Bay of Many
General Information about #173981
The hex color #173981, often referred to as "Bay of Many", is a deep shade of blue. It is composed of 9.02% red, 22.35% green, and 50.59% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as rgb(23, 57, 129). This color resides in the cool end of the color spectrum and evokes feelings of stability, trust, and depth. It is frequently utilized in designs that aim to project a sense of professionalism and reliability. Due to its low saturation and brightness, this color requires careful consideration of contrasting elements to ensure readability and visual appeal. In the HSL color space, its hue is 217.7 degrees, saturation is 69.4%, and lightness is 30.2%.
The hex color #173981, also known as Bay of Many, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). This color might not meet these contrast requirements with many common text colors, potentially causing visual strain for users, especially those with visual impairments. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully select a contrasting color for text and interactive elements to ensure accessibility. Using tools to measure contrast ratios is highly recommended before deploying this color in user interfaces. Consider increasing font sizes or using bolder fonts to improve readability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast for text and is more visually appealing in modern designs.
- #808080
A neutral gray that provides a sophisticated and accessible background color, working well with a variety of text colors.
- #007bff
A vibrant blue color to provide a brighter alternative.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #173981 can be utilized for creating a sophisticated and professional atmosphere. It is well-suited for header backgrounds, sidebars, or accent elements. However, it's essential to pair it with appropriately contrasting text colors such as white or a very light yellow to maintain readability and accessibility. This color is often chosen for financial or corporate websites aiming to project stability and trustworthiness. Remember to always test contrast ratios to meet accessibility standards when using this dark color in web applications.
Interior Design
In interior design, #173981 can be used to create a calming and elegant atmosphere in bedrooms or studies. It works well as an accent wall color or for furniture upholstery. When using it in larger areas, balance it with lighter colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark or oppressive. Consider pairing it with off-white or light gray walls, and incorporate warm metallic accents like gold or copper to add depth and interest. Natural light also plays a crucial role in maximizing the appeal of this deep blue hue.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, #173981 can be used for creating elegant and timeless pieces of clothing. It can be used in evening gowns, suits, or outerwear. The dark blue tone provides a versatile backdrop for accessories and allows for experimentation with different textures and materials. The color also combines nicely with other dark colors such as black and grey. When creating clothing designs, also consider combinations with brighter colors such as yellow or red.