Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay
The hex color #203038, also known as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade of gray with subtle hints of blue and green. It belongs to the family of cool, neutral colors, evoking a sense of sophistication, stability, and understated elegance. In color psychology, dark grays are often associated with professionalism, authority, and trustworthiness. Ebony Clay is a versatile color that can be used in various design applications, from website backgrounds to interior accents. Its understated nature makes it an excellent choice for creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. The color's composition consists of red, green and blue components, defining its specific hue and intensity within the color spectrum. The RGB values indicate a higher blue component, contributing to its cool undertones.
The hex color #203038, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires careful selection of foreground text colors to ensure readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of #203038, lighter text colors such as whites, creams, or light yellows are advisable. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can be utilized to verify compliance. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential visual elements, such as links or buttons, without providing sufficient contrast. Consider users with low vision or color blindness who may struggle to distinguish elements with inadequate contrast. Providing alternative styling options, such as high-contrast themes, can further enhance accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #304048
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the sophistication of Ebony Clay but offers improved contrast when used as a background.
- #404040
A desaturated gray that provides a neutral backdrop while ensuring text remains legible and accessible.
- #102028
Use this almost black color to provide a dark, but more readable background for light texts.
Applications
Website Design
Ebony Clay offers a sophisticated and calming backdrop for websites in the technology, finance, or consulting industries. Its dark hue conveys professionalism and stability, making it suitable for header backgrounds, navigation menus, or section dividers. Pair it with clean, sans-serif typography in light colors to create a modern and trustworthy aesthetic. The color also works well with interactive elements such as buttons and forms, providing they are styled with contrasting colors to ensure visibility and usability. This palette creates a user experience that is both visually appealing and functionally efficient.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ebony Clay can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It works particularly well in bedrooms, home theaters, or studies. Consider using it as an accent wall color or for furniture pieces such as sofas or cabinets. To balance the darkness of the color, incorporate lighter elements such as white or cream-colored walls, natural wood finishes, and metallic accents like brass or copper. Soft lighting and plush textiles can further enhance the sense of comfort and relaxation. The key is to avoid overwhelming the space with darkness and to create a harmonious balance of light and shadow.
Product photography & packaging
Ebony Clay can be used as a dark background for product photography to make the product itself stand out from the dark background. The dark color can also be used for packaging designs for technology products.