Chinotto
Also known as: Molasses , Wizard’s Spell , Rich Bordeaux , Piano Brown
With its neutral undertone, Chinotto (#554747) comes across as balanced and versatile. Designers reach for it in minimal interfaces and architecture. Reach for a cyan companion shade to give Chinotto maximum contrast. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (8.83:1, passes WCAG AA).
Reference
Chinotto color codes
- HEX
- #554747
- RGB
- rgb(85, 71, 71)
- RGBA
- rgba(85, 71, 71, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(0, 9%, 31%)
- HSV
- hsv(0, 16%, 33%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 16%, 16%, 67%)
- LAB
- lab(31.6 6.1 2.3)
- OKLCH
- oklch(41.2% 0.019 18.0)
Analysis
Color intelligence
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Gamut
The full range of colors a device or space can show. sRGB is the common screen gamut; Display P3 is wider. A color outside a gamut cannot be shown accurately there and must be mapped inward.Full glossary entry →Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
Undertone
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neutral, leaning warm
subtle red undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →- CSS: dimgray #696969 · ΔE 13.4
- RAL 8019: Grey brown #3F3A3A · ΔE 6.8 · approximate
RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck. Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.
Where Chinotto works
- Web & UI: Use it directly for text on light surfaces; it clears AA contrast without adjustment.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land: a front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: Works as a base layer or outerwear tone that lets brighter pieces do the talking.
- Branding: As a brand anchor it reads established and tactile; pair with a single vivid accent for energy.
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively for dividers, chart series, and illustration accents, and let neutrals carry the type.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
Copy as: every ecosystem
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Chinotto
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Harmonies
Color harmonies
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →Palettes built from Chinotto by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast & accessibility
Aa on white
contrast 8.83:1
AA pass AAA pass AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 2.38:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large fail
Best text color on a Chinotto background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Chinotto
Chinotto with its complement
Soft neighbors of Chinotto
Chinotto triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Molasses #574A47 · ΔE 2.1
- Mustang #5E4A47 · ΔE 3.2
- Matterhorn #524B4B · ΔE 3.7
- Lynx #604D47 · ΔE 4.3
- Pinot Noir #605258 · ΔE 5.1
- Cowboy #443736 · ΔE 5.4
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Chinotto is closest to All Nighter .
FAQ
Chinotto FAQs
What color is Chinotto?
Chinotto is a dark gray with the hex code #554747. In HSL terms it has a hue of 0°, 9% saturation, and 31% lightness.
What is the hex code for Chinotto?
The hex code for Chinotto is #554747. In RGB it's rgb(85, 71, 71), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 16%, 16%, 67%).
What colors go well with Chinotto?
Chinotto pairs naturally with cyan tones from its complementary harmony, and with gray accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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