Grisaille
Also known as: Thunderstorm , Dusky Grouse , Raging Sea , Blue Dusk
Part of the gray family, Grisaille pairs a soft base with a quiet and sophisticated presence. It belongs in neutral backgrounds and minimal interfaces. Match it with gray accents when the design calls for energy over calm. Against dark backgrounds it stays legible (7.13:1), but avoid it as text on white.
Reference
Grisaille color codes
- HEX
- #91979F
- RGB
- rgb(145, 151, 159)
- RGBA
- rgba(145, 151, 159, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(214, 7%, 60%)
- HSV
- hsv(214, 9%, 62%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(9%, 5%, 0%, 38%)
- LAB
- lab(62.2 -1.0 -5.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(67.4% 0.014 255.5)
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 cool
subtle blue 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: darkgray #A9A9A9 · ΔE 7.3
- RAL 7045: Telegrey 1 #91969A · ΔE 2.1 · 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 Grisaille works
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively for dividers, chart series, and illustration accents, and let neutrals carry the type.
- Interiors: Muted enough to paint all four walls; sample it in both daylight and evening light before committing.
- 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.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land: a front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
Copy as: every ecosystem
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Grisaille
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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 Grisaille 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 2.94:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large fail
Aa on black
contrast 7.13:1
AA pass AAA pass AA large pass
Best text color on a Grisaille background: #000000
Palettes
Palettes featuring Grisaille
Grisaille with its complement
Soft neighbors of Grisaille
Grisaille triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Dark Ages #9698A3 · ΔE 3.0
- Dusky Mood #979BA8 · ΔE 3.4
- Grey Area #8F9394 · ΔE 3.9
- Walrus #999B9B · ΔE 4.4
- Blank Stare #8B9CAC · ΔE 4.7
- Tin #919191 · ΔE 4.8
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Grisaille is closest to Lost Space .
FAQ
Grisaille FAQs
What color is Grisaille?
Grisaille is a medium gray with the hex code #91979F. In HSL terms it has a hue of 214°, 7% saturation, and 60% lightness.
What is the hex code for Grisaille?
The hex code for Grisaille is #91979F. In RGB it's rgb(145, 151, 159), and in CMYK it's cmyk(9%, 5%, 0%, 38%).
What colors go well with Grisaille?
Grisaille pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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