Charade
General Information about Charade (#242F35)
The hexadecimal color code #242F35, commonly known as Charade, represents a dark, muted shade of gray-blue. It belongs to the family of cool colors and exhibits a subtle sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 14.12% red, 18.43% green, and 21.96% blue. This combination results in a color that evokes feelings of calmness, neutrality, and understated elegance. Charade is often used in design to convey a sense of professionalism and stability. Because of its neutrality it can be used for many purposes. It can be used alone, or in combination with other colors, such as white, or other contrasting colors such as red, or yellow.
The color #242F35, also known as Charade, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used for text. Its low lightness value (approximately 0.11) means that it provides insufficient contrast against standard white backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Charade typically falls short of these requirements, potentially causing readability issues for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair Charade with much lighter colors for text or to use it sparingly for decorative elements. When using Charade as a background, ensure text and other foreground elements have sufficient contrast by using very light colors. Always test color combinations using accessibility tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and optimal readability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #343f45
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark and sophisticated feel.
- #444444
A desaturated gray that offers a neutral alternative with improved compatibility with various foreground colors.
- #203A50
A dark blue which has a similar hue, but allows for brighter text on top.
Applications
Website Backgrounds and UI Elements
Charade is frequently used in website backgrounds to create a sense of sophistication and depth. Its dark hue works well for headers and footers, providing a subtle yet impactful visual anchor. Ensure adequate contrast with lighter text colors to maintain readability. It is also suited for UI elements where a non-intrusive color is desired, such as form backgrounds or subtle dividers.
Interior Design
In interior design, Charade can be applied to accent walls or furniture to add a touch of elegance. It pairs well with lighter neutrals and metallic accents to create a balanced and inviting space. It's also suitable for home theater rooms to minimize light reflection and enhance the viewing experience. It can also be a good choice for flooring or darker furniture.
Fashion and Graphic Design
Charade is a versatile color in fashion, often used for outerwear, formal wear, and accessories. Its dark and neutral nature allows it to be easily paired with various colors and patterns. In graphic design, it can serve as a background color for posters or presentations, providing a professional and understated look, and it also works well in logos, for example in combination with white, or another contrasting color.