Smoky
Also known as: Legacy , Gobelin Mauve , Mid Grey , Mobster
Smoky is a rich, muted gray that reads as neutral and understated. It earns its place in minimal interfaces and architecture. Set it against a gray accent when you want the combination to pop. Accessibility-wise, it clears AA for text on white at 6.41:1.
Reference
Smoky color codes
- HEX
- #605D6B
- RGB
- rgb(96, 93, 107)
- RGBA
- rgba(96, 93, 107, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(253, 7%, 39%)
- HSV
- hsv(253, 13%, 42%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(10%, 13%, 0%, 58%)
- LAB
- lab(40.1 3.5 -7.6)
- OKLCH
- oklch(48.6% 0.022 295.4)
Analysis
Color intelligence
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Gamut
The full range of colors a device or space can show. sRGB is the common screen gamut; Display P3 is wider. A color outside a gamut cannot be shown accurately there and must be mapped inward.Full glossary entry →Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
Undertone
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neutral, leaning cool
subtle purple undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →- CSS: dimgray #696969 · ΔE 8.9
- RAL 4012: Pearl blackberry #6B6880 · ΔE 6.0 · 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 Smoky 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: a 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 for dividers, chart series, and 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
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Smoky
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Harmonies
Color harmonies
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →Palettes built from Smoky by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast & accessibility
Aa on white
contrast 6.41:1
AA pass AAA fail AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 3.28:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large pass
Best text color on a Smoky background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Smoky
Smoky with its complement
Soft neighbors of Smoky
Smoky triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Venus Mist #5F606E · ΔE 2.2
- Excalibur #676168 · ΔE 3.9
- Blackwater #545663 · ΔE 4.0
- Fedora #625665 · ΔE 4.6
- Freefall #565266 · ΔE 4.7
- Cloak Grey #605E63 · ΔE 4.7
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Smoky is closest to Archaeology .
FAQ
Smoky FAQs
What color is Smoky?
Smoky is a dark gray with the hex code #605D6B. In HSL terms it has a hue of 253°, 7% saturation, and 39% lightness.
What is the hex code for Smoky?
The hex code for Smoky is #605D6B. In RGB it's rgb(96, 93, 107), and in CMYK it's cmyk(10%, 13%, 0%, 58%).
What colors go well with Smoky?
Smoky pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony, and with brown accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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