Steel Gray
About Steel Gray (#202138)
The hex color #202138, often referred to as Steel Gray, is a dark and muted shade residing in the realm of grays within the color spectrum. Its hexadecimal code indicates a composition of red, green, and blue light, with relatively low values for each component, resulting in its subdued appearance. In the RGB color model, it consists of 12.5% red, 12.9% green, and 21.9% blue. This color is frequently associated with qualities such as sophistication, neutrality, and modernity. Its subtle nature makes it a popular choice for backgrounds and accent colors across various design applications. Steel Gray conveys a sense of understated elegance, making it suitable for projects aiming for a refined and contemporary aesthetic. It is often used to evoke feelings of calm and stability, making it a versatile choice in both digital and physical design contexts.
The hex color #202138, a dark shade of steel gray, presents specific accessibility considerations, especially in web design. Due to its low luminance, using it as a background color requires careful selection of foreground text colors to ensure sufficient contrast. 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 to meet AA compliance. For AAA compliance, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. When using #202138, pairing it with light hues like white (#FFFFFF) or pale yellow can help achieve the necessary contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can verify compliance. It's also crucial to consider users with visual impairments, who might struggle with low contrast, making high contrast combinations essential for usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web design, #202138 is suitable for creating a sophisticated and modern aesthetic. It works well for backgrounds in dark-themed websites or sections where a subtle, understated feel is desired. The color can be used for navigation bars, footers, or as a secondary background element to highlight specific content areas. Its dark nature allows for bright, contrasting text and UI elements to stand out, enhancing user experience. Furthermore, #202138 can be effectively implemented in data visualizations to differentiate categories or emphasize key data points, contributing to a visually appealing and informative presentation.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, this shade can be used to create a calming and elegant space. It is best applied in rooms with ample natural light, where its depth can be fully appreciated without making the space feel too dark. It can be used as the primary color in a bedroom or living room, paired with lighter furniture and accessories to create contrast and balance. Moreover, steel gray can serve as an excellent accent color in larger spaces, highlighting architectural features or creating focal points through the use of textiles and artwork. By incorporating textures such as velvet, wool, or metal, the color gains depth and sophistication, enhancing the overall design.
Fashion Apparel Base
In fashion, #202138 can be used as a versatile base color for creating elegant and refined outfits. It serves as an excellent backdrop for brighter accents and allows for the incorporation of various textures and patterns. This color is particularly effective in creating minimalist looks that exude sophistication and timelessness. For instance, a steel gray dress or suit can be paired with bold accessories, such as a red scarf or metallic jewelry, to create a striking contrast. Moreover, this shade is a great choice for outerwear, providing a sleek and adaptable option that complements a wide range of skin tones and styles.