Ebony Clay
General Information about #242737
The hexadecimal color code #242737 represents a dark, muted shade of gray-brown, often referred to as "Ebony Clay". It belongs to the family of dark neutral colors, offering a sense of sophistication and understated elegance. In the RGB color model, #242737 is composed of 14.12% red, 15.29% green, and 21.57% blue. This color has a relatively low saturation and a low luminance, which contributes to its dark and subdued appearance. It's commonly used in design and art to create a calm, grounded, and sophisticated feel. The color is frequently used as a background or base color, due to its ability to create depth and contrast when paired with lighter colors. In terms of color theory, #242737 is a cool-toned color, leaning slightly towards the blue end of the spectrum.
The hex color #242737, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value means that text rendered in this color requires careful consideration of contrast ratios against background colors. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. For normal text (14pt and above), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text (18pt and above), a ratio of 3:1 is considered acceptable. When using #242737 for text, lighter colors such as whites, creams, or light grays are suitable background choices to achieve the necessary contrast. Conversely, if #242737 is used as a background, ensure that foreground elements, like text and icons, are sufficiently light and follow the minimum contrast ratios. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can assist in evaluating these ratios. Also consider providing alternative color themes to users, allowing them to customize the color scheme to meet their individual accessibility needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333333
#333333 offers a slightly lighter alternative, providing improved contrast in certain contexts while maintaining a dark, neutral tone. It works well as a background color or for text where a less intense dark shade is desired.
- #222222
#222222 is a darker alternative to #242737. It can be used where a deeper, richer dark color is needed, while still maintaining neutrality.
- #292c3f
#292C3F is very similar to the original color but leans a bit more to the blue tone. It offers a slight variation that can be useful in designs where a subtle hint of blue is desired without significantly changing the overall dark appearance.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #242737 can serve as a sophisticated background color for website headers and footers, or as a primary color for dark-themed websites. It can also be employed for UI elements like buttons and navigation bars, especially when paired with lighter text and accent colors to ensure readability and visual appeal. The muted, professional feel of Ebony Clay makes it suitable for websites in the technology, finance, or creative industries where a sense of depth and seriousness is valued. Further applications include data visualizations, where it can represent a base color or be used in charts and graphs to provide contrast against brighter elements.
Interior Design
In interior design, #242737 can be applied as a wall color in modern and minimalist spaces, creating a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or copper, and natural materials like wood and stone. This color can also be used for furniture upholstery or accent pieces, such as cushions and throws, to add depth and character to a room. The dark, grounding nature of Ebony Clay makes it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices where a calming and elegant ambiance is desired.
Fashion
In fashion, #242737 can be used as a core color for garments like coats, dresses, or trousers, especially in autumn and winter collections. It can be paired with brighter accent colors like mustard yellow, deep reds, or teal to create stylish and eye-catching outfits. Ebony Clay is also suitable for accessories like bags, shoes, and hats, providing a versatile and timeless option that complements a wide range of skin tones and personal styles. Its subtle, understated nature makes it a great choice for both formal and casual wear.