Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray
The hex color #202231, often referred to as Steel Gray, is a dark, muted shade of gray with subtle hints of blue. It belongs to the family of neutral colors, making it versatile for a variety of design applications. In the RGB color model, #202231 is composed of 12.55% red, 13.33% green, and 19.22% blue. This blend of primary colors creates its distinctive gray appearance with a cool undertone. This color is frequently used in modern digital interfaces and graphic design due to its ability to convey a sense of sophistication and subtlety. The color name evokes associations with industrial materials, strength, and a quiet, unassuming elegance. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 35% cyan, 0% magenta, 0% yellow, and 81% black.
The hex color #202231, also known as Steel Gray, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Its low luminance value of approximately 5.2 means that it lacks sufficient contrast against a standard white background. 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. Using #202231 for text on a white background would likely fail these contrast tests, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read the content. Therefore, it's crucial to pair this color with a very light or even white color for text or interactive elements, or a very dark background if #202231 is used as the background color. Consider using contrast checking tools to ensure adequate contrast ratios and accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #303241
A slightly lighter shade of gray that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #101221
A darker shade for backgrounds to allow for white or lighter colored text to be clearly read, improving readability.
- #202241
A color that has increased saturation, providing increased visibility while remaining in the same color family.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
This color is suitable for website backgrounds where a subtle, dark theme is desired. It provides a sophisticated and modern look, especially when combined with lighter text and minimalist design elements. It can be used to create a calm and professional user experience.
UI Elements
In UI design, Steel Gray can be effectively used for sidebars, navigation menus, and other secondary elements. Its understated nature allows primary content to stand out, creating a clear visual hierarchy. It can also be used for hover states or subtle visual cues.
Interior Design
In interior design, Steel Gray can be applied to walls or furniture to create a modern and calming atmosphere. It pairs well with brighter accent colors and natural materials like wood and stone. It brings a refined, elegant and relaxing feeling to the living space.