Cream vs. Ivory — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 18, 2024
Cream is a pale yellowish-white color, often associated with warmth and softness, while ivory is a slightly off-white color with a hint of yellow, inspired by the material from elephant tusks.
Difference Between Cream and Ivory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cream is a color that combines elements of both yellow and white, creating a warm, calming hue. It is often used in interior design to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. In contrast, ivory, while also a shade of white, has a subtle hint of yellow, giving it a slightly richer and denser feel than pure white or cream.
In terms of use, cream is popular in fashion and home decor for its ability to bring warmth to fabrics and walls without overwhelming a space with color. Ivory, on the other hand, is considered slightly more elegant and refined, often used in formal settings and in items like wedding dresses and fine linens.
Cream can vary slightly in its intensity and depth, sometimes leaning closer to yellow, depending on the lighting and accompanying colors. Ivory, however, remains consistently close to true white, maintaining a minimalistic yet sophisticated vibe.
While both colors are used extensively in paint, textiles, and design, cream is more likely to be found in casual and comfortable settings, such as living rooms and kitchens. Ivory, while also common in these areas, is more likely to appear in settings that require a touch of formality or understated elegance.
In the fashion industry, cream garments provide a soft, neutral background that pairs well with vibrant colors, enhancing their appeal. Ivory garments, however, tend to demand subtler combinations, often paired with pastels or other light colors to maintain their delicate and refined appearance.
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Comparison Chart
Color Tone
Pale yellowish-white
Off-white with a hint of yellow
Associated Feel
Warmth, softness
Elegance, richness
Common Uses
Casual decor, cozy settings
Formal attire, elegant decor
Variability
Can lean more yellow or more white
Consistently close to white
Fashion Pairings
Works well with bright and dark colors
Best with pastels and other light colors
Compare with Definitions
Cream
A soft, pale yellowish-white color.
The walls were painted a soothing cream color.
Ivory
Stays close to white in shade.
The ivory sheets gave the bedroom an elegant feel.
Cream
Versatile in fashion.
Her cream sweater paired beautifully with her bright blue jeans.
Ivory
Used in delicate decor and attire.
Ivory lace is a popular choice for bridal gowns.
Cream
Frequently used in paints and textiles.
We chose a cream fabric for the curtains to complement the room.
Ivory
Symbolizes sophistication.
The ivory tablecloth set a formal tone for the dinner.
Cream
Common in cozy settings.
The cream sofa adds a warm touch to the room.
Ivory
A refined, off-white color with a hint of yellow.
She chose an ivory wedding dress for its classic elegance.
Cream
Provides a neutral backdrop.
The cream background of the painting highlighted the vibrant colors used.
Ivory
Pairs with soft color schemes.
The ivory blouse looked perfect with her pale pink skirt.
Cream
Cream is a dairy product composed of the higher-fat layer skimmed from the top of milk before homogenization. In un-homogenized milk, the fat, which is less dense, eventually rises to the top.
Ivory
Ivory is a hard, white material from the tusks (traditionally from elephants) and teeth of animals, that consists mainly of dentine, one of the physical structures of teeth and tusks. The chemical structure of the teeth and tusks of mammals is the same, regardless of the species of origin.
Cream
The yellowish fatty component of unhomogenized milk that tends to accumulate at the surface.
Ivory
A hard creamy-white substance composing the main part of the tusks of an elephant, walrus, or narwhal, often (especially formerly) used to make ornaments and other articles
A dagger with an ivory handle
Cream
Any of various substances resembling or containing cream
Hand cream.
Ivory
The creamy-white colour of ivory
An ivory silk blouse
Cream
A pale yellow to yellowish white.
Ivory
A hard, smooth, yellowish-white substance composed primarily of dentin that forms the tusks of the elephant.
Cream
The choicest part
The cream of the crop.
Ivory
A similar substance forming the tusks or teeth of certain other mammals, such as the walrus.
Cream
To form cream.
Ivory
A tusk, especially an elephant's tusk.
Cream
To form foam or froth at the top.
Ivory
An article made of ivory.
Cream
To have an orgasm.
Ivory
A substance resembling ivory.
Cream
To be excited or delighted about something.
Ivory
A pale or grayish yellow to yellowish white.
Cream
To remove the cream from; skim.
Ivory
(Music) Piano keys.
Cream
To take or remove (the best part)
Creamed off the highest-paying jobs for her cronies.
Ivory
(Games) Dice.
Cream
To take the best part from
Creamed the whole department to form his management team.
Ivory
(Slang) The teeth.
Cream
To beat into a creamy consistency.
Ivory
Composed or constructed of ivory.
Cream
To prepare or cook in or with a cream sauce.
Ivory
Of a pale or grayish yellow to yellowish white.
Cream
To add cream to.
Ivory
(uncountable) The hard white form of dentin which forms the tusks of elephants, walruses and other animals.
Cream
To defeat overwhelmingly
Creamed our rival on their home court.
Ivory
A creamy white color, the color of ivory.
Cream
To damage severely; destroy
My camera got creamed when I dropped it.
Ivory
Something made from or resembling ivory.
Cream
Vulgar Slang To have an orgasm in (one's pants, for example).
Ivory
The teeth.
Cream
The butterfat/milkfat part of milk which rises to the top; this part when separated from the remainder.
Take 100 ml of cream and 50 grams of sugar…
Ivory
The keys of a piano.
To tickle the ivories
Cream
The liquid separated from milk, possibly with certain other milk products added, and with at least eighteen percent of it milkfat.
Ivory
(slang) A white person.
Cream
The liquid separated from milk containing at least 18 percent milkfat (48% for double cream).
