Bronze #CD7F32
Bronze, hex #CD7F32, is a warm, medium orange-brown modeled on the alloy of copper and tin. It is fairly saturated and mid-light, more golden than copper and much less yellow than gold. It calls up statues, old coins, third-place medals and sun-tanned skin.
As a flat color, #CD7F32 only approximates bronze. Real metallic bronze depends on shine and highlights, so print and packaging often use metallic inks or foils instead.
| HEX | #CD7F32 | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(205, 127, 50) | |
| HSL | hsl(30, 61%, 50%) | |
| HSV | hsv(30, 76%, 80%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(0%, 38%, 76%, 20%) |
Text on Bronze
Black text reads better on Bronze. Ratios use the WCAG 2 formula: 4.5:1 passes AA for body text, 3:1 passes for large text.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Colors that go with Bronze
Bronze tints and shades
Tints mix Bronze with white, shades mix it with black, in 15% steps. Copy any code, or open the tint and shade generator for a full scale.
Tints
Shades
Bronze color schemes
Color-wheel harmonies built by rotating the hue of #CD7F32 and keeping its saturation and lightness.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split complementary
Tetradic
Bronze color meaning
Bronze carries a long human history. The Bronze Age is named after it, and the alloy was used for tools, weapons, bells and sculpture for thousands of years. That gives the color associations with durability and craft. Bronze statues and church bells in many old towns keep that history visible today.
In sport and competition, bronze means third place. It stands for real achievement one step below silver and gold, and it can read as solid and earned. Olympic bronze medals have made that meaning familiar worldwide.
It also has a sun-warmed side. 'Bronzed' describes tanned skin, and the word turns up in makeup and summer products. As a color it feels confident and warm, and more down-to-earth than gold. In makeup, it suggests a healthy summer glow.
How to use Bronze in design
Bronze works for luxury goods, spirits, cosmetics, architecture firms and awards. As a flat digital color, it carries dark text, like chocolate brown or black, better than white. For a convincing metallic look on screen, designers use gradients from a lighter tan to a darker brown.
In interiors, bronze fixtures, lamps and hardware pair well with deep greens, navy and black. In fashion it shows up in eyeshadow, evening wear and accessories. Bronze also suits award graphics, badges and loyalty tiers, where it marks the entry level.
Palettes with Bronze tones
Curated palettes with a color close to #CD7F32.
Colors similar to Bronze
Work with Bronze
Bronze FAQ
What is the difference between bronze and copper?
Copper (#B87333) is redder and a little darker, closer to a new penny. Bronze (#CD7F32) is lighter and more golden. On screen the two are near neighbors, so pick copper when you want a rosy warmth and bronze when you want a yellow-brown glow.
What is the difference between bronze and gold?
Gold (#FFD700) is a bright, saturated yellow. Bronze is darker and browner, with orange at its core in place of yellow. Gold suggests top-tier luxury and first place, while bronze looks earthier, more antique and a little more understated. Together they can mark tiers in rankings and rewards.
What colors go with bronze?
Navy, deep teal and hunter green make bronze look rich, much like brass fittings in a dark-painted room. Black gives it drama, and cream or ivory keeps it soft. Avoid pairing it with bright yellow-golds, which can make bronze look dull by comparison.