Antique Brass
HEX: #CD9575 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#CD9575
205, 149, 117
21°, 46% ,63%
0, 27, 43, 20
About Antique Brass
Antique Brass (#CD9575) is a color with RGB(205, 149, 117) and HSL(21.8°, 46.8%, 63.1%). It is commonly associated with Earthy moods. In design, it fits Warm styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Logo. Its complementary color is #75ADCD, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #75CD95 and #9575CD. The name comes from Antique Brass (English).
- HEX: #CD9575
- RGB: 205, 149, 117
- HSL: 21.8°, 46.8%, 63.1%
- Mood: Earthy
- Style: Warm
- Use case: Text, Button, Logo
- Complementary color: #75ADCD
- Triadic colors: #75CD95, #9575CD
- The name comes from Antique Brass (English).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #CD9575 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
Brass, an alloy primarily of copper and zinc, has been valued for its workability, durability, and golden appearance since antiquity. Over time, natural brass develops a patina, darkening and losing its luster due to oxidation. The 'antique brass' finish is an intentional replication of this natural aging process. Early methods might have involved chemical treatments or lacquers to achieve a darker, less shiny look. Today, various techniques are used, including chemical blackening, oil-rubbed finishes, and clear coats with tinting, to create a consistent 'antique' appearance. It became a popular choice for hardware, lighting, and decorative items, offering a classic look without waiting for natural aging.
First Recorded Use
While brass itself has been used for millennia, the specific term 'antique brass' to describe a manufactured finish designed to replicate age became more common with industrialization and the ability to apply such finishes consistently. Its popularity surged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the Arts and Crafts movement and a general appreciation for historical aesthetics.
Cultural Associations
The 'antique brass' finish is often associated with traditional, vintage, or classic design styles. It evokes a sense of history, warmth, and established elegance. It's frequently seen in Victorian, Edwardian, Arts and Crafts, and Colonial Revival decor. Its muted, less reflective quality makes it versatile, complementing both dark wood and lighter palettes. It suggests craftsmanship and a connection to the past, often preferred over bright, polished brass for a more subdued and sophisticated aesthetic.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #CD9575;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #CD9575;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #CD9575;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#CD9575,
#75ADCD
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#CD9575,
#75ADCD
);
}// SCSS variable
$antique-brass: #CD9575;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$antique-brass-r: 205;
$antique-brass-g: 149;
$antique-brass-b: 117;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $antique-brass;
color: rgba($antique-brass-r, $antique-brass-g, $antique-brass-b, 0.8);
}