Ivory #FFFFF0

Ivory takes its name from elephant tusks, a material prized for centuries for carving, piano keys and decorative objects. Today the trade is heavily restricted, but the color name kept the material's associations with refinement and old-world luxury.

As a color it reads as softer and more forgiving than pure white. It is a long-standing choice for wedding dresses, invitations and table linens, carrying white's ideas of purity and celebration with a little more warmth. Bridal shops usually stock it alongside pure white.

Ivory also suggests age in a gentle way: yellowed piano keys, old books and vintage fabric. That makes it a natural fit for traditional and classic styles. In interiors it is a safe choice for older homes, where bright white can look out of place beside aged wood and plaster.

Ivory is one of the easiest backgrounds to use. It looks almost white, so any dark text reads clearly, and it softens the look of a bright page slightly. It suits wedding, stationery, luxury, editorial and hospitality brands. White text and pale accents disappear on it, so lean on dark or saturated colors for contrast.

In interiors, ivory walls and textiles feel warmer than white and suit both modern and traditional rooms. In fashion it is a standard choice for bridal wear and summer knits.