Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray
The hex color #232136, often referred to as Steel Gray, is a dark, muted shade that resides in the gray color family. It is composed of 13.73% red, 12.94% green, and 21.18% blue. In the RGB color space, it signifies a subdued and neutral tone. Colors like this are frequently employed in design contexts where a sense of sophistication, subtlety, or understated elegance is desired. It is a popular choice for backgrounds, text, and graphic elements because of its ability to blend seamlessly into various design schemes without overpowering other colors. The color's hex code provides a standardized way to represent it across digital platforms, ensuring consistency in its appearance. Its use is a testament to the timeless appeal of neutral colors in design.
The hex color #232136, also known as Steel Gray, presents certain accessibility challenges in web design. Its relatively low luminance value means that text rendered in this color may lack sufficient contrast against a white or light-colored background, potentially causing readability issues for users, especially those 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. To improve accessibility, it is advisable to pair #232136 with a very light or bright color for text, or to use it sparingly for purely decorative elements. When using it as background-color, use white as color. Always test the color combination with accessibility tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and provide an inclusive user experience. Also consider providing alternative color themes, allowing users to choose a more accessible color scheme that suits their individual needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of gray that provides better contrast against white backgrounds.
A dark blue-gray that can offer a similar aesthetic with potentially improved contrast depending on the specific use case.
Using almost black makes it easier to read because of the high contrast.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, #232136 can be utilized for website backgrounds to create a sophisticated and muted ambiance. It's suitable for sections where a subtle, understated feel is desired, such as headers, footers, or sidebars. When employing this color, consider pairing it with brighter accent colors to prevent the design from becoming too monotonous or gloomy. It's also ideal for graphical elements such as icons or dividers, adding a touch of elegance without overwhelming the visual hierarchy. Always ensure that text and interactive elements layered on this background color offer sufficient contrast to meet accessibility guidelines, which can be achieved through careful color selection and testing.
Interior Design
In interior design, #232136 can be used for walls to create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. It also works well for furniture upholstery, particularly for sofas or armchairs, adding a touch of modern elegance to the space. When using it, balance it with lighter colors for the rest of the interior design. It's also great for curtains or carpets.
Fashion
In fashion, #232136 can be used for clothing items such as dresses or suits, giving off a classy style. It works well for accessories such as handbags or scarves, adding a touch of elegance to the outfit. When using it, balance it with brighter accent colors for the rest of the outfit. Using white as a complement will enhance accessibility.