Metallic colors will never go out of style. They have stood the test of time and successfully cemented their place in the world of color. From fashion to interiors, these metallic colors are classic additions that elevate your look from head to toe.

One of the more intriguing colors in the bunch is pewter. A cross between silver and gray, pewter is a color that is grounding and as timeless as it comes.

You may wonder what colors make up pewter. Look no further, as this article aims to answer that and more. Read below to learn how you can create this color on your own and incorporate it into everyday life.

What is Pewter?

First, let’s define pewter. Simply put, pewter is a tin-based alloy metal. While it is mostly made of tin, pewter is also comprised of copper and lead.

Pewter has been around for thousands of years. In fact, it dates back to ancient Roman times when it was typically used for kitchen utensils and cookware. Over time, this particular metal tends to darken and blacken, which is why it is often referred to as black metal. Despite its relative darkness, pewter still has a noticeable sheen that appears more matte compared to other metals and shades.

Given its dull and matte sheen, it is quite safe to say that pewter is a darker shade of gray. It’s frequently viewed as a cross between silver and charcoal or gray and silver. At times, it gives off blue undertones and ranges from light to medium tones depending on its blend.

According to Canva, pewter color’s hexadecimal color code is #E9EAEC. Its corresponding RGB color values are 91.4% red, 91.8% green, and 92.5% blue. Meanwhile, pewter’s CMYK value is 1% cyan, 1% magenta, 0% yellow, and 7% black.

What Colors Make Pewter?



As mentioned, the color pewter changes depending on the colors in the mix and how they are blended. At times, it takes on a bluer appearance, while other times it appears silver.

If you are learning how to create this particular hue, you need to work with a number of colors. To achieve the base color, you need white and black paints. You also need raw umber, ultramarine blue, and metallic silver.

Blending these colors is challenging and overwhelming at times. To successfully make pewter, an open mind and an eagerness to try is essential. Start with small amounts of each color and work your way up.

To start, mix a small amount of black and white paints. Use more white paint than black to balance it out. Do this until you achieve a medium gray shade.

After you create your medium gray shade, add in small amounts of raw umber and ultramarine blue. Blend these with the gray color. The bright blue hue of ultramarine gives the pewter a cool tone underneath, while the raw umber neutralizes and balances this coolness with its warmth.

To finish your pewter color, add metallic silver into the mix. This gives the sheen without being too loud. Err on the side of caution when using the metallic silver paint, especially since pewter has a duller sheen compared to other metals.

Meaning Behind the Pewter Color
Pewter is considered a duller shade of gray or silver by many individuals, but this color has many lovely attributes. With its cool undertones, pewter brings a refreshing outlook and sense of earthiness to any space. Its multidimensional hues add depth and warmth compared to traditional gray, the latter of which can appear too flat.

Pewter is a neutral color. Because of this, it is usually associated with seriousness and conventionalism. People who have a fondness for this color are thought to have the ability to adapt and adjust to varying circumstances.

However, it is this particular attribute of pewter that makes it go so well with other colors on the spectrum, including both brighter and darker colors.

Decorating with Pewter
Pewter’s cool gray metallic color goes well with other cool colors on the spectrum. It works beautifully with white since it brings a bright yet pristine appearance that looks clean and crisp from any angle.

For those who want to lean on its darker tones, playing with different shades of gray and silver adds depth and interest to pewter. Darker tones present in your space bring out shadows, textures, and one-of-a-kind architectural details, elevating your room to a more luxurious feel.

Final Thoughts
Pewter is definitely one of the more versatile colors you can play around with. It bears a cool yet earthy tone that is very much grounded, allowing you more freedom to experiment with this hue in a variety of ways.