Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray
The hex color #232534, commonly known as Steel Gray, is a dark, muted shade of gray with subtle bluish undertones. It belongs to the family of neutral colors and is often associated with sophistication, stability, and modernity. In the RGB color model, #232534 is composed of 13.73% red, 14.51% green, and 20.39% blue. Its CMYK equivalent is approximately 33% cyan, 29% magenta, 0% yellow, and 79% black. This color finds applications across various design fields, including web development, graphic design, fashion, and interior decoration. Its subtle nature allows it to blend seamlessly with other colors, making it a versatile choice for creating balanced and harmonious compositions. It is a popular color for background and text.
The hex color #232534, also known as Steel Gray, presents specific accessibility considerations for web developers. Its relatively low luminance necessitates careful attention to color contrast ratios, particularly when used for text or interactive elements. To ensure WCAG compliance, it's essential to pair this color with sufficiently light foreground colors, achieving a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like contrast checkers can assist in verifying adequate contrast. Furthermore, avoid using #232534 as the sole indicator of functionality, such as links or buttons; always provide additional visual cues like underlines or icons to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. When using this color for backgrounds, ensure all foreground elements meet the necessary contrast requirements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds and UI Elements
In web design, Steel Gray (#232534) serves as a sophisticated background color for websites aiming for a professional or modern aesthetic. Its understated nature allows content to take center stage, making it suitable for portfolios, corporate sites, or blogs. When used for UI elements, it conveys a sense of neutrality and elegance. For example, it can create visually appealing pricing tables, sleek navigation menus, and contemporary contact forms. The key is to combine this color with other, brighter colors or white to ensure readability and visual clarity.
Fashion Apparel and Accessories
In fashion, Steel Gray can be incorporated into clothing designs as a versatile neutral. It works well as a base color for outfits, allowing other bolder colors to stand out. It's frequently used in menswear for suits, jackets, and trousers, lending a touch of formality and refinement. Accessories like scarves, hats, or gloves in Steel Gray can complement a variety of ensembles. The color's ability to blend seamlessly with different styles makes it a popular choice in both casual and formal wear. It also is often used in sportswear.
Interior Design
Steel Gray can be used for wall colors, furniture, and decorative accents. It creates a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. Pair it with bright, contrasting colors for a modern look, or use it with other neutral shades for a more minimalist feel. Steel Gray also works well in kitchens, adding a touch of elegance to cabinetry and countertops. The color's versatility makes it an excellent choice for creating a balanced and harmonious living space. It can be paired with warm colors such as red or orange to give it a vibrant look.