenge?
Explore color palettes containing Wenge and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Split-complementary
Triadic
Tetradic
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 Red colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Wenge
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Wenge?
What colors go with Wenge?
Is Wenge accessible for text?
How do I use Wenge in CSS?
You can use Wenge in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.wenge {
background-color: #645452;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.