Grisaille
Also known as: Thunderstorm, Dusky Grouse, Raging Sea, Blue Dusk
Grisaille brings a quiet and sophisticated feel to any palette. This soft gray is a natural fit for 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.
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)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning cool
subtle blue undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- 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 — dividers, chart series, 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 — 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
Tints, shades, and tones of Grisaille
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
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
Contrast & accessibility
Aa — on white
contrast 2.94:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 7.13:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Grisaille background: #000000
Palettes featuring Grisaille
Grisaille with its complement
Soft neighbors of Grisaille
Grisaille triad
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.
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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