Bronze has grown in popularity in recent years, making it a great choice to bring a warm metallic color into your life. This dull brownish-orange can add a splash of shine and elegance to your room. So, let’s explore some shades of bronze.
In today’s article, we will discuss everything about the color bronze. Thus, you will learn what color it is, its history, its complementary colors, and the most popular shades of bronze, along with their names, Hex, RGB, and CMYK codes.
What Color is Bronze?
Bronze is a moderate golden-brown color, often used to describe a metallic brownish-orange. Bronze was named after the strong metallic alloy of the same name, made from a mixture of 88% copper and 12% tin. Depending on its composition, the bronze color can range from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown. The bronze hex code is #CD7F32.
Bronze
Hex #CD7F32
RGB 0, 38, 76, 20
CMYK 205, 127, 50
This color is also associated with the warm and earthy tones of copper and tin, two of the main components of bronze. However, bronze is a duller golden brown, while copper is a deep brown with a reddish tinge.
History of Bronze
The discovery of bronze marked the beginning of a new era in human history, also known as the Bronze Age.
The Bronze Age lasted between 3300 to 1200 B.C. and marked the first significant time when humans began working with metal. [1]
Although some believe that bronze was used as early as 2500 B.C. – 700 years after the discovery of copper – this is contradicted by numerous artifacts dating back to around 3000 B.C.
However, although these bronze pieces contain parts of tin, they are considered accidental bronzes. [2]
Interestingly, before the Bronze Age, humans primarily used stone, wood, bone, and other organic materials. With this discovery, humans replaced stone tools and artifacts with this durable alloy of copper and tin.
This significant technological advancement brought the end of the Stone Age.
However, many ancient societies entered the Bronze Age much later. If the Greeks worked with bronze before 3000 B.C., China entered the Bronze Age around 1900 B.C.
The Bronze Age also coincided with the rise of certain kingdoms such as Athens (Ancient Greece) or Sumer, and Babylon (Mesopotamia).
The Bronze Age ended around 1200 BC in Mediterranean Europe and the Middle East.
The word “bronze” etymology was first recorded in English during the 14th century. The term can be traced back to the French word “brun” (meaning brown) and the Middle Dutch word “brons.”
Both of these words resemble the metal’s appearance, as bronze has a distinct reddish-brown or golden-brown hue.
Although the Bronze Age ended in 1200 BC, the color bronze was first recorded in English only in 1753.
In France, this color first appeared mentioned in the 1640s as “bronzer,” referring to the appearance of bronze. This meaning changed in 1726 when it referred to the bronzed appearance achieved by exposure to the sun.
Bronze Color Meaning
Bronze symbolizes strength, endurance, and luxury. Its brownish tint is also associated with warmth and comfort, providing a calming effect. Moreover, bronze is soothing, inspiring, and uplifting. At the same time, bronze’s metallic sheen adds elegance, reflecting sophistication and an air of vintage.
Let’s explore the meaning of the color bronze.
Comforting
Bronze is known for its warm and comforting hues, reminiscent of the earth and nature. Like any brown, this color evokes coziness, security, and earthiness.
Inviting
Although it seems strange, bronze is comforting, and its warmth makes it inviting. This influence comes from brown. So it’s no wonder it gives a calming vibe that can improve your mood.
Strong
Bronze offers a sense of reliability and dependability, just like brown. Also, bronze is often associated with strength and endurance, just as the bronze alloy is known for its durability.
Friendly
Bronze is a friendly colour with a special charm. Moreover, it is associated with loyalty and sociability, creating an atmosphere where you’re likely to feel accepted and welcomed.
Trustworthy
Bronze is a strong alloy that embodies reliability and dependability. Because of its durability and corrosion resistance, it has been used in various applications. Bronze’s durability and strength have contributed to its reputation as a trustworthy color.
Mature
This color is associated with maturity and earthiness. As part of the brown family, it symbolizes groundedness and stability. Its earthy quality contributes to this association.
Elegant
This color is often associated with elegance. It has something of the luxury of gold combined with the warmth of brown. This combination creates a color that is both luxurious and earthy.
Successful
The bronze color has a rich appearance that evokes feelings of achievement and accomplishment. After all, bronze medals are given to those who stand on the podium, making this color even more symbolic of accomplishment and recognition.
Shades of Bronze Color
The color bronze comes in many shades as it is derived from the alloy of the same name formed from copper and tin, often with other elements in the composition, such as aluminum, manganese, arsenic, or phosphorus.
