Ebony Clay
General Information
The hex color #233040, commonly referred to as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the family of cool colors and possesses a subtle, sophisticated appeal. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, #233040 is composed of 13.73% red, 18.82% green, and 25.1% blue. In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color model, its approximate composition is 45% cyan, 25% magenta, 0% yellow, and 75% black. This indicates that it requires a significant amount of cyan to achieve its characteristic hue. The color is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. Its muted nature makes it versatile for various design applications, providing a neutral base that allows other colors to stand out. It evokes a sense of seriousness, trustworthiness, and refinement, making it suitable for corporate branding, website design, and even interior design.
The hex color #233040, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility 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. For AAA compliance, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. It is essential to use contrast checking tools to verify that the chosen text color provides adequate contrast. Avoid pairing #233040 with dark or muted text colors as this will likely result in poor readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Consider using this color sparingly for decorative elements or larger graphical elements where text contrast is not a primary concern.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ebony Clay (#233040) can be used to create a sophisticated and understated aesthetic. It works well as a background color for sections that need to stand out subtly, such as headers or footers. When used for text, it should be reserved for larger headings or decorative elements to avoid readability issues with smaller body text. Its neutrality makes it a good choice for websites aiming for a professional or corporate feel. In UI design, it can be incorporated into dashboards or control panels to provide a muted backdrop that doesn't distract from the data being presented. Consider using it in combination with lighter accent colors to guide the user's eye and highlight key interactive elements. Experiment with different opacities and shades to create depth and visual interest.
Interior & Fashion Design
In interior design, Ebony Clay (#233040) can be employed to establish a calming and refined ambiance. It can serve as a primary wall color in bedrooms or living rooms, providing a backdrop for brighter furniture and decor. When paired with natural materials like wood and stone, it creates a sense of warmth and sophistication. It can also be used for accent walls or trim to add depth and dimension to a space. Consider using it in combination with metallic accents like gold or silver to enhance its elegance. It is also suitable for furniture pieces, such as sofas or cabinets, adding a touch of understated luxury to the interior. In fashion, it can be used for garments such as overcoats or casual wear. The dark color evokes a sense of mystery and luxury.
Game Design
In game design, Ebony Clay (#233040) can be used to set the scene for dark and atmospheric environments, such as dungeons, space stations, or futuristic cities. It can also be used to color key objects to give them a futuristic look and feel. It can be used as part of a color palette to set the mood of the game by evoking a sense of seriousness. The color can be tweaked to be either very dark or lighter to match the tone of the game.