Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay (#242F40)
The hexadecimal color code #242F40 represents a dark, muted shade of blue, often referred to as Ebony Clay. It is composed of 14.12% red, 18.43% green, and 25.1% blue. In the RGB color space, it is closer to blue than red and green, which is why the overall perception is bluish. The color is often associated with sophistication, elegance, and stability. It is commonly used in designs where a sense of professionalism and depth is desired. Due to its dark nature, it can provide a strong base for designs, acting as a neutral backdrop for brighter colors. Its relative low saturation gives it a calm and understated appearance, making it suitable for corporate branding, web design, and interior design.
The color #242F40, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Due to its dark nature, it has low contrast against common background colors like white. When using this color for text, it's crucial to ensure a high contrast ratio to meet WCAG guidelines for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This can be achieved by pairing #242F40 with very light colors like #FFFFFF (white) or shades of gray close to white. For decorative elements or non-textual contexts, the contrast requirements are less stringent, allowing for more flexibility. However, keep the overall user experience in mind and try testing color combinations with users, using tools like WebAIM's contrast checker to ensure sufficient contrast. Keep in mind the potential for users with low vision or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds and Headers
Ebony Clay (#242F40) can be effectively used as a background color for website headers and footers. Its dark, subdued nature creates a sense of sophistication and professionalism. By using lighter text colors, such as white or off-white, against this background, you can ensure good readability and visual appeal. The color is also appropriate for sidebars or other secondary content areas on a website, providing a visual separation from the main content. Additionally, using it for buttons (with hover effects to make it clear which buttons are interactive) can bring a dark mode to any application. Its neutrality makes it ideal for displaying any accent color.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Ebony Clay can be used as an accent wall color to add depth and drama to a room. It pairs well with lighter, more neutral colors on the other walls, creating a balanced and visually appealing space. The color can also be incorporated into furniture, such as sofas or chairs, to add a touch of sophistication. Consider pairing it with metallic accents like gold or silver for a luxurious feel, or with natural wood tones for a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. Its presence is subtle and powerful, so it is ideal to generate powerful contrasts.
Base Color for Garments
In fashion, Ebony Clay can be used as a base color for garments. It is versatile, professional, and classic, suitable for both formal and casual occasions. It works well as a neutral color for accessories such as bags, belts, and shoes, allowing them to be paired with a wide range of outfits. Its deep tone provides a solid foundation for bolder, brighter colors or patterns, creating a striking contrast. Use it as a canvas for other accenting colors to produce a unique look.