Copper is a reddish-brown alloy, while tin is a silvery-gray metal.
Since bronze comprises these two elements, the color can vary from yellowish-brown, golden-brown, to reddish-brown. Because it is a copper alloy, it reacts strangely to chloride exposure, taking on a yellow-greenish hue. Thus, bronze can also be found as a dark yellowish-green.
Honey Bronze
Honey bronze is a deep, warm golden brown with slight orange tones, reminiscent of the hues of honey and bronze metal. This earthy color is perfect for bringing warmth, coziness, and a touch of luxury to your home.
Honey Bronze
Hex #BF7D10
RGB 191, 125, 16
CMYK 0, 35, 92, 25
Golden Bronze
Golden bronze is a deep gold with hints of orange-brown undertones. As a hue that combines gold and bronze, golden bronze exudes warmth, elegance, and sophistication.
Golden Bronze
Hex #B47C04
RGB 180, 124, 4
CMYK 0, 31, 98, 29
Bronze Beige
Bronze beige is a pale shade of bronze that combines bronze’s rich warmth with beige’s calming neutrality. It can also be described as a metallic beige. It’s warm, earthy, and sophisticated.
Bronze Beige
Hex #B5975C
RGB 181, 151, 92
CMYK 0, 17, 49, 29
Jungle Bronze
Jungle bronze is a deep bronze with earthy undertones, evoking a sense of nature and adventure, much like the lush depths of a jungle.
Jungle Bronze
Hex #AA720E
RGB 170, 114, 14
CMYK 0, 33, 92, 33
Benjamin Moore Antique Bronze
Antique bronze is a muted yellow ochre with a vintage vibe, conjuring images of aged bronze’s warm and rich patina. This bronze paint color is ideal for adding some vintage elegance to any space. Its color code is 217.
Antique Bronze by Benjamin Moore
Hex #C29A4D
RGB 194, 154, 7
CMYK 0, 21, 60, 24
Sherwin Williams Relic Bronze
Relic bronze is a warm and inviting bronze shade with a balance of brown and golden undertones. This lovely hue brings to mind the rustic and aged look of a time-worn bronze artifact.
Sherwin Williams Relic Bronze (SW 6132)
Hex #906A3A
RGB 144, 106, 58
CMYK 0, 26, 60, 43
Antique Bronze
Antique bronze is a dark yellowish green with a warm and rich appearance, resembling an aged copper look, like the green patina of the Statue of Liberty. As it looks old, this color provides a vintage look.
Interestingly, if you look at it, it looks green, but compared to other bronze shades, it highlights the metallic undertones.
Antique Bronze
Hex #665D1E
RGB 102, 93, 30
CMYK 0, 9, 71, 60
Bronze Pastel
Bronze pastel is a dark, muted golden bronze. Soft and rich at the same time, bronze pastel is the kind of color you might find in a vintage photograph. It works well when you want to add a touch of coziness and a bit of history to your surroundings.
Bronze Pastel
Hex #A48347
RGB 164, 131, 71
CMYK 0, 20, 57, 36
Autumn Bronze
Bronze sand is a brownish-gold color with a touch of orange. Also known as harvest gold, this color is elegant and warm enough to create a cozy and inviting feel.
Bronze Sand
Hex #CA8818
RGB 202, 136, 24
CMYK 0, 33, 88, 21
Bronze Sand
Autumn bronze is a dark bronze color or a deep orange-brown that evokes feelings of coziness and nostalgia. Moreover, it’s an earthy orange shade that takes us back to fall landscapes, resembling ochre.
Autumn Bronze
Hex #C66D00
RGB 198, 109, 0
CMYK 0, 45, 100, 22
Bronze Eucalyptus
This PPG bronze paint is a warm red-toned earthy hue with golden-brown undertones. It’s playful and lively. Its color code is 16-20.
Bronze Eucalyptus
Hex #AE703B
RGB 174, 112, 59
CMYK 0, 36, 66, 32
Dark Bronze
Dark bronze is a deep yellow with a brown undertone. Although it is an earthy color, it exudes rustic elegance. Dark bronze goes great with deep blues, contributing a soothing note.
Dark Bronze
Hex #836322
RGB 131, 99, 34
CMYK 0, 24, 74, 49
Matthews Dark Bronze
Dark bronze is a dark, matt bronze that could be mistaken for black. It adds a touch of elegance and luxury to any room. Its color code is MP41313SP.
