#B38484 Hex Color
Muted, earthy red with soft ashy character
#b38484 is a dusty, unsaturated red with a distinct ashy quality. Because it sits at a lower saturation level, the color feels mellow rather than aggressive. Use this hex code as a supporting tone in a palette, as it can appear muddy when applied as a full-page background. Black text reads most clearly on this shade, providing a 6.6:1 contrast ratio for readable, accessible body text.
Questions about #b38484
What is #b38484 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #b38484 is rgb(179, 132, 132), in HSL hsl(0, 24%, 61%) and in CMYK 0%, 26%, 26%, 30%.
How should I use #b38484 in a design layout?
Use #b38484 as a supporting accent or secondary color rather than a dominant background, as its low saturation can appear muddy in large areas. Pair it with crisp charcoal or deep neutral text to ensure high readability and visual balance across your interface.
What colors complement #b38484 for a balanced palette?
Because #b38484 is a muted, ashy red, it pairs exceptionally well with cool, desaturated teals or soft olive greens to create a sophisticated, earthy contrast. Avoid pairing it with high-saturation neons, which will overpower its subtle, mellow nature and make it feel flat.
Is #b38484 readable on white or black?
#b38484 has a 3.20:1 contrast ratio on white and 6.55:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works only for large text (24px, or 18.5px bold) and on black it works for body text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.