#856D4C Hex Color
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This dusty, muted brown leans into a warm and ashy orange undertone. Because #856d4c is so unsaturated, it functions best as a grounding neutral rather than a primary shade. It pairs well with crisp cream or soft terracotta, though it can appear muddy if used in large, solid blocks. The hex code #856d4c maintains readable contrast for white text, making it a reliable choice for textured UI backgrounds.
Questions about #856d4c
What is #856d4c in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #856d4c is rgb(133, 109, 76), in HSL hsl(35, 27%, 41%) and in CMYK 0%, 18%, 43%, 48%.
What colors pair well with #856d4c?
#856d4c works best when balanced against crisp textures and lighter tones to prevent a muddy appearance. It pairs beautifully with soft terracotta for a natural look or a bright cream to maintain high readability and clean contrast.
Is #856d4c suitable for UI backgrounds?
Yes, #856d4c is a reliable choice for textured UI backgrounds because it provides a stable, muted foundation that maintains sufficient contrast for white text. Use it sparingly in large blocks to ensure the design remains intentional rather than appearing dull.
Is #856d4c readable on white or black?
#856d4c has a 4.89:1 contrast ratio on white and 4.28:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works for body text and on black it works only for large text (24px, or 18.5px bold). Try other pairs in the contrast checker.