Charade
General Information about #253138
The hexadecimal color #253138, often referred to as 'Charade', is a dark, muted shade that resides within the cool end of the color spectrum. It is composed of 14.51% red, 19.22% green, and 21.96% blue. This combination results in a color that evokes feelings of stability, sophistication, and perhaps even a touch of mystery. Colors in this range are frequently used in designs where a sense of understated elegance is desired, lending themselves well to backgrounds, text elements, and accent pieces. The RGB values are 37, 49, and 56 respectively. The CMYK values are 0.34, 0.12, 0.0, 0.78. These values indicate the amount of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink needed to produce this color.
The hex color #253138, also known as Charade, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to select foreground text colors that provide sufficient contrast to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to comply with WCAG guidelines. Lighter shades of gray, white, or even muted blues or greens would serve as good foreground text color options against #253138. Testing color combinations with accessibility tools is highly advised to validate compliance and enhance the user experience for everyone. Avoid using it for critical interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #343e47
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic but offers improved contrast when used as a background color.
- #1a2229
A darker shade for creating a deeper, more immersive feel, suitable for backgrounds or accent elements.
- #293740
A similar tone with a hint of blue, this color provides a cool, calming effect and works well in modern designs.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #253138 is excellent for creating sophisticated website headers or footers. Its dark, muted tone conveys professionalism and stability, making it suitable for businesses in finance, technology, or consulting. It can also be used for website navigation bars or as a background color for code snippets to provide a comfortable reading experience. When combined with lighter accent colors, it helps to create visual hierarchy and guides the user's attention effectively.
Interior Design
In interior design, #253138 can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and leather, as well as metallic accents like brass or copper. This color can also be incorporated into furniture pieces, such as sofas or armchairs, to add a touch of elegance to the space. It works well with warm lighting to enhance the sense of comfort and relaxation.
Fashion
In fashion, #253138 is often used in men's wear for suits, jackets, or trousers to create a smart and refined look. It can be combined with neutral colors like white, gray, or black, as well as bolder colors like burgundy or mustard yellow, to create stylish outfits. This color is also popular for accessories like bags, belts, and shoes, adding a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. It is a versatile color that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.