Mahogany (color)

Mahogany is a reddish-brown color that resembles the wood of the mahogany tree. This deep, saturated hue works as a bridge between shades of red and shades of brown, often providing a sense of elegance and stability to interior design and fashion. Historically, the first recorded use of it as a color name in English was in 1737.

The main benefits of mahogany color include its ability to add depth to digital interfaces and its versatility in home decor. It is primarily used in furniture manufacturing, hair dye formulations, and graphic design palettes. The main components of this color are defined by specific Red, Green, Blue (RGB) and Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (CMYK) values, which allow for consistent reproduction across different media.

Variations of mahogany

There are 2 primary variations of it recognized in standardized color systems: Mahogany red and Mahogany brown.

Mahogany red

Mahogany red is a shade equivalent to the “Mahogany” color found in Crayola crayons. This specific tint was introduced to the Crayola collection in 1949. While the general term appeared earlier, the first recorded use of “mahogany red” as a distinct color name in English occurred in 1843. It features a higher saturation of red pigments compared to the standard wood-based hue.

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Mahogany brown

Mahogany brown is a specific designation within the RAL Color Chart (RAL), identified as RAL 8016. This version is significantly darker and more muted than its red counterpart. It is frequently used in industrial coatings and architectural paints to mimic the look of aged distillery casks or antique writing desks.

Video games

Mahogany Town is a fictional location in the Pokémon video game series that utilizes the color’s name. This village is situated in the Johto region and serves as a key area for players. The name reflects the earthy, traditional atmosphere of the town’s setting.

Shades of Mahogany Color

It exists in several tints and shades, ranging from very light to very dark. These variations are used in diverse applications, including DMC floss for embroidery and textile manufacturing.

Names, HEX, RGB, & CMYK Codes

There are 6 distinct it’s variations commonly used in design:

Color Properties

It is classified as a strong yellowish brown according to the ISCC–NBS descriptor. Its color coordinates are defined by a Hex triplet of #C04000. In the sRGB color space, it consists of 75.3% red, 25.1% green, and 0.0% blue. The HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) model identifies its position at 20°, 100%, and 75%. These properties give it the appearance of polished rosewood finish or sun-dried cherry bark.

Color Details

Understanding how it interacts with other hues is vital for creating a cohesive color scheme.

What color is Mahogany?

It is a rich, warm brown with deep red undertones. It resembles a blend of burnt sienna and burgundy, sitting between orange and red on the color wheel. Experts describe it as having the visual weight of burnished saddle leather or luxurious chocolate truffles.

What does It look like on digital screens?

It appears as a dark, saturated reddish-orange on digital screens. Because screens use the RGB model, the lack of blue light in the #C04000 hex code makes the color appear very warm and intense. It maintains a contrast ratio of 5.28:1 against a white background, making it accessible for large text in User Interface (UI) design.

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What are some colors similar to Mahogany?

There are 5 colors similar to it, including:

• Auburn: A reddish-brown often used to describe hair.

• Russet: A dark brown color with a reddish-orange tinge.

• Cordovan: A rich shade of burgundy and a dark shade of rose.

• Bole: A reddish-brown color based on earthy hematite pigments.

• Burnt Umber: A dark brown pigment made by heating raw umber.

What colors go with Mahogany?

Ivory, peach, and teal go with it to create balanced environments. Ivory (#FFFFE3) provides a clean contrast that highlights the wood-like warmth. Peach (#FFD3AC) adds a soft, inviting layer to the palette. Teal (#069494) offers a cool-toned counterpoint that prevents the reddish tones from becoming overwhelming. Other successful pairings include almond, beige, and bone for a classic aesthetic.

What colors conflict with Mahogany?

Neon pink and bright yellow conflict with it. These high-vibration colors compete with the subtle depth of it, leading to visual dissonance. Turquoise and cyan also clash because their intense coolness and high saturation make it appear dull or muddy by comparison.