Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay (#222B47)
The hexadecimal color code #222B47, commonly referred to as Ebony Clay, represents a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.33% red, 16.86% green, and 27.84% blue. This composition results in a color that conveys sophistication, stability, and a sense of calm. Ebony Clay is often associated with professionalism and is frequently used in corporate branding and design. It belongs to the family of cool colors, making it versatile for a range of applications, from web design to interior decoration. The color's subdued nature allows it to serve as a backdrop that enhances other design elements without being overly distracting. Its CMYK values are C:0.52, M:0.40, Y:0.00, K:0.72.
The hex color #222B47, also known as Ebony Clay, presents specific accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Due to its dark nature, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for individuals with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text against its background. When using #222B47 as a background color, lighter text colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or light grays are advisable to meet these contrast requirements. Conversely, if #222B47 is used as the text color, a light background is crucial. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can be used to assess the contrast ratio between #222B47 and other colors, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. Insufficient contrast can exclude users with low vision or color blindness, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful color choices in digital design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333e5f
A slightly lighter shade offering improved readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #4a5568
A neutral gray that provides a safer option for text and backgrounds regarding accessibility.
- #374151
This color provides a lighter alternative that improves the contrast ratio, making it more accessible for a broader audience, especially those with visual impairments.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Ebony Clay's sophisticated and understated nature makes it ideal for website backgrounds, particularly in sectors like finance, technology, or corporate environments. It evokes a sense of stability, trustworthiness, and modernity. Using #222B47 as a background color allows foreground elements, such as text and images, to stand out effectively, creating a visually appealing and professional user experience. It can be paired with lighter accent colors to highlight key sections and calls to action, maintaining a balance between aesthetics and usability. This color can establish brand identity and foster user engagement.
UI Design Elements
In user interface (UI) design, #222B47 can serve as a primary or secondary color for navigation bars, sidebars, and other interactive elements. Its dark hue provides a clear visual distinction from content areas, guiding users through the interface. When used thoughtfully, it contributes to a clean and organized layout, enhancing the overall usability of the application. It should be paired with contrasting colors for interactive elements to ensure they are easily identifiable and accessible. This can improve the visual hierarchy and the UX.
Interior Design Accents
In interior design, Ebony Clay can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It's well-suited for accent walls, furniture, or cabinetry in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. When paired with lighter neutrals or warm colors, it adds depth and contrast to the space. This color is a great fit for modern minimalist styles. It also works well in spaces intended for relaxation and focus. #222B47 can also be used for decorative accents like vases or lamps.