Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay (#23303B)
The hex color #23303B, also known as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade that falls within the realm of cool grays. It's a sophisticated and understated color, often associated with elegance, stability, and neutrality. In the RGB color model, it consists of 14.12% red, 18.82% green, and 23.14% blue. Its subdued nature makes it a versatile choice for various applications, from web design to interior decorating. Colors similar to Ebony Clay include charcoal gray, slate gray, and other dark, desaturated hues. This color is popular due to its subtlety and its ability to blend well with a wide range of other colors, providing a calming and sophisticated aesthetic.
The hex color #23303B, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. 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. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can help evaluate the contrast ratio. Given the darkness of #23303B, it's advisable to pair it with light colors like white or pale yellow to meet accessibility standards. Also, consider providing alternative visual cues for users who may have difficulty distinguishing colors. For instance, using underlines for links or icons alongside text can improve usability for visually impaired users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #33404b
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the dark, sophisticated feel but offers improved contrast against light backgrounds.
- #444444
A desaturated gray that can be used as a neutral background or text color for better readability.
- #2c3944
A dark shade of blue-gray, providing a similar aesthetic with a touch of coolness.
Applications
Website Backgrounds and UI Elements
Ebony Clay is a sophisticated and grounding color choice for website backgrounds. Its muted tone creates a calm, professional atmosphere, perfect for corporate sites or portfolios aiming for a refined aesthetic. It pairs well with lighter text colors like off-white or pale yellow, and can be accented with brighter, complementary hues to draw attention to key elements. In user interface design, it can be used for sidebars or headers to establish visual hierarchy without being distracting. Also, consider using this hex color as the main color for the web page to give it a modern and unique design.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ebony Clay evokes a sense of understated luxury and sophistication. It can be used as a wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It complements natural materials like wood and stone, and pairs well with metallic accents in gold or bronze. Furniture in lighter shades, such as cream or beige, will stand out against this dark backdrop. Consider using this color to highlight your interior design and make it more visually appealing to the eye.
Fashion Apparel and Accessories
In fashion, Ebony Clay is a versatile and chic color choice. It can be used in apparel, such as dresses, suits, and coats, to create a slimming and elegant silhouette. It pairs well with a variety of colors, including jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue, as well as neutral shades like gray and beige. Accessories in metallic finishes, such as silver or gold, can add a touch of glamour. Also, consider this shade for footwear and bags to give it a modern design.