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
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
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)
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
- Olive Leaf#4E4B35 · ΔE 5.6
- Graphite#383428 · ΔE 7.0
- Creole#393227 · ΔE 7.6
- Olive Bark#5F5537 · ΔE 7.8
- Pineapple#563C0D · ΔE 8.6
- Batch Brew#45392F · ΔE 8.6
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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