![Beige Beige](/images/beige/thumbnail.webp)
Bistre
What color is Bistre?
Bistre is a color name that can refer to different shades of brown.
The word bistre comes from the French word for a pigment made from soot, which was used as an ink for drawings by many Old Masters.
Bistre has also been used to name other colors resembling the pigment, such as bistre brown, French bistre, and Spanish bistre.
Bistre belongs to the brown color family, and has a hue angle of 24 degrees, a saturation of 32.6%, and a lightness of 18% in the HSL color space.
In the hexadecimal color code, bistre is represented by #3D2B1F, which has RGB values of R:61, G:43, B:31 and CMYK values of C:0, M:30, Y:49, K:76.
Bistre can also evoke a sense of antiquity, warmth, earthiness, and naturalness.
Example of the palette with the Bistre color
![Palette with colors: Banana Mania, Ruddy pink and Bistre Picture with primary colors of Banana Mania, Ruddy pink, Bistre, Boysenberry and Slate gray](/images/bistre/painting-of-a-ship-sailing.webp)
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Example of the palette with the Bistre color
![Palette with colors: Bistre, Umber and Gray Picture with primary colors of Bistre, Umber, Gray, Pastel gray and Khaki](/images/bistre/woman-in-a-green-dress-standing.webp)
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What are the examples of Bistre color in life?
It was used as an ink for drawings by many Old Masters.
Some examples of bistre color in life are:
The bark of beechwood trees
The fur of some animals, such as bears or wolves
The soil of some regions, such as peat bogs or volcanic areas
The coffee beans before roasting
Example of the palette with the Bistre color
![Palette with colors: Bistre, Black and Ecru Picture with primary colors of Bistre, Black, Ecru, Deep carmine and Light carmine pink](/images/bistre/fancy-room-with-a-large-clock.webp)
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What looks best in Bistre?
It has a dark grayish brown hue with a yellowish cast.
Bistre is often used as a wash in pen and ink drawings to create shadows and depth.
Bistre can look best when paired with colors that contrast or complement its warm and earthy tone.
Some possible color combinations are:
Bistre and cream: This combination creates a classic and elegant look that is reminiscent of old master drawings.
Cream can lighten up the mood of bistre and add some freshness to the palette.Bistre and turquoise: This combination creates a vibrant and dynamic look that is inspired by nature.
Turquoise can brighten up the dullness of bistre and add some energy to the palette.Bistre and gold: This combination creates a luxurious and sophisticated look that is fit for royalty.
Gold can enhance the richness of bistre and add some glamour to the palette.
Of ancient art and mystery
Of shadows cast by candlelight
Of secrets hidden in the night
Bistre is the color of nature
Of wood and soil and creature
Of autumn leaves and forest floor
Of warmth and comfort and more
Bistre is the color of elegance
Of style and grace and elegance
Of leather books and wooden desks
Of fine attire and accessories
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Example of the palette with the Bistre color
![Palette with colors: Bistre, Terra cotta and Bole Picture with primary colors of Bistre, Terra cotta, Bole, Dark slate blue and Pale mauve](/images/bistre/painting-of-a-mountain-range.webp)
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