Beige Color
The word “beige” originates from the French language, where it means “natural wool that has been neither bleached nor dyed.” It was first used in English during the late 19th century to describe a light, unbleached color reminiscent of natural fibers.
Beige is a light, neutral color that is usually described as a pale, warm shade of tan. It falls within the spectrum of earth tones and is made from a combination of brown and white.
The specific shade of beige can vary based on the ratios of colors white and brown. Generally, beige contains a higher percentage of brown than other neutral colors like off-white or ivory, a factor which gives it its characteristic warm undertones.
Shades of Beige include:
- Cool Beige: This has more of a gray or blue undertone.
- Warm Beige: This one leans towards yellow or orange undertones.
- Pink Beige: This variation has a hint of pink.
- Gray Beige: It has shades of gray mixed in.
- Golden Beige: It has a touch of gold.
Hex Code and RGB Values
Hex Code: #F5F5DC
RGB Values:
- Red: 245
- Green: 245
- Blue: 220
Uses of Beige Color
- Interior Design: It used as a base color in interior design to serve as an excellent backdrop for incorporating bolder accent colors.
- Fashion: It’s commonly used for clothing, shoes and accessories because of its neutral and timeless appeal.
- Graphic Design: It is also used in graphic design to convey a sense of elegance.
- Cosmetics: Beige shades are used for foundations, concealers, and various neutral-toned cosmetic products.
- Natural and Organic Themes: Beige is also great for products or designs that emphasize natural or organic attributes.
- Art and Photography: It can be used as a canvas color for creating a neutral base in art and photography, allowing other elements to stand out.
Complementary Colors For Beige
Beige pairs well with many colors colors. It complements both warm and cool colors. Some popular pairings include:
- Beige and white
- Beige and navy blue
- Beige and pastel shades
- Beige and rich, deep colors like burgundy or forest green
Cream Color
The Old English word “crēam” is believed to have originated from the Latin word “crēmum,” which meant thick layer or crust. Over time, the word “cream” came to represent not only the the fatty layer that forms on top of fresh milk but also the color that look like the natural hue of dairy cream.
Cream color can be described as a pale, soft and light neutral color. It falls within the spectrum of off-white shades, but it has a warmer undertone due to its slight yellow or beige tint.
White is the base color from which cream is derived. Cream color is created by mixing white with a small amount of yellow, brown or beige.
Different undertones and shades of color cream include:
- Ivory Cream: A slightly warmer shade with a touch of yellow, resembling the color of ivory.
- Beige Cream: This variation has more beige tones.
- Warm Cream: This variation feature stronger yellow undertones.
- Cool Cream: This variation has a hint of blue undertone.
Hex Code and RGB Values
Hex Code: #FFFDD0
RGB Values:
- Red: 255
- Green: 253
- Blue: 208
Uses of Color Cream
- Interior Design: Cream is commonly used on walls, furniture and decor. It works well with both modern and traditional design styles.
- Fashion: Cream is a common color for clothing, especially for dresses, suits and formal attire.
- Graphic Design: Cream can be used as a background color for designs, presentations, and websites.
- Art and Crafts: Cream can be used by artists and crafters who want a neutral background that enhances other colors or elements in their work.
- Home Accessories: Cream-colored home accessories like curtains, cushions, and table linens are common in many homes.
Complementary Colors
- Cream and gold for a luxurious and opulent aesthetic.
- Cream and pastel shades for a soft and romantic ambiance.
- Cream and deep, rich tones like navy or burgundy for a striking contrast.
- Cream and earthy tones like brown and sage green for a natural and organic feel.
Beige vs Cream: Key Differences
| Basis of Comparison | Beige | Cream |
| Nature | Beige is slightly darker, with more brown. | Cream is usually lighter, and with a yellow undertone. |
| Origin of Names | From the French word “beige,” meaning natural wool that has not been dyed. | From the Old French word “creme,” from Latin “chrisma” meaning ‘ointment’ or ‘anointing oil’ |
| Hex Code | #F5F5DC | #FFFDD0 |
| RGB Values | R: 245, G: 245, B: 220 | R: 255, G: 253, B: 208 |
| Color Composition | Mixture of brown, gray and white | Predominantly white with hints of yellow |
| Versatility | Beige is versatile and can work well in both casual and formal settings. | Cream is often associated with more formal or sophisticated environments. |
| Psychological Impact | Associated with stability and reliability | Evokes feelings of serenity and purity |
| Use in Art | Used for adding depth and texture | Can be a background for other colors |
| Pairing with Other Colors | Beige pairs well with earthy tones like browns, greens, and deep reds. | Cream can be paired with pastels, light neutrals, and bold accent colors. |
| Popularity in Fashion | Beige is often used in fashion for its timeless and adaptable quality. | Cream is used for its elegance and ability to create a sophisticated look. |