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#B8BCB5

Brightness
186.0
HSL (°,%,%)
94°, 5%, 72%
HSV V %
74%
Lab
75.8, -2.7, 3.0
PNG size
5.9 KB
Tone / Feel
light, muted cool hue
Black text 10.90:1 AAA (normal) · AAA (large)
White text 1.93:1 Fail (normal) · Fail (large)

Recommended text: Black (10.90:1 — AAA / AAA)

Color Profile: #B8BCB5

Common Name: Muted Sage Gray

RGB: 184, 188, 181

HSL: ~120°, ~7%, ~73%

Contrast Ratio:
Versus White: ~3.8:1 (Fail AA)
Versus Black: ~11.5:1 (Pass AA & AAA)

Mood: This color projects a calm, understated elegance with a natural, earthy vibe. It's subtle but confident, often associated with modern minimalism and serene spaces in art and design, evoking stability and quiet sophistication.

Notable Close Matches:

  • Farrow and Ball - Light Blue #B8BCB5 (Exact Match, ΔE=0.00)
  • Jotun - Sensual Touch #B8BCB7 (ΔE=1.08)
  • Dutch Boy - Lariat #B8BDB4 (ΔE=1.16)
  • Pantone FHI - Blue Fox #B9BCB6 (ΔE=0.67)
  • Kelly Moore - Hi Ho Silver #BABCB6 (ΔE=0.94)

Why Designers Use It:

  • This muted, cool-toned gray-green is prized for its versatility across multiple design fields, especially in visual arts and interior design where subtlety is key.
  • It resonates well in minimalist and Scandinavian aesthetics, offering a soft neutral that pairs beautifully with both warm woods and stark whites.
  • Its naturalistic feel links to organic elements like moss, lichen, or soft stone—ideal for projects aiming to invoke calm, natural environments.
  • It’s popular in branding and product design for technology and lifestyle goods that want to appear both modern and approachable, avoiding harsh or overly clinical tones.
  • Because of its balanced contrast (excellent on dark backgrounds), it suits digital interfaces, offering readability without high visual fatigue.
  • While not a flashy or trendy color in fast fashion, it holds a timeless presence, particularly favored in eco-conscious or heritage-inspired collections.

Palette neighbours