Ivory Color Overview, Meaning, and Explanation

What Color Is Ivory?

Ivory color, named after the tusks of elephants, has been in use since the 14th century. It is a pale white color with a slight yellow or pinkish tint. Although it may seem similar to pure white or cream, ivory has its unique hue. By adding a hint of yellow to white, the ivory color is achieved. It’s important to maintain precise proportions to avoid creating beige or cream instead of ivory, as these colors are often confused with each other.

The Meaning of Ivory Color

In color psychology, ivory color shares similar associations with pure white. It exudes meanings of purity, serenity, and holiness. However, due to its warmer and softer tones, ivory has a more relaxed and luxurious feel compared to stark white. This difference in tone is reminiscent of actual ivory, adding a touch of elegance and opulence. Bridging the gap between white and cream, ivory is often chosen by brides for their wedding dresses, as it conveys a timeless and refined aura. With its neutral nature, ivory can complement most other colors.

The Hex Code of Ivory Color

Hex color codes are numerical representations that determine the intensity of colors. The hex code for ivory color is #FFFFF0. This code signifies that ivory color is composed of 100% red, 100% green, and 94.1% blue in the RGB color space. In the CMYK color space, ivory color corresponds to 0% cyan, 0% magenta, 6% yellow, and 0% black. These hexadecimal values aid in distinguishing similar colors.

Ivory Color Conversion

The hex color #FFFFF0 corresponds to the following values:
– CIE-LAB: 99.64, -2.551, 7.163
– RGB DECIMAL: 255, 255, 240
– XYZ: 92.726, 99.072, 96.659
– RGB PERCENTAGE: 100, 100, 94.1
– XYY: 0.321, 0.343, 99.072
– CMYK: 0, 0, 6, 0
– CIE-LCH: 99.64, 7.603, 109.606
– HSL: 60°, 100, 97.1
– CIE-LUV: 99.64, 0.822, 11.387
– HSV (or HSB): 60°, 5.9, 100
– HUNTER-LAB: 99.535, -2.621, 6.936
– WEB SAFE: ffffff
– BINARY: 11111111, 11111111, 11110000

Ivory and Similar Colors

The ivory color shares similarities with white and cream colors. Let’s compare them to understand the differences:

Ivory vs. White

While ivory is often considered a type of white, it possesses warmer undertones. White has a cooler tone, while ivory mixes white with a subtle yellow, brown, or peach color. This addition of warm hues distinguishes ivory from pure white.

Ivory vs. Cream

Both ivory and cream are off-white colors, but they differ in richness and undertones. Cream has a more noticeable yellow undertone and appears richer than ivory. Ivory, on the other hand, is primarily white with a faint yellow hue. Cream can be described as a yellow pastel color.

What Are the Different Shades of Ivory?

Like any color, ivory comes in various shades. By tinting the original hue with gray, the color can be lightened or darkened. Adding more black results in a darker shade, while adding more white creates a lighter shade. Here are some examples of different shades of ivory:

Arcadia White (#F3F0E0)

Arcadia white is an off-white color that closely resembles ivory. It strikes a balance between color and brightness, providing depth without appearing too yellow or peachy.

Ivory White (#F2EFDE)

Ivory white is a light grayish-yellow shade, which closely complements the ivory tint. It works well alongside other warmer gray colors and is often used in interior design.

Light Ivory (#FFF8C9)

Light ivory is a more yellow-based shade compared to ivory. It resembles cream and is often used in cosmetics, particularly as a representative color for foundation. Light ivory complements light blue and is suitable for individuals with an ivory complexion.

What Colors Go With Ivory Color?

If you’re unsure which colors pair best with ivory, consider the following color palettes for inspiration:

Light Gray (#D3D3D3), Slate (#C0C2C9), Ivory

Combining light gray, slate, and ivory creates a harmonious palette. These shades work well together, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication.

Lavender (#E6E6FA), Sage (#BCB88A), Ivory

The blend of lavender, sage, and ivory evokes a serene ambiance. This color palette is often used in wedding invitation designs, offering a tranquil and romantic aesthetic.

Copper (#B87333), Teal (#008080), Ivory

For a bold and striking combination, copper, teal, and ivory create a unique contrast. This palette adds vibrancy and warmth to any design.

Taupe (#483C32), Tan (#D2B48C), Ivory

Taupe, tan, and ivory form a versatile color palette suitable for both modern and traditional settings. This combination exudes warmth and sophistication, perfect for interior design projects.

Common Applications of Ivory Color

The versatile nature of ivory color allows it to be used in various applications:

Ivory Color for Interior Design

Ivory serves as an excellent background color in interior design. Its lightness makes it adaptable to any environment and style. From bohemian to industrial designs, ivory