Steel Gray

General Information about Steel Gray

Steel Gray, represented by the hexadecimal color code #222135, is a dark, muted shade of gray that evokes feelings of sophistication, neutrality, and modernity. It is composed of relatively low values of red, green, and blue, resulting in its subdued appearance. In the RGB color model, it consists of 13.33% red, 12.94% green, and 21.57% blue. This color is often associated with technology, industry, and professionalism, making it a popular choice in corporate branding and website design. Its understated nature allows it to be easily paired with a wide range of other colors, from vibrant hues to other subtle shades, making it a versatile option for various design applications. Because the color is rather dark, care must be taken when using it for text or other elements to ensure it has sufficient contrast with the surrounding elements to meet accessibility standards.

The hex color #222135, a dark steel gray, presents several accessibility considerations for web design. Its low luminance value means it requires careful pairing with text and other foreground elements to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. When using #222135 as a background, light text colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays are necessary to meet these guidelines. It is essential to test color combinations using accessibility tools to confirm they meet the minimum contrast ratios. Furthermore, consider users with color vision deficiencies. Avoid relying solely on color to convey important information; supplement color with text labels or other visual cues to ensure inclusivity. For interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure sufficient contrast in hover and focus states as well.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design

  Steel Gray (#222135) is suitable for crafting sophisticated and modern website designs. It's especially effective in creating a professional atmosphere for corporate sites, portfolios, or technology-related platforms. It can be used as a background color for sections to create visual hierarchy, as a text color for headings to add a touch of elegance, or as a border color to define elements with subtlety. The muted tone ensures that content remains the primary focus while still conveying a sense of quality and refinement. The key is to balance it with brighter accents to avoid a monotonous look and maintain user engagement.

• Interior Design

  This shade of gray can be incorporated into interior design to achieve a calming and modern aesthetic. It works well as a wall color in bedrooms or living rooms, creating a serene backdrop for furniture and decor. It is often paired with brighter colors, such as teal or mustard yellow, to create visual interest and balance. In smaller spaces, using this color can create a sense of spaciousness and sophistication. For a cohesive look, integrate it into textiles, such as curtains or rugs, and consider using metallic accents like silver or chrome to complement its cool undertones.

• Fashion

  Steel Gray can be used in fashion, especially for creating versatile and timeless outfits. It serves as an excellent neutral base for building a wardrobe around. For example, a Steel Gray blazer can be paired with various colored tops and bottoms, making it suitable for both professional and casual settings. The color also works well for accessories such as scarves, handbags, and belts, adding a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. In the colder months, a Steel Gray coat or sweater can be both stylish and practical. To avoid a drab look, combine with brighter colors or textures.

Complementary color

Buttons