Metal
Also known as: Quiet Time, Silver Tipped Sage, Rock Solid, Bay Waves
With its neutral undertone, Metal (#BABFBC) comes across as balanced and versatile. Designers reach for it in architecture and editorial layouts. Metal plays well with gray tones — the harmonies below show exactly which ones. Accessibility-wise, it needs a dark backdrop — 11.27:1 on black clears AA.
Metal color codes
- HEX
- #BABFBC
- RGB
- rgb(186, 191, 188)
- RGBA
- rgba(186, 191, 188, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(144, 4%, 74%)
- HSV
- hsv(144, 3%, 75%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(3%, 0%, 2%, 25%)
- LAB
- lab(76.9 -2.2 0.9)
- OKLCH
- oklch(80.0% 0.007 160.0)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning cool
subtle green undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: silver#C0C0C0 · ΔE 3.3
- RAL 7038 — Agate grey#B4B8B0 · ΔE 3.1 · 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 Metal works
- Web & UI: A supporting-cast color for UI: chart fills, tags, empty-state illustrations — not text.
- Interiors: Soft and low-saturation — a candidate for full walls, where vivid colors overwhelm.
- Fashion: A wardrobe neutral: it anchors outfits and pairs with nearly any accent color.
- Branding: Craft and heritage material — coffee, leather goods, and premium packaging live here.
- Interiors: Strong for a whole room, excellent in doses: an accent wall, cabinetry, or a statement chair.
- Fashion: Wears best as the statement piece — a top, scarf, or shoes — against neutral basics.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Metal
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Metal 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 1.86:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 11.27:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Metal background: #000000
Palettes featuring Metal
Metal with its complement
Soft neighbors of Metal
Metal triad
Similar colors
- Waxwing#C0C2C0 · ΔE 1.9
- Greystone#B7B9B5 · ΔE 2.0
- Foil#C0C3C4 · ΔE 2.9
- Magnetic#B2B5AF · ΔE 3.1
- Brume#C6C6C2 · ΔE 3.2
- Silver#C0C0C0 · ΔE 3.3
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Metal is closest to Ghost.
Metal FAQs
What color is Metal?
Metal is a light gray with the hex code #BABFBC. In HSL terms it has a hue of 144°, 4% saturation, and 74% lightness.
What is the hex code for Metal?
The hex code for Metal is #BABFBC. In RGB it's rgb(186, 191, 188), and in CMYK it's cmyk(3%, 0%, 2%, 25%).
What colors go well with Metal?
Metal pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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