Sterling
Also known as: Tornado, Evaporation, Reflection, Cool Vapour
With its neutral undertone, Sterling (#D1D4D1) comes across as balanced and versatile. Designers reach for it in neutral backgrounds and minimal interfaces. Because it leans neutral, balancing it with a gray keeps a palette from feeling one-note. Accessibility-wise, it needs a dark backdrop — 14.05:1 on black clears AA.
Sterling color codes
- HEX
- #D1D4D1
- RGB
- rgb(209, 212, 209)
- RGBA
- rgba(209, 212, 209, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(120, 3%, 83%)
- HSV
- hsv(120, 1%, 83%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(1%, 0%, 1%, 17%)
- LAB
- lab(84.6 -1.5 1.1)
- OKLCH
- oklch(86.7% 0.005 145.5)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning warm
subtle green undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: lightgray#D3D3D3 · ΔE 2.5
- RAL 7035 — Light grey#CBD0CC · 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 Sterling works
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Interiors: Muted enough to paint all four walls; sample it in both daylight and evening light before committing.
- 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.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land — front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Sterling
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Sterling 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 1.49:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 14.05:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Sterling background: #000000
Palettes featuring Sterling
Sterling with its complement
Soft neighbors of Sterling
Sterling triad
Similar colors
- Fog#D6D7D2 · ΔE 1.5
- Concrete#D2D1CD · ΔE 2.0
- Kefir#D5D5CE · ΔE 2.2
- Light Grey#D8DCD6 · ΔE 2.4
- Pinball#D3D3D3 · ΔE 2.5
- Silverback#CBCBCB · ΔE 3.1
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Sterling is closest to Salt-N-Pepa.
Sterling FAQs
What color is Sterling?
Sterling is a light gray with the hex code #D1D4D1. In HSL terms it has a hue of 120°, 3% saturation, and 83% lightness.
What is the hex code for Sterling?
The hex code for Sterling is #D1D4D1. In RGB it's rgb(209, 212, 209), and in CMYK it's cmyk(1%, 0%, 1%, 17%).
What colors go well with Sterling?
Sterling pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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