Ebony Clay
General Information
The hex color #202F35, also known as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade of gray-brown that evokes feelings of sophistication and neutrality. It belongs to the family of neutral colors and has low saturation, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of design applications. In the RGB color model, #202F35 is composed of 12.55% red, 18.43% green, and 21.96% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 43% cyan, 16% magenta, 0% yellow, and 78% black. This color is often used as a background or accent color in web design, graphic design, and interior design. Its subtle and unassuming nature allows it to pair well with a variety of other colors, making it a valuable asset for designers seeking a refined and understated aesthetic.
The hex color #202F35, also known as Ebony Clay, presents several accessibility considerations, particularly in web design. Its relatively low luminance value of approximately 8% means it requires careful attention to contrast ratios when used for text or interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. For standard text (smaller than 18pt regular or 14pt bold), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against the background is recommended. For large text, a ratio of 3:1 is acceptable. When using #202F35 as a background color, it is imperative to choose foreground text colors that meet these contrast requirements. Lighter shades of gray, white, or vibrant accent colors are often suitable choices. Tools like contrast checkers can help ensure compliance with accessibility standards, promoting inclusivity for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333f48
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark, muted tone.
- #3a4042
A desaturated gray that offers a neutral alternative for backgrounds or text.
- #2c3e50
A dark blueish gray tone that offers a similar aesthetic to #202F35 while being slightly easier on the eyes.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Ebony Clay offers a sophisticated and grounding base for website layouts. It is particularly effective in headers, footers, or sidebars, where it can create a sense of depth and stability. When paired with brighter accent colors like teal or gold, it helps draw attention to key elements and calls to action. In the context of text, it's best suited for larger headings and descriptive content where sufficient contrast can be maintained with lighter text colors. This color is often found in sites promoting technology, finance, or high-end goods, due to its association with seriousness, professionalism, and modernity.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ebony Clay can serve as a neutral backdrop for showcasing artwork or furnishings. Its dark, muted tone helps create a calming and serene atmosphere, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as metallic accents in gold, silver, or copper. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, it's important to incorporate plenty of natural light and lighter-colored accessories, such as cushions, throws, and rugs. This color works very well for minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired spaces, too.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Ebony Clay provides a versatile and elegant option for creating timeless outfits. It works well as a base color for dresses, suits, or outerwear, and can be easily dressed up or down with accessories. It pairs beautifully with jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red, as well as with metallics like gold and silver. A monochrome look consisting of shades of gray and black can also be very stylish when Ebony Clay is incorporated. This color is appropriate for both professional and casual settings and conveys a sense of understated sophistication.