Ebony Color: HEX Code, RGB and Meaning
Ebony is a very dark, near-black color, softer than pure black and in this dataset a charcoal with a slight blue cast.
HEX is one common value Last updated:
#313337rgb(49, 51, 55)hsl(220, 6%, 20%)cmyk(11%, 7%, 0%, 78%)Color definitions vary by source. The HEX above is one common value for "ebony" from the open color-name-list dataset, not an official standard. CMYK is a simple conversion; printed results depend on ink and paper.
What ebony means
Ebony is the color of depth and seriousness. It carries the authority people associate with black, but a little of the harshness is gone, so it feels more like polished wood or stone than a void. The name is also used for a very dark, dense wood, which is why the color often evokes craftsmanship.
Where black can feel absolute, ebony feels considered. It tends to suggest elegance, formality and a measure of mystery without going fully stark.
Tints and shades of ebony
Lighter tints are made by mixing with white and darker shades by mixing with black. Click a swatch to copy its HEX.
Ebony color palettes
Ebony is close to neutral, so it has little hue of its own. The partner colors below borrow a 220° hue at muted saturation; treat them as starting points.
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 ebony
- Pearl (#EAE0C8): A warm light neutral that softens the contrast.
- Gold (#FFD700): The classic luxe pairing.
- Coral (#FF7F50): A vivid accent that pops against the dark.
- Silver (#C0C0C0): Cool, clean and modern.
Similar named colors
Where ebony is used
- Fashion. Ebony reads as a rich black on evening wear, leather goods and tailoring, and it tends to look kinder than pure black in daylight. It is also popular for denim and outerwear that should look dark but not flat.
- Interiors. It suits feature walls, cabinetry, window frames and furniture where pure black would feel heavy. Matte ebony finishes look especially good against warm wood or brass.
- Branding. Premium and editorial brands use ebony for typography and backgrounds. A near-black like this gives strong contrast on white while looking a little less stark than pure black.
Ebony vs black
Pure black is the absence of light on a screen, with no tint at all. Ebony is lifted slightly and, here, leans a touch blue-gray, so it shows more depth and detail on shadows and shapes.
In print and fabric the difference is subtler, since real materials rarely reach a perfect black. If you want the softest dark that still reads as black, ebony is the one.
Frequently asked questions
Is ebony the same as black?
No. Ebony is a very dark color that is slightly lighter and softer than pure black. The version here is a dark charcoal with a hint of blue.
What does ebony look like?
Think of very dark charcoal or the heartwood of ebony timber. In bright light it can show a gray or brown undertone that black does not.
Is ebony a good color for text?
Yes. It gives strong contrast on light backgrounds while being a little gentler than pure black.
What colors go with ebony?
Warm neutrals, metallic gold and brass, and bright accents all work. Avoid pairing it with other very dark colors unless you want a moody, low-contrast look.