Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray (#202134)
The hexadecimal color #202134, commonly referred to as Steel Gray, is a dark, muted shade of gray with subtle hints of blue. It belongs to the family of cool-toned colors and is often associated with sophistication, neutrality, and calmness. In the RGB color model, #202134 is composed of 12.55% red, 12.94% green, and 20.39% blue. This combination results in a color that is neither overwhelmingly warm nor overly cold, providing a balanced and versatile option for various design applications. Its darkness lends it a sense of depth, making it suitable for backgrounds and elements where a subtle yet impactful presence is desired. Steel Gray is frequently used in both digital and physical design to evoke feelings of professionalism, stability, and understated elegance. This color, due to its neutral nature, works well alongside a wide range of other colors, from vibrant hues to softer pastels, offering considerable flexibility in color palette creation.
The hex color #202134, also known as Steel Gray, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white (#FFFFFF) is approximately 9.8:1, which meets WCAG AA standards for normal text and WCAG AAA standards for large text. However, against black (#000000), the contrast ratio is only about 2.1:1, failing accessibility standards. Therefore, when using #202134, it is crucial to pair it with light-colored text or backgrounds to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter shade of gray or a completely different color with higher contrast against both light and dark backgrounds. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility guidelines. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements if sufficient contrast isn't achievable, as it may render these elements difficult for some users to perceive and interact with.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #404254
A lighter gray provides better contrast against dark backgrounds, enhancing readability and accessibility.
- #303144
A slightly desaturated blue-gray offers a calming aesthetic while maintaining decent contrast when used appropriately.
- #000011
A color close to black which provide a high contrast for text, ensuring excellent readability and accessibility on light backgrounds.
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds and UI Elements
Steel Gray is a versatile color choice for website backgrounds and UI elements. Its subdued nature helps create a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, making it suitable for professional websites, portfolios, and corporate dashboards. It works well as a neutral backdrop that allows other design elements and content to stand out. Moreover, it can be effectively used in charts and graphs to represent data without overpowering the visual representation. Steel Gray is also a good choice for creating a calm and focused user experience, particularly in applications that require extended periods of concentration or data analysis. Careful consideration should be given to text color choices to ensure proper contrast and readability.
Interior Design Wall Color
In interior design, Steel Gray can serve as a primary wall color, providing a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It pairs well with both warm and cool accent colors, making it a flexible choice for various design styles. It can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices to create a relaxing and elegant environment. Consider pairing it with natural materials like wood and stone to add warmth and texture. Steel Gray can also be used in furniture upholstery, cabinetry, and other decorative elements. The color's neutrality makes it suitable for both modern and traditional interiors, offering a refined and understated look.
Beauty and Cosmetics
Steel Gray eyeshadow creates a subtle, smoky effect, suitable for both day and evening wear. It provides depth and definition without being overly dramatic. It works well on various skin tones and eye colors, making it a versatile addition to any makeup collection. Steel Gray can also be used as a base for more vibrant colors, helping to enhance their intensity. Additionally, Steel Gray is popular in nail polish, offering a chic and modern alternative to traditional neutral shades. The color's muted tone pairs well with both casual and formal attire.