What Color is White smoke
White smoke is a soft, ultra-light grey that offers a sophisticated alternative to stark whites. It provides a sense of purity and professionalism while maintaining a subtle, muted warmth.
What color is opposite White smoke?
The opposite color to White smoke is Wild Sand (#f5f5f5).
Additional Information
- Color Family: White
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Summer
- Complementary Color: #F5F5F5
- Brightness: 245/255
- Saturation: 0%
Colors That Pair Well With White smoke
Complementary
Pair with Wild Sand for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Cod Gray 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)
White smoke History
The color gained prominence through its inclusion in the X11 Color System during the 1980s, which standardized web colors for early digital displays. Historically, the term described the pale, wispy exhaust produced by wood fires or the massive steam engines of the Industrial Revolution.
Before digital screens, artists achieved similar tones by mixing lead white with trace amounts of carbon. Master painters like J.M.W. Turner utilized these atmospheric shades to capture the ephemeral movement of fog and mist. This specific standardization ensured that the color remained a staple of modern user interface design.
Meaning & Psychology
This shade conveys a deep sense of tranquility and neutrality. It lacks the aggressive brightness of pure white, making it feel more approachable and grounded. It is often perceived as a unifying force in complex palettes, acting as a soft buffer between high-contrast elements.
In professional environments, White smoke represents sophistication and high-end minimalism. However, it provides enough visual depth to avoid the feeling of sterility often associated with hospital whites. Culturally, it aligns with modern design principles that prioritize mental well-being and visual rest.
In Nature
White smoke manifests in limestone outcrops and the plumage of certain arctic birds during seasonal transitions. It is also the specific shade of geothermal steam rising from volcanic hot springs and the delicate morning mist that clings to low-lying valleys. This color appears in the translucent layers of milky quartz and the underbelly of shelf fungi.
How To Use White smoke
In digital design, using White smoke for backgrounds improves legibility by reducing eye strain compared to pure white backgrounds. It helps establish a clear visual hierarchy by allowing cards and buttons to stand out without the need for heavy shadows.
In physical spaces, this color is a staple of minimalism. It functions as a versatile backdrop that reflects natural light while hiding minor wall imperfections. It pairs exceptionally well with natural wood and charcoal accents to create a contemporary and high-end aesthetic.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Urban Fog
A cool, professional palette mimicking a misty cityscape.
Nordic Hearth
Warm neutrals that pair the softness of smoke with natural wood and clay.
Precision Tech
A high-contrast, modern palette for clean digital interfaces.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #F5F5F5;
color: rgb(245, 245, 245);
background-color: #F5F5F5;
border: 3px solid #F5F5F5;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #F5F5F566;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #F5F5F5 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in White smoke
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 White smoke?
Explore color palettes containing White smoke 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 White colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to White smoke
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for White smoke?
What colors go with White smoke?
Is White smoke accessible for text?
How do I use White smoke in CSS?
You can use White smoke in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.white-smoke {
background-color: #F5F5F5;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.