Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay
The hexadecimal color code #242E42 represents a dark, muted shade of blue-gray, often referred to as Ebony Clay. This color is composed of 14.12% red, 18.04% green, and 25.88% blue. In the RGB color space, it is relatively low in intensity across all channels, contributing to its dark and subdued nature. The CMYK representation is C:45%, M:34%, Y:0%, K:74%, indicating that it primarily uses cyan and magenta with a significant amount of black to achieve its depth. This color is often associated with sophistication, calm, and professionalism. Its low saturation makes it versatile for backgrounds and accents in design.
The hex color #242E42, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure that the text or other elements layered on top have sufficient contrast to meet WCAG guidelines. A light text color, such as white or a very pale shade of yellow or green, is recommended to achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Additionally, avoid using this color as the sole means of conveying information, as users with visual impairments may not be able to differentiate it from similar shades. Provide alternative cues, such as text labels or icons, to ensure that content is accessible to everyone. When using this color in interactive elements, focus indicators with high contrast are essential.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #343e52
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving readability and contrast, especially useful for text backgrounds or UI elements where legibility is paramount.
- #141e32
A darker shade for creating depth and emphasis, suitable for borders, shadows, or as a background for lighter text where a stronger contrast is needed.
- #302830
Provides a warmer undertone while retaining a similar level of darkness, offering a more inviting feel compared to the cooler Ebony Clay, ideal for backgrounds or accents in designs aiming for a cozy atmosphere.
Applications
Web Design Background
Ebony Clay, with its sophisticated and muted tone, serves as an excellent backdrop for websites aiming for a professional or modern aesthetic. It provides a calming visual foundation, making content stand out. The color works especially well for portfolios, corporate sites, or online magazines. Its neutrality allows for easy pairing with brighter accent colors, creating a balanced and visually appealing user experience. It also can be combined with gradients to add visual interest and depth to the layout, ensuring a clean and engaging design.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ebony Clay can be utilized to create a sense of understated elegance. As a wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, it offers a calming and sophisticated ambiance. It pairs well with natural wood tones, metallic accents, and pops of color through artwork or textiles. The color works especially well in spaces designed for relaxation, such as home libraries or studies. The deep hue can create a sense of depth and intimacy, making rooms feel cozy and inviting, while also being modern and stylish.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Ebony Clay can be used as a versatile neutral, particularly for garments like coats, trousers, or dresses. It pairs easily with a wide range of colors, allowing for diverse styling options. The color conveys sophistication and a sense of timelessness. It is also useful for creating contrast with brighter accessories or layering with other neutral tones for a monochrome look. Moreover, the color is often used for professional and formal wear, conveying elegance and reliability.