Sterling
Also known as: Tornado , Evaporation , Reflection , Cool Vapour
Sterling brings a balanced and versatile feel to a palette. This pale gray suits 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.
Reference
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)
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 warm
subtle green 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: 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 for dividers, chart series, and 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: a 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
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Sterling
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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 Sterling 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 1.49:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large fail
Aa on black
contrast 14.05:1
AA pass AAA pass AA large pass
Best text color on a Sterling background: #000000
Palettes
Palettes featuring Sterling
Sterling with its complement
Soft neighbors of Sterling
Sterling triad
Explore
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 .
FAQ
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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