Elephant
General Information
The hex color #163A3F, often referred to as 'Elephant' due to its resemblance to the color of elephant skin, is a dark, desaturated cyan. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 8.63% red, 22.75% green, and 24.71% blue. Its CMYK representation is 0.65, 0.08, 0.00, 0.75, indicating a high level of black ink. The color has a calming and sophisticated feel, making it suitable for designs that require a subtle and grounded aesthetic. Its dark nature also implies a sense of depth and stability. This color can be described as a deep teal or a dark grayish-green depending on the application.
The hex color #163a3f, a dark desaturated cyan, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially concerning text legibility. Its low lightness value (approximately 22%) means that it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to achieve sufficient contrast for users to easily read the content. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given its darkness, #163a3f will likely fail to meet these standards with many text colors, impacting readability for users with visual impairments. When using this color, careful consideration must be given to text color selection and potentially increasing text size or weight to enhance readability and comply with accessibility requirements. Using a contrast checker tool is highly recommended.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #163A3F can be used for website headers or navigation bars to create a sophisticated and muted aesthetic. Due to its dark nature, it is best paired with light-colored text and elements to ensure readability and visual balance. Avoid using it as a primary background color for large blocks of text, as it can strain the eyes. Consider using it sparingly to highlight specific sections or call-to-action buttons, creating an elegant focal point without overwhelming the user interface. It can also work well as a background for informational sections or footers when combined with suitable contrast.
Interior Design
In interior design, #163A3F can be used as an accent color in a room. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or accessories to create a calming and grounding effect. It pairs well with natural materials such as wood and stone, as well as other muted colors such as beige, gray, and white. Consider using it in a bedroom or living room to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. This color will work in areas that want to give off a more masculine feel, but also can fit into a more androgynous decor.
Fashion
In fashion, #163A3F can be utilized for garments and accessories. Consider it for outerwear, such as coats or jackets, or for sophisticated dresses and skirts. It can also be used for accessories like handbags, scarves, or hats to add a touch of understated elegance to an outfit. This color works exceptionally well with both warm and cool color palettes. This creates a balanced and timeless look. Incorporating textures like leather or wool can enhance the color's richness.