Ebony Clay
General Information about #222C3C
The hex color #222C3C, also known as Ebony Clay, is a dark, desaturated shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the family of neutral colors, making it versatile for various applications. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.33% red, 17.25% green, and 23.53% blue. In the CMYK color model, its composition is 43.42% cyan, 26.02% magenta, 0% yellow, and 76.47% black. This color evokes feelings of sophistication, calmness, and stability. Ebony Clay is often associated with professionalism, reliability, and modernity. It is frequently used in corporate branding, web design, and interior design to create a sense of elegance and understated luxury. Its muted nature allows it to be paired with a wide range of other colors, both bright and subdued, making it a popular choice for designers seeking a neutral yet distinctive hue. The color's depth provides a sense of richness, making it suitable for creating visual interest and depth.
The hex color #222c3c, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning text legibility. Its relatively low luminance value means that it requires careful consideration of the foreground text color. To ensure readability, it's crucial to use light text colors such as white or very light grays. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to comply with WCAG 2.0 AA standards. Insufficient contrast can make it difficult for users, especially those with visual impairments, to read the content. Therefore, designers should always test the color combination using accessibility tools to verify compliance and enhance user experience. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements without proper contrast, as it can hinder usability. Consider providing alternative color themes or adjustments for users with specific needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333333
A slightly lighter shade of gray can improve readability and contrast, making it a more accessible alternative while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #111111
A darker shade provides even better contrast with lighter text, ensuring better accessibility for users with visual impairments.
- #334455
A shade of blue can provide a bit more brightness and may make the color a better background for lighter text.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, #222C3C can be used for website backgrounds or header sections, providing a sophisticated and modern look. It pairs well with lighter text colors and can create a professional feel. It is often used in the technology and finance industries for websites and user interfaces. The color can be incorporated into buttons and navigation menus to provide a consistent visual theme. However, designers should be mindful of the contrast ratios and ensure that the text is easily readable for all users. Testing the color scheme on various devices and browsers is crucial for ensuring a consistent and accessible user experience. Remember that the goal is to provide a pleasant aesthetic without compromising the usability of the website.
Fashion and Interior Design
#222C3C can be used in fashion design for creating elegant and understated clothing items. It is suitable for both formal and casual wear, and it can be combined with brighter accent colors to create a visually appealing contrast. In interior design, it can be used for painting walls or furniture, providing a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in modern and minimalist spaces. Consider using it for upholstery or decorative accessories to add depth and texture to a room. When selecting furniture, opt for pieces with clean lines and simple shapes to maintain a cohesive look. In graphic design, the color is suitable for creating logos and branding materials that convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. It can be used in brochures, business cards, and other marketing materials.
User Interface Design
In user interface design, #222C3C serves as an excellent base for creating dark mode themes. Its muted tone reduces eye strain in low-light environments, enhancing user comfort during prolonged use. The color can be applied to backgrounds, panels, and toolbars to create a cohesive and visually appealing interface. However, it's important to ensure sufficient contrast with text and icons to maintain readability and usability. Using lighter shades of gray or accent colors can help to highlight interactive elements and guide the user's attention. Furthermore, consider incorporating subtle gradients or textures to add depth and visual interest to the interface. Regular testing with users is essential to gather feedback and refine the design for optimal user experience.