HEX Color Code #8B4513

From card backgrounds to icon fills, the dark orange tone #8B4513 handles a wide variety of design contexts reliably. This reference page provides its complete color data and professional application ideas.

What Color Is #8B4513?

In the HSL model, #8B4513 is defined as (25°, 76%, 31%). The 25° hue angle corresponds directly to the orange portion of the color wheel. Combined with dark lightness and strong saturation, this shade delivers vibrant visual impact.

Color Meaning of #8B4513

From a psychological standpoint, #8B4513 taps into orange associations of friendliness, confidence, and energy. The dark character of this specific shade means it asserts presence without overwhelming, making it effective for primary UI elements and brand identifiers.

Where to Use HEX Code #8B4513

E-commerce product card borders and "add to cart" button styling for orange-branded storefronts

Modal overlay tints — applying #8B4513 at 10-20% opacity creates depth behind dialog content

Infographic accent elements where multiple orange shades build visual storytelling layers

Notification badges that remain legible against varied nav-bar backgrounds

Event and calendar UI — dark orange marks selected dates and active time slots

Slide deck title bars and presentation themes for consistent conference branding

Similar HEX Color Codes

#9A5404

#A45E00

#682200

Complementary orange tone for palette coordination

#B87240

Nearby color value offering slightly different brightness

#540E00

#CC8654

Adjacent shade useful for gradient transitions

#40905E

Comparable green alternative with distinct character

HEX Code #8B4513 in Design Systems

For Figma and code handoff, document #8B4513 with its roles: when to use it, which backgrounds it pairs with, and which text colors sit on top of it. Include a "do / don't" section showing approved and forbidden combinations — this prevents designers from accidentally creating inaccessible pairs.

With brightness at 84/255, this shade anchors well as a dark accent. Pair with white (#FFFFFF) for maximum contrast or off-white (#F9FAFB) for a softer feel. Avoid medium grays on top, which create insufficient contrast.

FAQ About HEX Color Code #8B4513

What color is #8B4513?

This HEX code renders as a dark orange shade on screen. Its RGB components (139, 69, 19) create a orange-dominant appearance with dark depth.

Is #8B4513 a dark or light color?

Dark. The weighted luminance formula (0.299R + 0.587G + 0.114B) gives #8B4513 a score of 84/255, placing it below the midpoint. This classification affects which text colors achieve adequate contrast.

What colors go well with #8B4513?

#8B4513 pairs well with contrasting colors opposite it on the color wheel (≈205°) for dynamic compositions. For cohesive, calm palettes, combine it with neighboring hues at ±30° and tinted neutrals in the same orange family.

Can I use #8B4513 for branding?

Yes. #8B4513 works as a brand color when orange-family associations — creativity, enthusiasm, and warmth — align with your positioning. Define it formally in your brand guidelines with permitted tints, shades, and pairing rules for consistent application.

How do I convert #8B4513 to other color formats?

The full conversion: RGB(139, 69, 19), HSL(25°, 76%, 31%). CMYK values depend on the print profile but approximate C:45% M:73% Y:93% K:0%. Our converter tools handle all formats instantly.