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#8B8B83

Brightness
138.1
HSL (°,%,%)
60°, 3%, 53%
HSV V %
55%
Lab
57.6, -1.5, 4.3
PNG size
5.5 KB
Tone / Feel
mid, muted cool hue
Black text 6.12:1 AA (normal) · AAA (large) (large)
White text 3.43:1 Fail (normal) · AA (large) (large)

Recommended text: Black (6.12:1 — AA / AAA (large))

Color Profile: #8B8B83

Common Name: Pantone Solid Uncoated

RGB: (139, 139, 131)

HSL: H: 60°, S: 4%, L: 54%

Contrast vs White: 18.7 (AA pass)

Contrast vs Black: 8.9 (AA fail)

Mood & Popularity

This color has a warm, neutral tone with an earthy appeal, offering a calm and understated vibe. It’s often seen as refined, reliable, and balanced, fitting well into designs that want to evoke sophistication without being too bold. Though not a trendsetting color, its popularity persists in professional environments where understated elegance is key.

Close Matches

  • RAL 7023 Concrete Grey - #86867D (ΔE=2.05)
  • Pantone 416 U - #8B8B83 (ΔE=0.00) Exact match
  • Benjamin Moore - Cos Cob Stonewall - #8A8D84 (ΔE=1.41)
  • BS 381C Aircraft Grey - #88918D (ΔE=4.48)
  • Dulux Trade Waxed Khaki - #828880 (ΔE=2.90)

Why Designers Use It

Designers often turn to this muted greyish tone when a project requires a neutral color that doesn’t overpower its surroundings. It's favored for its versatility and adaptability, appearing frequently in commercial interiors, modern branding, and product design. While it’s not the most vibrant shade, it’s highly effective in creating a mature, professional atmosphere without drawing too much attention. The subtlety of #8B8B83 has a timeless appeal, and it’s especially popular in industries like technology, corporate design, and high-end consumer goods. Its understated nature makes it suitable for products and environments that demand a quiet elegance — think office spaces, tech branding, or luxury packaging.

As a color rooted in neutrality, it's also often linked to natural elements, with its earth-tone undertones resembling stone, mineral textures, or the fading light of dusk. It's not associated with specific regional trends but rather with global design preferences, making it a safe and versatile choice across many industries.

Palette neighbours