Mirage
General Information about #162226
The hex color code #162226, also known as Mirage, is a dark, desaturated shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the family of cool colors, conveying a sense of calm, sophistication, and stability. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 8.63% red, 13.33% green, and 14.9% blue. When expressed in the HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) color model, it has a hue angle of 195 degrees, a saturation of 26.7%, and a lightness of 11.8%. This hex color is commonly used in designs seeking a modern, understated, and slightly mysterious aesthetic. Its muted nature makes it versatile for backgrounds, text, or accent elements. The color's low lightness value indicates that it is a very dark color, leaning towards black.
The hex color #162226, also known as Mirage, presents accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. When used as a background color, it requires extremely light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, adhering to WCAG guidelines for color contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, pairing #162226 with very light shades of white, yellow, or even light gray is crucial. Designers should use color contrast checkers to validate compliance. It's generally advisable to avoid using this color for large blocks of text, opting instead for decorative elements or sparingly used accents. Consider users with visual impairments who rely on sufficient contrast to differentiate text from backgrounds. Ensuring proper color contrast is not just a best practice but a legal requirement in many regions to provide inclusive web experiences.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #162226 can be employed as a sophisticated background color for headers or footers, particularly in minimalist designs aiming for a sleek, modern aesthetic. Its dark tone can create a sense of depth and luxury. However, careful consideration must be given to text color to ensure readability, opting for light shades like whites or creams. It is suitable for tech-related websites, personal portfolios, or corporate sites that want to convey professionalism and innovation. It can also be used for UI elements like buttons or progress bars when paired with lighter accents to guide the user's focus. Be mindful of loading times when using dark backgrounds, optimizing images to reduce the load.
Interior Design
In interior design, #162226 can be used as a base color for walls in a home theater or study to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Accent furniture or artwork in brighter colors can then be used to prevent the space from feeling too dark. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and leather, adding warmth and texture to the space. This color is suitable for creating a sophisticated and relaxing environment. Lighting is crucial when using this color in interiors to balance the darkness and highlight key features.
Beauty and Fashion
In the beauty and fashion industry, #162226 can serve as the primary color for items like high-end makeup packaging to convey elegance. It can be applied to clothing pieces in darker, fashionable clothing lines. It can be used in product photography as a background to draw attention to the products, making the items stand out. It complements metallic accessories. It evokes high-end feel that can draw customers to luxury product lines.