Elephant
General Information
The hex color #173C46, often referred to as "Elephant," is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the family of cool colors and evokes feelings of tranquility and stability. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.02% red, 23.53% green, and 27.45% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.67, 0.14, 0.00, 0.73, indicating a high proportion of cyan and black. The color is commonly used in design to convey a sense of sophistication and reliability. Due to its low saturation and value, it is often employed as a background or accent color, particularly in web design, branding, and interior decoration where a calming effect is desired. The color is more on the darker side.
The hex color #173C46, often referred to as "Elephant" due to its resemblance to the gray hue of elephants, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of #173C46, lighter colors like white, light yellow, or light green are typically needed to meet these standards. Tools like contrast checkers can assist developers in verifying compliance. When combined with darker backgrounds, using this color for text will likely cause readability issues for users with visual impairments, hence, usage of contrasting foreground colors is paramount.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, #173C46 can be effectively used as a background color for headers or footers, providing a sophisticated and calming visual base. To ensure readability, pair it with light-colored text, such as white or a pale yellow. It's also well-suited for navigation bars or sidebars where a subtle, non-intrusive color is desired. When incorporated thoughtfully, this color can contribute to a professional and aesthetically pleasing website design that enhances user experience.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #173C46, reminiscent of a deep sea or a cloudy sky, can be used for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms to create a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as metallic accents such as gold or copper. Consider using it in combination with lighter, warmer tones like beige or cream to prevent the space from feeling too dark or cold. The color lends a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #173C46 can serve as a versatile base color for creating a range of looks. Use it for dresses, trousers, or jackets to evoke a sense of understated elegance. Pair it with brighter colors like coral or mustard yellow for a pop of contrast, or keep it neutral with grays and whites for a minimalist aesthetic. This color works particularly well for autumn and winter wardrobes, adding depth and sophistication to any ensemble.