Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) Color Meaning, Codes and Information

A complete guide to Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) covering color values, harmonies, shades, meaning, and practical uses across design, branding, and everyday visuals.

Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) Color Information

Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) RGB value is (201, 169, 166). The hex color red value is 201, green is 169, and blue is 166. Its HSL format shows a hue of 5°, saturation of 24%, and lightness of 72%, while the CMYK process values are 0%, 16%, 17%, and 21%.

Colors that pair well with Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) include Silver Pink (#C4AEAD), Dark Vanilla (#D1BEA8), and Turquoise Green (#A0D6B4), as they maintain visual balance and harmony, whereas Cambridge Blue (#A3C1AD), Wild Blue Yonder (#A2ADD0), and Pastel Blue (#AEC6CF) tend to conflict with this color due to strong contrast or opposing tonal characteristics.

Clear image showing Dusty Rose color swatch with hex value #C9A9A6 and RGB value (201,169,166)
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Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) Color Meaning

Dusty Rose (#C9A9A6) is a muted, soft pink with gray undertones. It belongs to the muted pink family and conveys calmness, romance, and understated elegance. Designers often use Dusty Rose in interiors, fashion, and stationery to create gentle, inviting, and sophisticated aesthetics. Its subdued tone makes it versatile for both backgrounds and highlights. Historically, Dusty Rose (#C9A9A6) was inspired by faded rose petals and vintage textiles, frequently appearing in Victorian decor and classical art. In spiritual and symbolic terms, muted pinks evoke compassion, tranquility, and nostalgia. Its soft, dusty quality conveys both subtle elegance and emotional warmth. Dusty Rose (#C9A9A6) symbolizes romance, calm, and refinement. Across cultures, muted pinks represent gentleness, intimacy, and emotional balance. Its visual effect is soothing, making it ideal for serene and elegant spaces. Interestingly, Dusty Rose pairs beautifully with soft creams, muted browns, or olive greens, producing harmonious and timeless compositions.

Color Conversion

Accurate conversions of Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) across RGB, Hex, CMYK, HSL, and Lab ensure consistent color fidelity across digital, print, and design applications.

HEX
#c9a9a6
RGB
rgb(201, 169, 166)
HSL
hsl(5°, 24%, 72%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 16%, 17%, 21%)
HSV
hsv(5°, 17%, 79%)
XYZ
45.1583 43.5466 42.1016
Yxy
43.5466 0.3452 0.3329
Hunter Lab
65.9898 2.3121 1.0335
CIE-Lab
71.9244 11.1698 5.8882

RGB Values & CMYK Values

Detailed RGB and CMYK values of Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) displayed in a horizontal bar provide clear reference for digital and print color accuracy.

RGB Channels

Red201 / 255 (79%)
79%
Green169 / 255 (66%)
66%
Blue166 / 255 (65%)
65%

CMYK Ink Density

Cyan0 / 100 (0%)
Magenta16 / 100 (16%)
16%
Yellow17 / 100 (17%)
17%
Key (Black)21 / 100 (21%)
21%

Color Variations

A full range of Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) variations, including tints, shades, and tones, provides highlights, depth, and subtle desaturated options for UI design.

Color Harmonies

Harmonious color schemes for Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) created using the color wheel ensure visually balanced palettes.

Analogous

Colors adjacent on the color wheel (30° apart)

Complementary

Colors opposite on the color wheel (180° apart)

Split Complementary

Three colors using one base hue and the two hues beside its opposite

Triadic

Three colors evenly spaced (120° apart)

Tetradic

Four colors forming a rectangle on the wheel

Square

Four colors evenly spaced (90° apart)

Double Split Complementary

Four colors formed from two base hues and the colors next to their opposites

Monochromatic

Variations of a single hue

Contrast Checker (WCAG)

Luminance contrast ratios for Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) against standard backgrounds ensure readable, accessible text following Contrast Checker and WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA standards.

#FFFFFF
#c9a9a6

Sample Text

This is how your text will look with these colors.

Large Text (18pt+)

2.16:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Normal Text

2.16:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

UI Components

2.16:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Color Blindness Simulator

Simulated views of Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) for different color vision deficiencies help identify potential confusion using the Color Blindness Simulator.

Normal Vision

Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6)

protanopia

#bbbba7

Note: These simulations are approximations. Actual color vision deficiency varies by individual.

CSS Examples

Background Color

background-color: #c9a9a6;

Text Color

color: #c9a9a6;

Sample Text

Border Color

border: 2px solid #c9a9a6;

Box Shadow

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px #c9a9a640;

Text Shadow

text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #c9a9a6;

Sample Text

Gradient

background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c9a9a6 0%, #835551 100%);

Seamless Patterns

High-resolution seamless patterns featuring Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) provide ready-to-use backgrounds, wallpapers, and print designs for any project.

Diagonal Stripes
Polka Dots
Chevron
Diamond Grid
Hexagon
Waves
Crosshatch
Zigzag
Brick Wall
Triangles
Circles Grid
Herringbone

Icons

A collection of popular icons in Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) offers ready-to-use visuals for interfaces, designs, and creative projects.

Real-World Applications

Real-world mockups of Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) showcase its versatility across fashion, interiors, branding, and product packaging.

Fashion
Colored T-Shirt
Fashion
Baseball Cap
Interior
Living Room
Exterior
Office Complex
BRAND
Brands
Aluminum Can
Vehicle
Glossy Sportscar
Brands
Shopping Bag
Interior
Matte Wall
Brands
Flagship Phone

Useful Color Tools

A curated set of tools to help apply, analyze, and manage colors effectively in your projects

Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) Color FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Dusty Rose (#c9a9a6) color meaning, symbolism, and applications. Click on any question to expand detailed answers.