Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray (#212336)
The hex color #212336, often referred to as Steel Gray, is a dark and muted shade belonging to the cool gray color family. It is composed of 12.9% red, 13.7% green, and 21.2% blue. In the RGB color space, its values are R:33, G:35, B:54. The CMYK values are C:0.39, M:0.35, Y:0.00, K:0.79. With a low saturation and brightness, #212336 creates a sense of calmness, stability, and sophistication. It is frequently used in design to convey neutrality, seriousness, or a modern aesthetic. Its subtle nature allows it to blend seamlessly with other colors, making it a versatile choice for backgrounds, text, and accent elements.
The hex color #212336, also known as Steel Gray, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance value (relatively dark) means it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios with foreground elements. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. To ensure readability, a light color should be used as text on the #212336 background. For example, white text (#FFFFFF) would provide a high contrast ratio and improve legibility. Designers must assess the contrast ratio using online tools to meet accessibility standards, especially for headings, body text, and interactive elements. When used for decorative elements or backgrounds where text is absent, accessibility considerations are less critical, but mindful usage remains best practice.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
Steel Gray (#212336) offers a sophisticated and modern backdrop for website designs, particularly for tech companies, financial institutions, or creative agencies. Its muted tone evokes feelings of stability, professionalism, and innovation. It can be effectively used in website backgrounds, headers, or as an accent color to highlight key elements. When paired with bright complementary colors such as light blues or yellows, it creates a visually appealing and balanced user experience. Furthermore, the color works excellently in creating a dark mode design for websites and applications, reducing eye strain and conserving energy on OLED screens.
Interior Design
In the realm of interior design, Steel Gray provides a versatile neutral foundation for creating elegant and contemporary spaces. It can be used for painting walls, choosing furniture upholstery, or selecting decorative accents. The color complements a wide range of other hues, from warm earthy tones to vibrant jewel tones, allowing for creative expression and personalization. Consider pairing it with natural wood elements, metallic accents, and soft textures to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Steel Gray's calming and understated presence makes it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and even home offices.
Fashion and Apparel
Steel Gray finds its place in fashion as a chic and timeless color for clothing, accessories, and footwear. It projects an image of sophistication, confidence, and understated style. The color can be incorporated into both formal and casual outfits, offering a versatile alternative to black or navy. It works particularly well for outerwear, such as coats and jackets, as well as for trousers, skirts, and dresses. Accessorizing with pops of color, such as a bright scarf or statement jewelry, can add visual interest and personality to a Steel Gray ensemble.