Color swatch image showing #C4AE9B with RGB(196,174,155) values
Color swatch image showing #C4AE9B with RGB(196,174,155) values

#C4AE9B Color Meaning and Information

Everything you need to know about #C4AE9B including values, color harmonies, shades, meanings, and applications in design, branding, and everyday visuals.

#C4AE9B Color Information

#C4AE9B RGB value is (196, 174, 155). The hex color red value is 196, green is 174, and blue is 155. Its HSL format shows a hue of 28°, saturation of 26 percent, and lightness of 69 percent. The CMYK process values are 0 percent, 11 percent, 21 percent, 23 percent.

#C4AE9B color swatch
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#C4AE9B Color Meaning

Color #C4AE9B projects understated practicality, adaptive neutrality, and weathered composure. Originating from Urdu for “dust” or “soil,” #C4AE9B warm, desaturated tan (RGB 195, 176, 145) emerged in 19th-century British military uniforms to blend with arid landscapes. Khaki (#C4AE9B) avoids the sterility of grays and the warmth of beiges, occupying a middle ground that feels both utilitarian and subtly human. Its low chroma reduces visual competition, allowing other elements to lead—making #C4AE9B a backbone color in editorial layouts, corporate wear, and minimalist interiors. Historically, Khaki (#C4AE9B) symbolized colonial control but later evolved into a civilian emblem of modesty and functionality—think safari jackets, field notebooks, and artisanal paper. In urban contexts, #C4AE9B now reads as “quiet luxury,” favored by brands rejecting overt branding in favor of tactile authenticity. Psychologically, #C4AE9B tone supports sustained focus: unlike bright colors that spike attention, Khaki (#C4AE9B) maintains baseline alertness without strain, ideal for workwear or reading environments. From a symbolic perspective, Khaki (#C4AE9B) embodies preparedness without aggression. #C4AE9B is the color of someone who packs extra layers, checks the map twice, and listens more than they speak. In design systems, #C4AE9B functions as a bridge between warm and cool palettes—grounding electric accents or softening pastels. Spiritually, #C4AE9B reflects the virtue of unassuming readiness: not waiting for storms to pass, but learning to move steadily through them.

Color Conversion

Convert #C4AE9B across different color models and formats. These conversions help designers work seamlessly between digital and print media, ensuring this color maintains its intended appearance across RGB screens, CMYK printers, and HSL color manipulations.

HEX
#C4AE9B
RGB
rgb(196, 174, 155)
HSL
hsl(28°, 26%, 69%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 11%, 21%, 23%)
HSV
hsv(28°, 21%, 77%)
XYZ
43.8174 44.3744 37.2660
Yxy
44.3744 0.3493 0.3537
Hunter Lab
66.6141 1.0162 2.1697
CIE-Lab
72.4781 4.8828 12.6494

RGB Values & CMYK Values

RGB Values

Red196 / 255 (77%)
77%
Green174 / 255 (68%)
68%
Blue155 / 255 (61%)
61%

CMYK Values

Cyan0 / 100 (0%)
Magenta11 / 100 (11%)
11%
Yellow21 / 100 (21%)
21%
Key (Black)23 / 100 (23%)
23%

Color Variations

#C4AE9B harmonies come to life through carefully balanced shades, tints, and tones, giving this color depth and flexibility across light and dark variations. Shades add richness, tints bring an airy softness, and tones soften intensity, making it easy to pair in clean, modern palettes.

Color Harmonies

#C4AE9B harmonies create beautiful relationships with other colors based on their position on the color wheel. Each harmony type offers unique design possibilities, enabling cohesive and visually appealing color schemes.

Analogous

Colors adjacent on the color wheel (30° apart)

Complementary

Colors opposite on the color wheel (180° apart)

Split Complementary

Three colors using one base hue and the two hues beside its opposite

Triadic

Three colors evenly spaced (120° apart)

Tetradic

Four colors forming a rectangle on the wheel

Square

Four colors evenly spaced (90° apart)

Double Split

Four colors formed from two base hues and the colors next to their opposites

Monochromatic

Variations of a single hue

Contrast Checker

(WCAG 2.1) Test #C4AE9B for accessibility compliance against white and black backgrounds. Proper contrast ensures this color remains readable and usable for all audiences, meeting WCAG 2.1 standards for both normal and large text applications.

#FFFFFF
#C4AE9B

Sample Text

This is how your text will look with these colors.

Large Text (18pt+)

2.13:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Normal Text

2.13:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

UI Components

2.13:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Color Blindness Simulator

See how #C4AE9B appears to people with different types of color vision deficiencies. These simulations help create more inclusive designs that consider how this color is perceived across various visual abilities.

Normal Vision

#C4AE9B

protanopia

#babaa0

Note: These simulations are approximations. Actual color vision deficiency varies by individual.

CSS Examples

Background Color

background-color: #C4AE9B;

Text Color

color: #C4AE9B;

Sample Text

Border Color

border: 2px solid #C4AE9B;

Box Shadow

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px #C4AE9B40;

Text Shadow

text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #C4AE9B;

Sample Text

Gradient

background: linear-gradient(135deg, #C4AE9B 0%, #80644b 100%);

#C4AE9B Color FAQs

Frequently asked questions about #C4AE9B color meaning, symbolism, and applications. Click on any question to expand detailed answers.