Pumpernickel
Also known as: Axe Handle, Aloeswood, Semi Sweet Chocolate, Van Dyke Brown
Expect earthy and grounded associations from Pumpernickel — a rich brown well suited to autumn design and coffee and food branding. Reach for a blue companion shade to give Pumpernickel maximum contrast. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (8.23:1, passes WCAG AA).
Pumpernickel color codes
- HEX
- #6C462D
- RGB
- rgb(108, 70, 45)
- RGBA
- rgba(108, 70, 45, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(24, 41%, 30%)
- HSV
- hsv(24, 58%, 42%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 35%, 58%, 58%)
- LAB
- lab(33.7 14.7 22.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(43.1% 0.065 53.5)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
warm
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: saddlebrown#8B4513 · ΔE 9.4
- RAL 8007 — Fawn brown#6F4A2F · ΔE 1.6 · 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 Pumpernickel 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 Pumpernickel
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Pumpernickel 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 8.23:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 2.55:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Pumpernickel background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel with its complement
Soft neighbors of Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel triad
Similar colors
- Buckeye#674834 · ΔE 2.7
- Coffee#6F4E37 · ΔE 2.9
- Bison#6E4F3A · ΔE 3.6
- Toffee#755139 · ΔE 3.7
- Brisket#6E4534 · ΔE 3.7
- Grilled#633F2E · ΔE 3.9
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Pumpernickel is closest to Juggernaut.
Pumpernickel FAQs
What color is Pumpernickel?
Pumpernickel is a dark brown with the hex code #6C462D. In HSL terms it has a hue of 24°, 41% saturation, and 30% lightness.
What is the hex code for Pumpernickel?
The hex code for Pumpernickel is #6C462D. In RGB it's rgb(108, 70, 45), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 35%, 58%, 58%).
What colors go well with Pumpernickel?
Pumpernickel pairs naturally with blue tones from its complementary harmony, and with cyan accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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