#BD9C9E Hex Color
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This dusty, unsaturated red carries a muted, earthy quality that lacks the aggression of pure primary tones. The hex code for this shade is #bd9c9e. It functions best as a supporting neutral rather than a focal point. Pair it with dark charcoal to ground its pinkish undertones. Because of its lighter value, black text offers excellent legibility at an 8.4:1 contrast ratio.
Questions about #bd9c9e
What is #bd9c9e in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #bd9c9e is rgb(189, 156, 158), in HSL hsl(356, 20%, 68%) and in CMYK 0%, 17%, 16%, 26%.
How can #bd9c9e be used effectively in design?
Use #bd9c9e as a background neutral to avoid the intensity of pure red. It grounds designs when paired with charcoal or soft off-whites, creating a sophisticated, muted aesthetic that feels organic rather than jarring or overly saturated.
Does #bd9c9e have warm or cool undertones?
While #bd9c9e originates from the red spectrum, its unsaturated nature makes it feel inherently neutral with a slight pinkish warmth. This balance allows it to sit comfortably alongside cool greys or warmer browns without clashing.
Is #bd9c9e readable on white or black?
#bd9c9e has a 2.49:1 contrast ratio on white and 8.41:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it is too faint for text and on black it works for body text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.