Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay (#242940)
The hex color #242940, also known as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It belongs to a family of colors often described as 'near black' or 'deep charcoal,' offering a softer alternative to pure black. In the RGB color model, #242940 is composed of 14.12% red, 16.08% green, and 25.1% blue. This composition gives it a subtly cool undertone, making it versatile for various design applications. The color is often associated with sophistication, elegance, and understated style. It provides a sense of depth and calmness, making it suitable for creating balanced and harmonious visual environments. Its subdued nature allows it to pair well with both vibrant and neutral colors, offering flexibility in design projects. The color has a strong presence without being overwhelming.
The hex color #242940, also known as Ebony Clay, presents specific accessibility challenges, especially in text and user interface design. Its dark nature implies that it requires light-colored text on top of it to ensure readability. A sufficient contrast ratio is crucial to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. For normal text (14pt/18px and smaller), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for larger text (18pt/24px or larger) or graphical components, a ratio of 3:1 is acceptable. When using #242940 as a background color, careful selection of foreground colors is essential to ensure compliance and provide a positive user experience. Using tools that evaluate color contrast is highly recommended. Furthermore, it's important to consider users with visual impairments, who may have difficulty distinguishing between subtle shades. Therefore, relying solely on color to convey information should be avoided; additional cues like text labels or icons should be incorporated.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds and UI Elements
Ebony Clay (#242940) is an excellent choice for website backgrounds, particularly for portfolios or personal blogs aiming for a sophisticated and muted aesthetic. Its dark hue allows content to stand out, and it pairs well with lighter fonts for optimal readability. In user interfaces, it can serve as a sidebar or header color, providing a visually distinct separation of elements. When implementing this color, ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain accessibility and a positive user experience. The deep, muted tone creates a sense of depth and can be used to create a professional or artistic impression, making it ideal for design-focused websites or creative digital applications.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Ebony Clay can be utilized as an accent wall color or for furniture pieces in modern or minimalist spaces. It brings a sense of groundedness and pairs effectively with both warm and cool tones. Consider using it for cabinetry in kitchens or as a feature color in living rooms. The depth of the color allows it to absorb light, making it suitable for creating cozy and intimate environments. When incorporating Ebony Clay, balance the darkness by introducing brighter elements, such as artwork or decorative items, to prevent the space from feeling too somber. The sophisticated color can elevate the overall aesthetic, especially when combined with natural materials like wood or stone.
Fashion Apparel and Accessories
In the realm of fashion, Ebony Clay serves as a versatile alternative to black, offering a softer and more nuanced appearance. It can be used for garments like jackets, trousers, or skirts, especially in designs that emphasize texture and form. The color works well in both casual and formal settings, depending on the material and styling. Accessorize with brighter colors or metallic accents to create contrast and visual interest. Footwear and handbags in Ebony Clay can also complement a variety of outfits, providing a subtle yet stylish touch. The shade is particularly suited for fall and winter wardrobes, exuding a sense of understated elegance and timelessness.