Brown Color: HEX Code, RGB and Meaning
Brown is a dark, earthy color, the color of soil, wood and coffee, that is made by mixing warm colors with a dark tone.
HEX is one common value Last updated:
#653700rgb(101, 55, 0)hsl(33, 100%, 20%)cmyk(0%, 46%, 100%, 60%)Color definitions vary by source. The HEX above is one common value for "brown" from the open color-name-list dataset, not an official standard. CMYK is a simple conversion; printed results depend on ink and paper.
What brown means
Brown stands for stability. It is the color of ground, tree trunks and leather, so it tends to feel dependable, down to earth and unfussy. It is rarely exciting, and that is exactly its appeal in contexts where trust matters.
Its associations can also lean toward comfort and rustic warmth. Too much of it can feel dull or heavy, which is why it is often used with lighter or brighter companions.
Tints and shades of brown
Lighter tints are made by mixing with white and darker shades by mixing with black. Click a swatch to copy its HEX.
Brown color palettes
Complementary
Two colors opposite each other on the color wheel: the strongest contrast.
Analogous
Three neighbors on the wheel: a smooth, low-contrast scheme.
Triadic
Three colors evenly spaced around the wheel: lively but balanced.
Colors that go with brown
- Cream (#FFFFC2): A soft, high-contrast light partner.
- Teal (#008080): A vivid, cool counterpoint to earthy warmth.
- Mustard (#CEB301): A warm retro combination.
- Sage (#87AE73): A natural, calming pairing.
Similar named colors
Where brown is used
- Fashion. From suede and leather to corduroy and knitwear, brown is a mainstay of autumn clothing. Dark brown is a softer replacement for black with many outfits.
- Interiors. Wood floors, furniture and leather give brown a major role in homes. A deep brown wall can feel cozy in a small study, but needs good lighting.
- Branding. Brown is used by food, coffee, chocolate, logistics and outdoor brands to signal reliability and naturalness.
Brown vs tan
Tan is a lighter, yellower relative of brown. Brown is deeper and darker, with more red or black in it; tan looks like sand or light leather.
In practice, brown is used for anchors such as furniture and boots, while tan is used for lighter accents such as trench coats and summer shoes. The brown in this dataset is quite dark, so the contrast with tan is strong.
Frequently asked questions
What colors make brown?
Mixing red, yellow and blue paint gives brown, as does mixing orange with blue or any color with its complement. Adding white or black lightens or darkens it.
Is brown a warm or cool color?
Brown is generally considered warm because it comes from red, orange and yellow, though some browns lean cooler.
What does brown symbolize?
Commonly: stability, earthiness, comfort and reliability. These are cultural associations, not fixed rules.
What goes with brown?
Cream and white lighten it, while blues, teals and greens give a fresh contrast.