Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay
The hex color #223339, often referred to as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade that resides within the realm of cool grays and browns. It's composed of 13.33% red, 20% green, and 22.35% blue. In the RGB color space, it indicates a relatively low intensity of all three primary colors, resulting in its dark appearance. This color is often associated with feelings of sophistication, stability, and understated elegance. It finds usage in various design applications where a subtle and grounding effect is desired, avoiding the starkness of pure black while retaining a similar level of neutrality. It can work as a very dark neutral tone and therefore is suited to be used in all design fields.
The hex color #223339, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. When used as a background color, text overlaid on it requires careful consideration to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet AA compliance. For optimal accessibility (AAA compliance), these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. Given #223339's dark nature, lighter text colors are crucial. Testing with accessibility tools is recommended to verify contrast ratios and ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Also avoid using it for small clickable elements without clear contrasting borders.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #33444b
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving contrast for text.
- #444444
A desaturated gray that provides a neutral background with better text legibility.
- #2a4444
A dark teal that offers a subtle color variation with potentially improved contrast depending on the text color.
Applications
Website Design
Ebony Clay evokes a sense of sophistication and can be used for website backgrounds, particularly for portfolios or corporate sites aiming for a sleek design. It works well with minimalist layouts, allowing content to stand out. Accent colors like gold or electric blue can complement it effectively. It creates a professional look in combination with a sans-serif font.
Fashion Apparel
This color can be incorporated into clothing designs, offering a dark neutral alternative to black or navy. It's suitable for outerwear, trousers, or dresses where a subtle, muted tone is desired. Pair it with brighter accessories or contrasting textures to add visual interest and avoid a monotone appearance. Can also be used for knitwear.
Interior Design
Ebony Clay can be utilized in interior design for creating a calming and grounded atmosphere. It's appropriate for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or even cabinetry. The color pairs nicely with natural materials such as wood or stone, enhancing the feeling of warmth and tranquility in a room. Balance it with lighter colors and proper lighting to prevent the space from feeling too dark.