Madras

Also known as: Lisbon Brown, Onion, Scorched Metal, Woodrush

A gentle brown with a cozy and dependable character, Madras works beautifully for rustic interiors and leather goods. Its complement lands in blue territory, which makes for striking two-color pairings. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (10.60:1, passes WCAG AA).

Madras color codes

HEX
#473E23
RGB
rgb(71, 62, 35)
RGBA
rgba(71, 62, 35, 1)
HSL
hsl(45, 34%, 21%)
HSV
hsv(45, 51%, 28%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 13%, 51%, 72%)
LAB
lab(26.6 0.8 18.0)
OKLCH
oklch(36.6% 0.044 91.6)

Color intelligence

sRGB safe

Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.

Temperature

CoolWarm

neutral, leaning warm

subtle yellow undertone in this near-neutral

Nearest standard colors

  • CSS: darkolivegreen#556B2F · ΔE 18.7
  • RAL 6014 — Yellow olive#444337 · ΔE 7.3 · 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 Madras 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 — 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 — dividers, chart series, 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

Tints, shades, and tones of Madras

Tints (lighter)

Shades (darker)

Tones (muted)

Color harmonies

Palettes built from Madras 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 10.60:1

AA passAAA passAA large pass

Aa — on black

contrast 1.98:1

AA failAAA failAA large fail

Best text color on a Madras background: #ffffff

Palettes featuring Madras

Madras with its complement

Soft neighbors of Madras

Madras triad

Similar colors

Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Madras is closest to Genie.

Madras FAQs

What color is Madras?

Madras is a dark brown with the hex code #473E23. In HSL terms it has a hue of 45°, 34% saturation, and 21% lightness.

What is the hex code for Madras?

The hex code for Madras is #473E23. In RGB it's rgb(71, 62, 35), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 13%, 51%, 72%).

What colors go well with Madras?

Madras pairs naturally with blue tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.

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