Ivory
(informal) A die object bearing numbers, thrown in games of chance.
Cream
(tea and coffee) A portion of cream, such as the amount found in a creamer.
I take my coffee with two cream and three sugar.
Ivory
Made of ivory.
Cream
A yellowish white colour; the colour of cream.
Ivory
Resembling or having the colour of ivory.
Cream
(informal) Frosting, custard, creamer, or another substance similar to the oily part of milk or to whipped cream.
Ivory
The hard, white, opaque, fine-grained substance constituting the tusks of the elephant. It is a variety of dentine, characterized by the minuteness and close arrangement of the tubes, as also by their double flexure. It is used in manufacturing articles of ornament or utility.
Cream
(figuratively) The best part of something.
The cream of the crop
The cream of a collection of books or pictures
Ivory
The tusks themselves of the elephant, etc.
Cream
(medicine) A viscous aqueous oil/fat emulsion with a medicament added, used to apply that medicament to the skin. (compare with ointment)
You look really sunburnt; you should apply some cream.
Ivory
Any carving executed in ivory.
Cream
Semen.
Ivory
Teeth; as, to show one's ivories.
Cream
(obsolete) The chrism or consecrated oil used in anointing ceremonies.
Ivory
A hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses
Cream
Cream-coloured; having a yellowish white colour.
Ivory
A shade of white the color of bleached bones
Cream
To puree, to blend with a liquifying process.
Cream the vegetables with the olive oil, flour, salt and water mixture.
Cream
To turn a yellowish white colour; to give something the color of cream.
Cream
(slang) To obliterate, to defeat decisively.
We creamed the opposing team!
Cream
To ejaculate used of either gender.
Cream
To ejaculate in (clothing or a bodily orifice).
Cream
To rub, stir, or beat (butter) into a light creamy consistency.
Cream
(transitive) To skim, or take off by skimming, as cream.
Cream
To take off the best or choicest part of.
Cream
(transitive) To furnish with, or as if with, cream.
Cream
(intransitive) To gather or form cream.
Cream
The rich, oily, and yellowish part of milk, which, when the milk stands unagitated, rises, and collects on the surface. It is the part of milk from which butter is obtained.
Cream
The part of any liquor that rises, and collects on the surface.
Cream
A delicacy of several kinds prepared for the table from cream, etc., or so as to resemble cream.
Cream
A cosmetic; a creamlike medicinal preparation.
In vain she tries her paste and creams,To smooth her skin or hide its seams.
Cream
The best or choicest part of a thing; the quintessence; as, the cream of a jest or story; the cream of a collection of books or pictures.
Welcome, O flower and cream of knights errant.
Cream
To skim, or take off by skimming, as cream.
Cream
To take off the best or choicest part of.
Cream
To furnish with, or as with, cream.
Creaming the fragrant cups.
Cream
To form or become covered with cream; to become thick like cream; to assume the appearance of cream; hence, to grow stiff or formal; to mantle.
There are a sort of men whose visagesDo cream and mantle like a standing pool.
Cream
The best people or things in a group;
The cream of England's young men were killed in the Great War
Cream
The part of milk containing the butterfat
Cream
Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
Cream
Make creamy by beating;
Cream the butter
Cream
Put on cream, as on one's face or body;
She creams her face every night
Cream
Remove from the surface;
Skim cream from the surface of milk
Cream
Add cream to one's coffee, for example
Common Curiosities
What are the benefits of using cream color in a living space?
Cream helps to brighten spaces while adding warmth, making it ideal for creating a cozy and welcoming environment.
How do fashion designers typically use ivory?
Designers use ivory in pieces that require a touch of elegance and understated luxury, such as bridal gowns and formal wear.
Where is cream color most commonly used?
Cream is most commonly used in home decor and fashion for creating warm, inviting spaces and outfits.
How do lighting conditions affect the appearance of cream and ivory?
Lighting can make cream appear more yellow or whiter, whereas ivory generally maintains its subtle, warm white appearance under different lighting.
What are some common mistakes when decorating with cream?
A common mistake is overusing cream without sufficient contrast, which can make a space look bland.
What makes ivory a popular choice for weddings?
Ivory is popular for weddings due to its elegance and soft, refined appearance, which adds a formal and sophisticated touch.
Is ivory suitable for any style of interior design?
Ivory is versatile and can suit many styles, especially those that lean towards minimalism or sophistication.
What should one consider when choosing between cream and ivory for a project?
Consider the desired mood and style; choose cream for warmth and comfort, and ivory for elegance and formality.
Can cream and ivory be used in the same outfit?
Yes, combining cream and ivory in an outfit can create a sophisticated and layered look.
What is the main difference between cream and ivory?
The main difference is in their color tones; cream has more yellow, making it warmer, while ivory is a cleaner off-white with less yellow.
Can cream and ivory be used together in decor?
Yes, cream and ivory can be used together to create a layered, textured look that is both elegant and warm.
How do cream and ivory influence the perception of space and size?
Both colors can make spaces appear larger and brighter, but cream's warmth makes it especially effective in making large spaces feel more intimate.
How can one effectively incorporate ivory into home decor?
Incorporating ivory can be effective by using it in combination with other light neutrals and textures to enhance its sophistication without overpowering other elements.
Are there any colors that particularly clash with cream or ivory?
Very few colors clash; however, overly saturated hues may overwhelm the subtlety of ivory, while some pastels might look washed out against cream.
Which color is easier to maintain in terms of cleanliness, cream or ivory?
Both colors show wear similarly, but cream may hide slight stains better due to its slightly darker tone.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
