Elephant
General Information
The hex color #1C3542, sometimes referred to as 'Elephant' due to its resemblance to the hide of an elephant, is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the family of cool colors and possesses a subtle, understated elegance. In the RGB color model, #1C3542 is composed of 11% red, 21% green, and 26% blue. Its calming properties make it a popular choice for backgrounds and design elements aiming to evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication. The color's low saturation also contributes to its versatility, allowing it to blend well with a wide range of other colors. It does, however, tend to absorb light due to its darkness, making it important to use contrasting elements when including it in designs.
The hex color #1C3542, often referred to as 'Elephant,' presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively dark nature means that careful consideration must be given to the color of text and other elements placed on top of it. A light text color, such as white or a pale yellow, is essential to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using tools to check contrast ratios is highly recommended. Additionally, avoid using this color for elements that rely solely on color to convey meaning, as users with color vision deficiencies may not be able to distinguish them. Consider using supplementary cues such as text labels or icons to enhance accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #34495e
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast against dark text, while still retaining a sophisticated and muted appearance.
- #4a6572
A more neutral grey that works well as a background color without being too visually overpowering, suitable for content-heavy websites.
- #2c3e50
This shade offers a touch more warmth while remaining professional and unobtrusive.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #1C3542 can serve as an elegant background color for headers or footers. Its dark hue creates a sense of depth and sophistication. This color is often paired with lighter text and graphical elements to create a visually appealing contrast. It's also suitable for use in data visualizations where a muted background is needed to make other colors pop. Furthermore, #1C3542 can be used to highlight specific sections of a webpage, such as call-to-action buttons or important announcements, drawing the user's attention without being overly distracting. Its calming properties make it ideal for websites focused on relaxation, meditation, or mindfulness.
Interior Design
In interior design, #1C3542 can be used to create a relaxing and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms or living rooms, especially when paired with lighter, warmer colors to balance its coolness. It can be used on walls, furniture, or as an accent color in rugs and artwork. Its subtle and grounding nature brings a sense of calm and can be integrated with natural materials like wood and stone to enhance the organic feel of a space. Metallic accents like gold or copper can add a touch of luxury to compliment the color.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, the color #1C3542 is a great option for creating stylish and practical garments. Its deep and earthy tones make it appropriate for formal events or everyday outfits. This color looks particularly good when combined with contrasting textures like silk or leather. The color works great as a base for more vibrant hues, enabling designers to express their artistic vision while keeping a sophisticated look. Its neutrality and understated elegance make it a versatile option that fits an array of different aesthetic styles. It can be used in outerwear, suiting, or casual wear.