Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay
The hex color #223340, also known as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the family of cool colors and possesses a relatively low saturation, giving it a sophisticated and understated appearance. In the RGB color model, #223340 is composed of 13.33% red, 20% green, and 25.1% blue. In the CMYK color model, which is used for printing, it consists of 47% cyan, 20% magenta, 0% yellow, and 75% black. This color evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. Its dark nature makes it suitable for creating a sense of depth and contrast in designs, making it a versatile choice for various applications, from web design to interior decor. Ebony Clay is often associated with professionalism and reliability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and marketing materials.
The hex color #223340, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its low luminance value (relatively dark) means that it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text against its background. When using #223340, it's crucial to pair it with a significantly lighter color to meet these standards. For instance, using white or a light gray as text on an Ebony Clay background would likely provide sufficient contrast. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can be used to verify contrast ratios and ensure accessibility compliance. Ignoring contrast can lead to a poor user experience, especially for individuals with low vision or color blindness. Remember to test your color combinations thoroughly to guarantee accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
In web design, Ebony Clay can be effectively used for website headers and footers to provide a sophisticated and grounded feel. Its dark nature makes it suitable for creating a strong visual anchor at the top or bottom of a webpage. When using this color, it's important to use a lighter color such as white or a light gray for the text on top of the header or footer to ensure readability and contrast. The color could also be applied to sidebars or navigation menus, especially on websites with a minimalist design. However, it is generally not advisable to apply it to large sections of the main content area, as it can lead to eye strain for the user.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Ebony Clay can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. It works particularly well as an accent color for walls or furniture pieces. This color can be paired with lighter, warmer colors like cream or beige to create a balanced and harmonious palette. For example, one wall could be painted in Ebony Clay, while the other walls are painted in a lighter, complementary color. The color can also be applied to furniture, such as sofas or armchairs. Throw pillows and blankets in brighter, contrasting colors can add visual interest and prevent the space from feeling too dark or somber. Overall, Ebony Clay can be a great choice for creating a relaxing and sophisticated living space.
Backgrounds in graphic design
Ebony Clay provides a strong and elegant base for graphic design projects, particularly those requiring a touch of sophistication and modernity. Its muted tone makes it ideal for backgrounds in presentations, infographics, or posters where the focus should be on the content. The color pairs exceptionally well with brighter accent colors to draw attention to key elements. It is also a suitable choice for branding materials, such as business cards and letterheads, especially for businesses aiming to convey professionalism and reliability. Use of lighter fonts will also increase readability.