Old gold
Old gold is a dark yellow color, varying from light olive or olive brown to deep or strong yellow, typically on the darker end of the spectrum and evoking the patina of aged metal.[1][2]This hue, with approximate RGB values of 207, 181, 59 and hexadecimal code #CFB53B, originates from the appearance of tarnished or antique gold leaf used in historical art, architecture, and gilding, symbolizing opulence, tradition, and prestige.[3][4]
Commonly employed in interior design, fashion, and branding—such as Benjamin Moore's paint shade evoking family heirlooms—it conveys sophistication and nostalgia without the brightness of pure gold tones.[5][6]
While not tied to major controversies, its muted warmth distinguishes it from vivid metallics, favoring empirical associations with enduring value over fleeting trends.[7]
Definition and properties
Shade characteristics
Old gold is a muted, warm shade of yellow that evokes the appearance of aged or tarnished metallic gold, characterized by its subdued brightness and subtle brownish undertone compared to brighter gold hues like metallic gold (#FFD700).[8][9] This gives it a vintage, earthy quality often associated with antique artifacts or historical opulence, distinguishing it from more vibrant yellows through lower saturation and lightness.[10][6] In digital color models, old gold has the hexadecimal code #CFB53B, corresponding to RGB values of 207 red, 181 green, and 59 blue, which results in approximately 81% red, 71% green, and 23% blue intensity.[8][11][12] Its HSL representation is hsl(49°, 61%, 52%), indicating a hue around 49 degrees (yellow-orange range), moderate saturation, and mid-tone lightness, while HSV values of 49° hue, 71% saturation, and 81% value further emphasize its rich yet non-metallic depth.[6] In print contexts, it approximates CMYK values of 0% cyan, 13% magenta, 71% yellow, and 19% black.[6] Pantone defines a close match as 15-0955 TCX Old Gold in its Fashion, Home + Interiors Cotton library, reinforcing its use in design for evoking nostalgia and elegance without the sheen of pure gold.[13] This shade's lower blue component contributes to its warmer, less cool appearance, making it suitable for applications requiring a sense of historical authenticity rather than modern luster.[8][10]| Color Model | Values |
|---|---|
| Hex | #CFB53B |
| RGB | (207, 181, 59) |
| HSL | hsl(49°, 61%, 52%) |
| HSV | hsv(49°, 71%, 81%) |
| CMYK | (0%, 13%, 71%, 19%) |
Technical specifications
Old gold is defined in digital color systems primarily through its hexadecimal code #CFB53B, which yields RGB values of (207, 181, 59) in the additive red-green-blue model used for screens and web displays.[11][8] This composition equates to approximately 81% red, 71% green, and 23% blue intensity, positioning it as a muted, yellowish tone with subdued vibrancy compared to pure gold shades.[8] In subtractive printing models like CMYK, old gold approximates (0%, 13%, 71%, 19%), reflecting cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink proportions that account for paper absorption and light reflection.[14] Hue-saturation-lightness (HSL) coordinates are 49° hue, 61% saturation, and 52% lightness, while hue-saturation-value (HSV) measures 49° hue, 71% saturation, and 81% value, emphasizing its warm, golden undertone with moderate brightness.[3]| Color Model | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hexadecimal | #CFB53B |
| RGB | (207, 181, 59) |
| CMYK | (0%, 13%, 71%, 19%) |
| HSL | 49°, 61%, 52% |
| HSV | 49°, 71%, 81% |