The meaning behind linen
About the color
The color name of linen comes from the textile of the same name composed of fibers from the flax plant. The word “linen” is a West Germanic cognate to the Latin word for the flax plant, linum. Generally, linen is known for being strong and very absorbent, making it the fabric of choice for attire on warm days in the spring or summer. The linen hex code is #FAF0E6.
The specific linen color code looks like a very light shade of brown. You can think of linen as a white turned into an off-white using brown or a combination of red, yellow, or green. There are different shades of off-white such as ivory, cream, and beige that are formed using mixtures of yellow and grey. Think of linen as between white and peach. You can use it as an alternative to either color. It adds depth to pure white, while also being a more reserved option for peach and other orange-based shades.
Linen is one of the world’s oldest textiles, with the earliest evidence of its usage dating back almost 30,000 years. It has held significance in various cultures and religious traditions. It is a very strong fabric and feels cool to the touch. It also wrinkles very easily and biodegrades faster than other fibers when buried. The color meaning of linen as a color can be connected to the textile, as well as meanings connected with white, off-white, and peach. Use linen to convey purity, cleanliness, innocence, vintage, nobility, positivity, and strength.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| HEX | #FAF0E6 |
| RGB | 250, 240, 230 |
| CMYK | 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.02 |
Application in design
Linen is a color identified by the Pantone Institute. It is also a web color, so for HTML coding you can specify it by its hexadecimal code or the color name. It is a light color, so when using it as a background color, be sure to use darker hues. Avoid using lighter colors for text or fine details against linen or vice versa. Much like the fabric, linen is versatile in application. It works with many different shades, including blues, greens, pinks, reds, oranges, and browns.
The textile is often worn at daytime, outdoor events that require dressier outfits such as cricket matches, horse races, and croquet games. A palette based on linen is especially appropriate for projects intended to advertise alfresco activities such as weddings, spring events, and birthday parties. Linen can work either as a neutral or a pastel tone. Use it as a base or accent color for graphics related to Easter.
Linen is a go-to for vintage or classic projects. If you’re creating graphics or presentations that have an old-school appearance, use linen as an alternative to white. Pair linen with greens for themes of health, environment, and naturality. Use linen with desaturated blues for coastal or maritime designs, particularly those with a light military spin. Combine linen with tones of pink or rose for a theme of soft yet sophisticated femininity.
