Shadow Blue
HEX: #778BA5 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#778BA5
119, 139, 165
213°, 27% ,64%
27.88, 15.76, 0, 35.29
About Shadow Blue
Shadow Blue (#778BA5) is a color with RGB(119, 139, 165) and HSL(213.91°, 27.88%, 64.71%). It is commonly associated with Calm moods. In design, it fits Muted, Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Border, Print. Its complementary color is #A59177, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #A5778B and #8BA577. The name comes from Shadow Blue (English).
- HEX: #778BA5
- RGB: 119, 139, 165
- HSL: 213.91°, 27.88%, 64.71%
- Mood: Calm
- Style: Muted, Cool
- Use case: Text, Border, Print
- Complementary color: #A59177
- Triadic colors: #A5778B, #8BA577
- The name comes from Shadow Blue (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 #778BA5 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The concept of 'shadow' as a descriptor for color often implies a darker, less saturated, or more muted version of the base color. 'Shadow Blue' fits this pattern, distinguishing it from brighter or more vibrant blues. Its popularity has grown in interior design, fashion, and automotive industries where sophisticated, understated colors are often preferred. The hex code #778ba5 specifically points to a medium-light, desaturated blue with a significant gray component, perfectly aligning with the 'shadow' descriptor.
First Recorded Use
While the individual words 'shadow' and 'blue' have ancient origins, the specific compound color name 'Shadow Blue' likely emerged as a descriptive term in the late 20th century, particularly with the rise of standardized color systems in design, fashion, and paint industries. It's difficult to pinpoint an exact first use without extensive historical textile or paint catalog research, but its descriptive nature suggests a more modern coinage.
Cultural Associations
In Western cultures, blue is often associated with tranquility, stability, and sophistication. 'Shadow Blue,' with its muted tone, can evoke feelings of calm, elegance, and a certain understated luxury. It's a versatile color that can be seen as both modern and classic, depending on its application and accompanying colors. It avoids the starkness of very dark blues and the vibrancy of brighter blues, making it a popular choice for creating serene or professional environments.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #778BA5;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #778BA5;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #778BA5;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#778BA5,
#BEA88C
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#778BA5,
#BEA88C
);
}// SCSS variable
$shadow-blue: #778BA5;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$shadow-blue-r: 119;
$shadow-blue-g: 139;
$shadow-blue-b: 165;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $shadow-blue;
color: rgba($shadow-blue-r, $shadow-blue-g, $shadow-blue-b, 0.8);
}