Elephant
General Information about #183A48
#183A48 is a dark, muted shade of blue-green, often referred to as "Elephant" due to its resemblance to the color of elephant skin. This hex code translates to RGB values of R: 24, G: 58, B: 72, and CMYK values of C: 67, M: 19, Y: 0, K: 72. It sits in the cooler spectrum of the color wheel, conveying feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. Its hex code allows precise color specification in digital design, ensuring consistency across different platforms and devices. It's commonly used in designs where a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism is desired. Because of its dark nature, it also works very well as a background, or text color.
The hex color #183A48, often associated with the name 'Elephant', presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its relatively low contrast against lighter backgrounds, especially white. When used as text, it may be difficult for users with visual impairments to read comfortably. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure a sufficiently high contrast ratio (at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, according to WCAG guidelines) against its background. Pairing it with very light colors like #FFFFFF or shades of pale yellow or beige is recommended. If used for interactive elements like buttons or links, clear visual cues, such as borders or changes on hover, are essential to help users understand the interactive nature of the element. Consider providing alternative styling options for users with different visual needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #284b63
A lighter shade that maintains the sophisticated feel but offers better contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #263238
A slightly desaturated version that can serve as a neutral background color.
- #204a5f
This color provides better contrast for text while keeping a similar overall tone to the original.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #183A48 can serve as a primary color for websites aiming for a professional and trustworthy aesthetic. It can be used for headings, navigation bars, and other prominent elements to establish a sense of stability and sophistication. When combined with lighter accent colors, it creates a balanced and visually appealing user interface. It also works very well for creating dark mode variations of websites or applications.
Interior Design
In interior design, #183A48 can be used as an accent color for walls or furniture, creating a calming and elegant atmosphere. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, and can be complemented with metallic accents like gold or silver. It's a great choice for bedrooms or living rooms where a sense of tranquility is desired. It can also be paired with brighter colors such as teal or mustard yellow to create a more vibrant and dynamic space.
Fashion
#183A48 evokes a sense of understated sophistication, making it a great choice for formal wear, business suits, or accessories such as scarves and handbags. It pairs well with both neutral tones like gray and beige and bolder colors like burgundy and emerald green. When used in menswear, it projects an image of confidence and reliability. In womenswear, it can be used to create a polished and professional look, especially when combined with tailored silhouettes and classic accessories. The color also works very well for outerwear like coats and jackets because it is dark and neutral enough to work as a basic.