Steel Gray
General Information About Steel Gray
The hexadecimal color #212636, often referred to as "Steel Gray," is a dark, muted shade residing within the gray color family. It is composed of 12.9% red, 14.9% green, and 21.2% blue. This composition results in a cool, neutral tone that conveys a sense of sophistication and understated elegance. In color theory, grays are often associated with neutrality, balance, and practicality. The specific shade of #212636 leans towards the darker end of the spectrum, making it a versatile choice for creating depth and contrast in various design applications. Its subtle nature allows it to pair well with a wide range of colors, both vibrant and subdued, making it a popular option for backgrounds, accents, and other design elements where a neutral yet sophisticated touch is desired.
The color #212636, a dark steel gray, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a background or text color. Its low luminance results in poor contrast against many common foreground colors, including white. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using #212636 for text on a white background, or vice versa, would likely fail these contrast requirements, making the content difficult to read for users with low vision, color blindness, or other visual impairments. Developers should carefully consider contrast ratios and use tools to verify accessibility compliance. Pairing #212636 with much lighter shades is necessary to ensure readability and inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #212636 can be employed as a background for website headers or footers, creating a sophisticated and understated visual effect. It also could be used for UI elements such as buttons or form fields, especially when aiming for a modern, minimalist design. When using this color as a background, be sure to pick a contrasting foreground color such as white to make the text readable. This color is especially effective when used to create a dark mode version of a website or application.
Interior Design
Within interior design, #212636 functions as a neutral base, lending itself well to accent walls in contemporary living spaces or bedrooms. Its subdued nature allows brighter colors to pop, creating a balanced and visually engaging environment. Consider pairing it with natural wood tones and metallic accents for a refined and modern aesthetic. This color could also be used in furniture, especially for sofas or accent chairs.
Fashion
In the realm of fashion, #212636 can be utilized in clothing design, particularly for outerwear or accessories, providing a versatile and sophisticated touch. It pairs effectively with both bold and muted colors, allowing for diverse styling options. This color could be used for business suits as well, bringing professionalism and style together. Further, this color is very popular in urban fashion for its sleek and neutral appearance.