Biscay
General Information
The hexadecimal color #18426B, often referred to as Biscay, is a dark and muted shade of blue with a touch of green. It belongs to the cool color family, evoking feelings of serenity, stability, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, #18426B consists of 9.41% red, 25.88% green, and 41.96% blue. This color is commonly associated with trust, intelligence, and efficiency, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional designs. It's also often used to represent water or the ocean, lending a sense of calmness and tranquility. Biscay is a versatile color that can be incorporated into various design applications, from web development to interior design, to create a refined and elegant aesthetic.
The hex color #18426B, also known as Biscay, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds, potentially causing readability issues for users, especially those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for ensuring content is perceivable. To enhance accessibility, it's recommended to pair #18426B with lighter shades of yellow, white, or green to meet the contrast requirements for text and interactive elements. Using color contrast checkers during the design process can help identify and address any potential accessibility barriers, ensuring a more inclusive user experience. Additionally, consider providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or text labels, to convey information beyond color alone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682B4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability.
- #808080
A neutral gray that provides a softer alternative while maintaining sufficient contrast.
- #58729B
A lighter and desaturated version of biscay, useful to provide a similar feel without losing readability
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #18426B can be utilized for website headers or navigation bars, offering a professional and calming visual experience. It works particularly well in the financial sector or any business aiming to convey trust and reliability. When using this color, it is important to make sure that the contrast with the text used on top of it is high enough. The color is not adequate for body text, but can be used for headlines.
Interior Design
In interior design, Biscay can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decor, creating a sophisticated and serene atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral tones like beige, gray, and white, adding depth and visual interest to a space. It is especially suitable for bedrooms or living rooms where a relaxing and peaceful ambiance is desired.
Branding
The color can also be used as a brand color that conveys reliability and innovation. It would be suitable for financial institutions and technology companies. The dark shade projects a sense of professionalism. As an alternative, the color can be used in advertising to draw attention to the subject, if it has sufficient contrast.