Steel Gray
General Information about #221E32
The hexadecimal color code #221E32 represents a dark shade of gray, often referred to as Steel Gray. It is composed of 13.33% red, 11.76% green, and 20% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 34 red, 30 green, and 50 blue. In the HSV (or HSB) color space, #221E32 has a hue of 252 degrees, a saturation of 40%, and a value of 20%. This color is often associated with feelings of neutrality, sophistication, and modernity. Its dark tone makes it suitable for creating a sense of depth and calmness. Colors like this are often chosen to add a contemporary and elegant mood to a website or even a room. The color is not very vibrant, because of the low values of the individual color components.
The hex color #221E32, also known as Steel Gray, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Its low luminance value (relative darkness) means it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios against background colors. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. For small text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while large text requires a ratio of 3:1. When using #221E32 for text, it's essential to pair it with a very light background to meet these guidelines. If the contrast is insufficient, users may struggle to read the content. Similarly, for interactive elements like buttons, ensure that the color difference between the button's normal state and its hover/focus states is noticeable. Tools such as contrast checkers can help in verifying compliance with accessibility standards. Furthermore, consider providing alternative styling options or themes that offer higher contrast for users who need them.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333042
A slightly lighter shade of gray that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #423e52
A desaturated purple that offers a subtle color variation and can be used as an accent color.
- #2c2a3a
A dark blue-gray that provides a similar dark tone with a cooler undertone and improved contrast against lighter backgrounds.
Applications
Web Development and UI Design
In web development, #221E32 can be used for website backgrounds, headers, or footers to create a sophisticated and modern look. It works well in combination with lighter text and graphic elements. In user interface design, it can serve as the primary color for sidebars or navigation menus, providing a visually appealing yet understated aesthetic. In data visualization, it can be used as a background color for charts and graphs, allowing data points to stand out effectively. The color creates a professional feel to a website and, together with the right color palette, creates an elegant and stylish design.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, #221E32 can be used to paint accent walls or as the primary color for furniture upholstery. It pairs well with metallic accents such as silver or gold to create a luxurious and contemporary atmosphere. In fashion, this shade can be used for clothing items like jackets or trousers, or for accessories like bags and shoes. Its neutral tone makes it versatile and easy to match with other colors, allowing for a wide range of styling options. The dark grey gives an industrial feeling to a room and adds a modern atmosphere.
Digital Art and Photography
#221E32 can be utilized as a background in product photography to make the colors of the product stand out. The color works well with products containing vibrant or light colors. The color can also be used as the main background color in digital art. Especially digital paintings will come out nicely using this color. In logo design, #221E32 can be used to convey sophistication and professionalism, especially for companies in the technology or finance sectors.