Elephant
General Information about #173147
The hex color #173147 is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray, often described as resembling the color of an elephant. It belongs to the blue color family, although its low saturation gives it a more neutral appearance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.02% red, 19.22% green, and 27.84% blue. Its corresponding values in other color spaces are: CMYK (67.69, 31.25, 0.0, 72.16), HSL (210.0, 51.35, 18.43), and Lab (22.98, -3.09, -7.13). The hex color is often used to convey feelings of professionalism, stability, and sophistication. Due to its dark nature, it is best paired with lighter colors to provide contrast and readability. This color is widely used in corporate branding, website design, and interior design.
The hex color #173147, often referred to as 'Elephant,' presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used for text or interactive elements. Its low lightness value indicates that it's a dark color, requiring careful consideration of contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between foreground and background colors is crucial for users with visual impairments. For normal text (size 14 points or 18 points bold/higher), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text (18 points or 24 points bold/higher), a ratio of 3:1 is needed. When using #173147, ensure that any text or interactive elements have a light enough color to meet these contrast requirements. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Insufficient contrast can make content difficult or impossible for some users to read or interact with. Consider using lighter shades of grey, yellow, or white for text or interactive elements on a background of #173147 to improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Header/Footer
In web design, #173147 can be employed as a background color for website headers or footers to impart a sense of sophistication and depth. Its dark tone is suitable for sections where key information is highlighted, or a subtle call to action button needs to stand out with light text, such as a registration button. The color should be carefully balanced with lighter colors for text to ensure readability, and avoid using it for lengthy content sections. In general, this can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of a website.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #173147 can serve as a deep accent color for walls in studies, libraries, or home theaters, creating an intimate and focused atmosphere. It pairs well with lighter neutrals like cream or beige for furniture and trim. Moreover, it can be used on a single focus wall to add depth to a room, especially when contrasted with lighter complementary colors in artwork or accessories. Careful balance is important, and the use of lighting is critical to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #173147 can be used as a primary color for elegant dresses, suits, or outerwear. The deep hue conveys a sense of sophistication and professionalism. It is a versatile option suitable for both formal and semi-formal occasions, especially when combined with accessories in metallics like silver or gold, or complementary colors such as light grey or beige. It can also be used as an accent color in patterns or detailing for a subtle touch of depth.