Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray
The hex color #202536, often referred to as Steel Gray, is a dark and muted shade of gray with subtle blue undertones. It belongs to the grayscale family, leaning towards the cooler side of the spectrum. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 12.55% red, 14.51% green, and 21.18% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.41% cyan, 0.31% magenta, 0% yellow, and 0.79% black. This color evokes feelings of sophistication, neutrality, and calmness. Steel gray is frequently used in design to create a sense of professionalism, seriousness, and stability. Due to its low saturation, it works well as a background color or as a complementary color to brighter hues. It is a versatile color that can be used in a wide range of applications, from web design to interior design.
The hex color #202536, a deep steel gray, presents several accessibility considerations for web development. Its low luminance value means that it requires careful pairing with sufficiently light text colors to ensure readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards. Tools are readily available online to check color contrast ratios. Using this color as a primary background may necessitate using white or very light gray text to ensure compliance. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, sufficient visual cues beyond color alone are crucial to assist users with visual impairments. Consider adding borders, underlines, or icons to enhance distinguishability. Furthermore, always test the color scheme with users, including those with color vision deficiencies, to ensure the design is accessible to everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, #202536 can serve as a sophisticated background for headers or footers, providing a professional and understated aesthetic. It pairs well with brighter accent colors like teal or gold to create a visually appealing contrast. Its neutrality makes it suitable for sites that require a serious or corporate feel, such as financial institutions or tech companies. Furthermore, it can be used for creating subtle shadows or gradients, adding depth to the design without being overly distracting. When implementing it in web design, ensure appropriate contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain accessibility standards.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, steel gray offers a versatile and calming presence. It can be used as a wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, providing a neutral backdrop for furniture and decor. The color works well with natural materials like wood and stone, creating a balanced and harmonious space. It also complements metallic accents such as silver or chrome, enhancing the overall sophistication of the room. Steel gray can be incorporated into textiles such as curtains, rugs, and upholstery to add depth and texture to the design. When using #202536, consider the amount of natural light in the room to avoid making it feel too dark or gloomy.
Fashion Apparel
In the realm of fashion, steel gray is a color that exudes understated elegance. It serves as an excellent neutral base for building sophisticated outfits. This color can be used for suits, jackets, or trousers, offering a refined alternative to black or navy. It pairs well with a variety of colors, including jewel tones and pastels, allowing for versatile styling options. Steel gray accessories, such as scarves or handbags, can add a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. When incorporating #202536 into fashion, consider the fabric's texture to enhance the overall look and feel of the garment.