Shark
General Information about #232B2A
The hex color #232B2A, also known as 'Shark,' falls within the dark gray color family. It is composed of 13.73% red, 16.86% green, and 16.47% blue. In the RGB color space, it's relatively balanced, resulting in a neutral grayscale appearance. 'Shark' is often associated with sophistication, subtlety, and neutrality, making it a popular choice in various design applications. Colors close to Shark include various shades of charcoal and slate gray. Because of its low lightness, this color absorbs significant amounts of light and can create a sense of depth and seriousness. It is important to remember that color perception can also be affected by surrounding colors.
The hex color #232B2A, also known as Shark, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Its low luminance value of approximately 5.7 cd/m² results in a low contrast ratio against a standard white background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet AA compliance. For AAA compliance, those ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. Using #232B2A for text on a white background will likely fail these requirements. Therefore, when using #232B2A, it is essential to pair it with a light color that provides sufficient contrast, such as shades of white, yellow, or light gray. Also, consider increasing the font size or weight to improve readability. For backgrounds, ensure any foreground elements have adequate contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine appropriate color pairings. Careful consideration of these factors will ensure your designs are accessible to users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of gray that offers better contrast than #232B2A, while maintaining a similar dark and muted aesthetic.
A darker shade that can be used for backgrounds or elements needing to recede further into the background. Be sure to use lighter foreground colors for sufficient contrast.
A darker grey that keeps a level of sophistication
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web design, #232B2A can be effectively used for website backgrounds, especially for sections intended to have a subtle and sophisticated feel. It works well for headers, footers, or sidebars where you want a dark, muted tone that doesn't distract from the main content. For text, it can be used sparingly for decorative elements, but always ensure sufficient contrast with the background for readability. It's also well-suited for creating dividers or subtle borders to separate different sections of a webpage. In user interface design, #232B2A can be used for the non-interactive elements of buttons, input fields, and other controls to reduce visual clutter and guide the user's eye to the interactive elements. However, ensure active states of interactive elements have sufficient contrast and follow accessibility guidelines.
Interior Design
#232B2A lends itself well to creating a sense of depth and sophistication. Use it as the primary color for a modern and minimalist design, incorporating elements like brushed metal or textured surfaces to add visual interest. It pairs nicely with natural wood tones and soft lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance. This color works best in spaces that benefit from a calm and collected feel, such as home offices, bedrooms, or relaxing rooms.
Fashion
In fashion, Shark creates a sophisticated and understated base for outfits. Use it for trousers, skirts, or jackets, pairing it with brighter, more vibrant colors for tops or accessories to create contrast and visual interest. It's a versatile color that works well in both casual and formal settings, lending itself to a minimalist and elegant look.