Steel Gray
About Steel Gray (#1E2733)
The hexadecimal color code #1E2733, also known as Steel Gray, is composed of 11.8% red, 15.3% green, and 20% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 30 red, 39 green, and 51 blue. Represented in the CMYK color model, it consists of 41% cyan, 24% magenta, 0% yellow, and 80% black. This dark shade of gray evokes a sense of sophistication, modernity, and neutrality. Its subdued nature makes it a versatile choice for various applications in design, from web interfaces to interior decor. The color is often associated with feelings of stability, calmness, and professionalism, which is due to the minimal saturation and dark value. Steel Gray is often used to complement vibrant colors, providing a balanced and harmonious color scheme.
The hex color #1E2733, a dark steel gray, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it is crucial to select foreground text colors that provide sufficient contrast to ensure readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Light shades of yellow, white, or other highly contrasting colors are recommended as foreground text. It's essential to use accessibility testing tools to verify the contrast ratio and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, it's important to provide sufficient visual cues, such as changes in color or state on hover or focus, to help users understand their interactions.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, #1E2733 can be effectively employed as a background color for website headers or footers, lending a sophisticated and modern feel. Its dark hue provides a grounding effect, allowing brighter elements to pop. It is also suitable for sidebars or content divisions, creating visual separation without being too distracting. When used for text, ensure a high contrast ratio with a light text color to maintain readability and accessibility. For e-commerce sites, this shade can act as a subtle backdrop to showcase product images, making the products stand out and enticing customers to explore further. This dark gray is also useful for dashboards to not distract from important data visuals.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #1E2733 can be used to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It can be applied to walls in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when paired with lighter furniture and decor elements to create a balanced and inviting space. The color also works well for accent walls or architectural details, such as trim or molding, adding depth and visual interest. For a modern kitchen design, consider using it for cabinetry, complemented by stainless steel appliances and light-colored countertops. It's suitable for home office environments to minimize distractions and create a focused work area. Using natural or artificial lighting is important to avoid that the room seems small.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #1E2733 is a versatile color choice for creating elegant and understated looks. It works well for outerwear like coats or jackets, providing a sophisticated and timeless appeal. The color can also be used for trousers, skirts, or dresses, especially when paired with brighter or contrasting accessories to add visual interest. For menswear, it's suitable for suits or blazers, offering a modern and polished appearance. Consider using it in accessories like scarves or hats to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. The steel gray color is mostly used during winter.