Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray
The hex color #232535, also known as Steel Gray, is a dark, muted shade of gray with a slightly cool undertone. It belongs to the family of neutral colors, meaning that it does not contain strong chromatic characteristics. It is composed of 13.73% red, 14.51% green, and 20.78% blue. In the RGB color space, it is relatively low in saturation and luminance. Steel Gray is often associated with sophistication, professionalism, and modernity. It is a versatile color that can be used in various design contexts, including web design, graphic design, interior design, and fashion. It is frequently chosen for backgrounds, text, and other visual elements due to its understated elegance and ability to blend well with other colors.
The hex color #232535, a shade of steel gray, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its relatively low luminance. When used as a background color, it necessitates a light-colored text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. 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 to meet AA compliance. A contrast checker tool is highly recommended to verify the compliance. Also, using #232535 for interactive elements requires careful consideration. Ensure that hover, focus, and active states provide clear visual cues that meet accessibility standards for users with visual impairments. Avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Steel Gray (#232535) offers a sophisticated and modern look for website backgrounds, particularly in minimalist designs. It provides a neutral canvas that allows other design elements to stand out. This color is very suitable for websites related to technology, finance, or corporate services, because it conveys trust and professionalism. In user interfaces, it can be utilized for secondary elements, such as navigation bars or card backgrounds, creating visual hierarchy. The color should be combined with bright accent colors to add visual interest and improve user experience. Also, it ensures the readability by choosing appropriate font sizes and line heights.
Interior Design
This color creates a relaxing atmosphere in interior design. It is well suited as wall paint in living rooms or bedrooms, because it provides a neutral backdrop for furniture and decor. It can also be utilized on accent walls or in smaller doses for decorative items like vases, picture frames, and cushions. The hex color #232535 combines well with natural materials like wood and stone, creating a balanced and harmonious living space. Complementary colors like mustard yellow or teal can be added to infuse energy and character.
Fashion
Steel Gray is a versatile color in fashion, perfect for creating elegant and understated looks. It works well for basics like trousers, skirts, and jackets, providing a neutral foundation for outfits. It is suitable as color for professional wear, as it conveys seriousness and authority. The color #232535 can be combined with bold accent colors like red or emerald green to create visually appealing combinations. In accessory design, it is useful for bags, belts, and shoes, and this color provides a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. It is also applicable for sportswear, because it is both practical and stylish.