Steel Gray

General Information about Steel Gray

The hex color #261A3D, also known as Steel Gray, is a dark, muted shade of gray with subtle purple undertones. It is composed of 15.3% red, 10.2% green, and 23.9% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to R:38, G:26, B:61. The CMYK values are C:38, M:58, Y:0, K:76, indicating a significant amount of cyan and magenta with minimal yellow. This color often evokes feelings of sophistication, neutrality, and understated elegance. It is frequently used in design contexts where a sense of calm and reserve is desired. The color's low saturation and relatively dark luminance make it a versatile choice for backgrounds or as a complementary color to brighter, more vibrant hues.

The hex color #261A3D, also known as Steel Gray, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Due to its relatively low luminance, the contrast ratio against a standard white background (e.g., #FFFFFF) may not meet the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommended ratios for text legibility. This can pose difficulties for users with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness. When using #261A3D for text, it is crucial to ensure a sufficient contrast ratio by pairing it with a lighter background color. Tools like online contrast checkers can assist in verifying compliance. For graphical elements, the contrast requirements are less stringent, but careful consideration should still be given to ensure that important visual information is not lost. Using a slightly lighter shade of gray or incorporating white borders around elements can improve visibility and overall accessibility.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design Background

  In web design, Steel Gray (#261A3D) can serve as an elegant background for sections requiring a subdued and sophisticated aesthetic. For instance, a portfolio website might use this color for the 'About Me' section to convey professionalism and understated style. To enhance usability, it is imperative to pair it with lighter text colors to ensure adequate contrast and readability. Moreover, #261A3D can function effectively in website footers, providing a grounding visual element without overpowering the primary content. Consider incorporating lighter shades of gray or off-white for text and links within the footer to maintain a cohesive and accessible user experience.

• Interior Design Wall Color

  In interior design, Steel Gray (#261A3D) lends itself well to creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in living spaces. It can be applied to walls in bedrooms or living rooms to establish a serene backdrop for other decorative elements. Consider complementing this shade with lighter furniture, such as cream-colored sofas or white shelving units, to introduce contrast and prevent the space from feeling too dark. Furthermore, incorporating metallic accents like brushed silver or copper can enhance the color's inherent elegance. Overall, Steel Gray acts as a versatile foundation, allowing for the layering of various textures and tones to achieve a harmonious and inviting environment.

• Fashion Apparel

  In fashion, Steel Gray (#261A3D) can be incorporated into garments to create a chic and modern look. A well-tailored blazer or a pair of trousers in this color exudes sophistication and versatility. Steel Gray pairs well with a variety of colors, making it easy to create diverse outfits. For a professional ensemble, combine Steel Gray trousers with a crisp white shirt and black heels. For a more casual look, pair a Steel Gray sweater with dark denim jeans and ankle boots. Accessorize with silver jewelry to complement the cool undertones of the color.

Complementary color

Buttons