Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray (#232637)
#232637, commonly referred to as Steel Gray, is a dark, muted shade of gray with subtle cool undertones. It belongs to the gray color family and is characterized by its low saturation and moderate darkness. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.73% red, 14.9% green, and 21.57% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 36.48% cyan, 30.77% magenta, 0% yellow, and 78.43% black. This color evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. Steel Gray is often associated with industrial design, modern aesthetics, and minimalist styles. It's a versatile color that can be used in a variety of applications, from web design to interior decor, to create a sense of understated elegance and professionalism. Its hexadecimal value is #232637.
The hex color #232637, a dark steel gray, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal text (4.5:1 contrast ratio) and large text (3:1 contrast ratio). Without adequate contrast, users with visual impairments, including low vision and color blindness, may struggle to distinguish text from the background. It's crucial to use contrast checking tools during design and development to verify compliance. Avoid pairing #232637 with mid-tone grays or dark colors. Also consider providing alternative color schemes or user controls to adjust contrast for individual needs, enhancing overall accessibility and usability. Furthermore, any interactive elements using this color, like buttons or links, need clear visual cues beyond color alone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333333
A slightly lighter shade of gray that offers better contrast when paired with darker text.
- #808080
A neutral gray that is versatile and can be used in various design contexts.
- #343a40
A dark blue-gray that maintains a similar aesthetic but may offer slightly improved readability depending on the specific use case.
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, #232637 can serve as a sophisticated background color for website headers or footers, providing a professional and modern look. When combined with lighter text and strategic use of whitespace, it can create a visually appealing and easily navigable website. It is also useful for dark mode design patterns. Be mindful of the contrast ratio for accessibility. It can also be utilized for UI elements like sidebars and navigation menus, provided the content is designed with readability in mind.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #232637 can be used as a wall color in a home office or entertainment room, creating a calming and focused environment. It pairs well with lighter furniture and accents to prevent the space from feeling too dark. It can also be used for accent walls or as a color for cabinets and shelving, providing a subtle, grounding effect. Consider incorporating warm lighting to balance the coolness of the steel gray.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #232637 can be used as a base color for clothing items such as jackets, trousers, or skirts. It provides a versatile backdrop for layering with brighter or more vibrant colors. It can also be used for accessories like handbags, belts, or shoes, adding a touch of sophistication to an outfit. Because of its neutrality, it can be paired with both warm and cool colors, offering a range of styling options.