Charade
General Information about #232B34 (Charade)
The hex color #232B34, often referred to as "Charade," is a dark, muted shade of grayish-brown. It falls within the realm of cool, neutral colors and possesses a subtle, understated elegance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.73% red, 16.86% green, and 20.39% blue. This composition gives it a slightly cool undertone. The color is most commonly used in digital design, web development, and graphic arts where a sophisticated and calming aesthetic is required. Its CMYK values are C:0.33, M:0.17, Y:0.00, K:0.79. Being a dark color it can have issues with accessibility for those with impaired vision, so it is important to consider this when using it for digital design or written text.
The hex color #232B34, also known as Charade, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance value means that it requires careful consideration of color contrast to ensure readability for all users, including those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for text and interactive elements. When using #232B34 as a background, it is essential to pair it with a very light text color to meet the minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Conversely, if #232B34 is used for text, a very light background is needed. Also, avoid using this color for essential visual cues without providing alternative cues like labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333b44
A slightly lighter shade, #333B44, provides marginally better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #282828
A desaturated grey, #282828, offers a neutral alternative that can be easier to pair with brighter accents.
- #434b54
For scenarios requiring higher contrast, consider #434B54 as it's visually more pronounced.
Applications
Website Backgrounds and UI Elements
In web development, #232B34 can be utilized for website backgrounds, particularly in minimalistic designs where a dark, subdued tone is desired. It can also serve as an accent color for UI elements like buttons or navigation bars. However, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other interactive elements to maintain accessibility standards. Furthermore, this color could be used in data visualizations, specifically for creating a dark color scheme where different data series are represented with brighter, contrasting colors. The subtle background helps the foreground elements to stand out more effectively, improving the overall clarity and visual appeal of the charts or graphs.
Interior Design
In interior design, Charade (#232B34) can be applied to walls, furniture, or decorative accents to create a sophisticated and modern atmosphere. It pairs well with lighter colors like white, beige, or gray to create a balanced contrast. This color works exceptionally well in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices, providing a relaxing and stylish environment. Furthermore, consider utilizing this color for accent walls in larger spaces to add depth and visual interest without overwhelming the room.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, #232B34 can be used as a base color for garments such as jackets, trousers, or dresses. It is a versatile color that can be paired with a wide range of other colors to create different looks, from casual to formal. Designers could use it in athleisure wear or evening gowns to create subtle yet stylish statement pieces. The color also works well with textures such as leather, velvet, or wool. It's important to choose fabrics that enhance the color's depth and richness.