Ebony Clay
General Information
The hex color #212A3C, also known as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the family of neutral colors and is characterized by its low saturation and luminance values. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13% red, 16.5% green, and 23.5% blue. Its subdued nature makes it a versatile choice for various design applications, ranging from web design to interior decor. The color evokes a sense of sophistication, calmness, and stability, making it suitable for creating a serene and professional atmosphere. It's often used as a background color or as a secondary color to complement brighter hues.
The hex color #212A3C, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used for text or interactive elements. Its low luminance value means that it offers insufficient contrast against many lighter backgrounds, potentially violating WCAG guidelines for color contrast. For text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #212A3C, ensure that the foreground text is sufficiently light to meet these ratios. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Additionally, avoid relying solely on color to convey important information, as users with color vision deficiencies may not be able to distinguish it from other similar hues. Supplement color cues with text labels, icons, or other visual indicators to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333333
A slightly lighter shade of gray provides better contrast against white backgrounds and can be used for text or UI elements.
- #304858
A dark blue with higher brightness provides a similar aesthetic but improves visibility, especially for interactive components.
- #283340
Using a desaturated gray with similar values allows elements to contrast without introducing new colors
Applications
Web and UI Design
In web design, #212A3C can be utilized as a background color for website headers or footers, creating a sophisticated and muted aesthetic. It pairs well with lighter text colors like white or cream to ensure readability. For interactive elements such as buttons or links, consider using it as a hover or active state color to provide visual feedback to the user. In UI design, this color can serve as a base for dark-themed applications, offering a sleek and modern appearance while reducing eye strain in low-light environments. It can be used for sidebars, panels, or other secondary UI components.
Interior and Fashion Design
In interior design, Ebony Clay can be employed as a wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a calming and cozy atmosphere. When combined with warm lighting and natural textures, it enhances the sense of relaxation and comfort. It also works well as an accent color for furniture or decorative items, adding a touch of sophistication to the space. It is suitable for use in fashion as a base color for creating elegant and understated outfits. Can be combined with other neutral colors or accented with brighter hues to create contrast.
Graphic design
In graphic design, this color is suitable for creating backgrounds for posters, flyers, or social media graphics, lending a sense of sophistication and depth to the design. It provides a neutral canvas that allows other elements, such as text and images, to stand out. For data visualizations and infographics, Ebony Clay can be used to create clear and easy-to-read charts and graphs, providing a professional and polished look. Its muted tone is ideal for business presentations and corporate branding materials, conveying a sense of professionalism and trust.