Matthews Dark Bronze
Hex #5A504C
RGB 90, 80, 76
CMYK 0, 11, 16, 65
American Bronze
American bronze is a very dark bronze color with deep undertones of reddish-brown. This shade of bronze is so dark that it’s easily mistaken for black.
American Bronze
Hex #391802
RGB 57, 24, 2
CMYK 0, 58, 96, 78
Bronze Red
Bronze red is a warm, muted reddish-brown color, combining the earthiness and vibrancy of both hues. Although it resembles a reddish terracotta, bronze red leans more towards a dusty pink than a deep burnt orange-brown.
Bronze Red
Hex #B26A58
RGB 178, 106, 88
CMYK 0, 40, 51, 30
Bronze Blush
Bronze blush is a muted, dusty pink with a metallic bronze undertone that evokes feelings of elegance and femininity. This mixture of brown and pink creates a serene and inviting atmosphere that gives you a sense of comfort.
Bronze Blush
Hex #C1997F
RGB 193, 153, 127
CMYK 0, 21, 34, 24
Dull Bronze
Blass-off bronze is a muted bronze-red color, combining bronze with reddish-brown tones. Although it looks close to bronze red, it has a more muted, vintage look.
Blast-Off Bronze
Hex #A57164
RGB 165, 113, 100
CMYK 0, 32, 39, 35
Corinthian Bronze
Corinthian bronze is a deep, earthy reddish-orange color, derived from a mix of copper, silver and gold, prized by the ancients. Its dark appearance comes from the high amount of black in its CMYK composition.
Corinthian Bronze
Hex #6C584F
RGB 108, 88, 79
CMYK 0, 19, 27, 58
Bronze Toffee
Bronze toffee is a dark bronze color that can be described as a moderate brown with a reddish-orange tinge. It’s similar to a deep caramel cafe color. You can use this color to create warm and inviting spaces, conjuring feelings of comfort and relaxation.
Bronze Toffee
Hex #7E4113
RGB 126, 65, 19
CMYK 0, 48, 85, 51
Burnished Bronze
Burnished bronze is a deep caramel brown, reminiscent of traditional and rustic settings. This color is a good choice if you want some vintage sophistication.
Burnished Bronze
Hex #5A3211
RGB 90, 50, 17
CMYK 0, 44, 81, 65
What Colors Go with Bronze?
Bronze is a warm metallic brown color with undertones of orange or red. It pairs well with several hues that complement its earthy and rich qualities. Some of the colors that go with bronze include:
- Deep blue
- Navy blue
- Dark green
- Cream
- Teal
- Ivory
- Burgundy
- Burnt orange
- Warm gray
- Olive green
- Terracotta
Bronze is a dark brownish-orange or even redish-orange color. Its opposite on the color wheel ranges from blue to blue-green.
However, bronze and blue make the most happy marriage because they are opposite each other on the color wheel. The complementary color of bronze is a deep blue, which adds a calming effect that complements the warmth of bronze.
That doesn’t mean it doesn’t go well with other colors. For example, neutrals are among the easiest to match with the metallic glow of bronze.
Cream, ivory, or beige provide a soft and elegant backdrop for bronze. The light tones allow the bronze to stand out without overwhelming the space.
When it comes to dark tones, bronze also goes well with deep reds or greens. Some examples include burgundy and forest green. Deep burgundy adds depth and drama to the warmth of bronze. This combination is luxurious and works well in interior design.
Forest green, on the other side, is associated with harmony, balance, nature, and hope. It pairs lovely with metallic bronze. This combination evokes luxury and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bronze a color?
Bronze is a metallic color that is often associated with a reddish-brown or golden-brown hue. Bronze is created by alloying copper with other metals, such as tin.
What is the bronze color meaning?
Bronze signifies strength, stability, and loyalty. It carries an uplifting and motivating essence, inspiring with its warm elegance. This color reflects reliability, truthfulness, and comfort, connecting to enduring qualities and genuine emotions.
Is bronze a dark color?
Bronze is not considered a dark color. It is a metallic brownish color that typically has warm undertones, with shades from light to medium in terms of darkness. Bronze is created by combining copper with other metals and often has a distinct reddish-brown or golden-brown hue.
What color goes with bronze?
Colors that complement bronze include earthy hues like moderate blue, teal, dark green, burgundy, and neutrals such as white, cream, beige, gray, and black. Additionally, metallic shades like gold and copper harmonize well, enhancing its luxurious look.