Bay of Many
General Information about #174181
The hexadecimal color #174181, often referred to as 'Bay of Many,' is a deep, muted shade of blue with a significant presence of purple undertones. It resides within the blue color family but exhibits a certain complexity that distinguishes it from simpler blues. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it is composed of 9.02% red, 25.49% green, and 50.59% blue. In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color model, it consists of 82.13% cyan, 49.61% magenta, 0% yellow, and 49.41% black. This color is often associated with feelings of stability, depth, and intelligence. It's a color that evokes a sense of calm authority and can be seen as professional and trustworthy. It should be used with consideration because large blocks of it may have a depressing effect. Lighter colors should be paired with this color, so that any room feels open.
The hex color #174181, also known as Bay of Many, presents some accessibility challenges, especially in text applications. Its relatively low luminance of approximately 9.1% requires careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as a text color, it's crucial to pair it with a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using online contrast checkers is advisable to verify compliance. For interactive elements like buttons or links, providing clear visual cues beyond color alone is important, such as underlines or icons, to assist users with color vision deficiencies. In graphical elements, consider using this color in combination with brighter shades to ensure key information isn't lost on users with visual impairments. Proper color choice enhances usability for a broader audience, aligning with inclusive design principles.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Bay of Many (#174181) can be used to create a sense of trust and stability. It's a good choice for headers, navigation bars, and background elements, particularly for websites in the finance, technology, or government sectors. When creating UI components, use Bay of Many as a primary color sparingly. To achieve optimal readability, use it with white or very light text. This color evokes a sense of authority and can be used to create visually appealing websites that maintain a professional appearance. In data visualization, this shade can be used to represent a distinct category within charts and graphs.
Fashion and Interior Design
In the realm of fashion, #174181 can be incorporated into elegant evening wear or professional attire. It pairs well with silver or gold accents, exuding an air of sophistication. Its depth of tone makes it an excellent choice for structured garments. In interior design, it works well as an accent wall in a home office or library, fostering an atmosphere conducive to concentration and productivity. It can also be used in furniture upholstery, particularly in velvet or leather, to impart a sense of luxury and depth to a room. The color should be offset with lighter neutrals to prevent the space from feeling too dark or heavy.
Branding and Marketing
In branding, this color can represent reliability and knowledge. It's often used in logos and marketing materials for companies that want to project an image of expertise and trustworthiness. For marketing, think of using this color for companies that focus on security, IT, or law firms. When working on creating advertisements, keep in mind that this color goes very well with lighter blues, grays and greens. It will provide the user with a calm and relaxing feeling.