Charade
General Information about Charade (#262936)
The hex color #262936, also known as Charade, is a dark, muted shade of gray-purple. It belongs to the family of cool, dark neutrals and is often associated with sophistication, elegance, and understated style. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 15.9% red, 16.1% green, and 21.2% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.25, 0.24, 0.0, 0.79, meaning it requires 25% cyan, 24% magenta, 0% yellow, and 79% black to produce this color in print. Charade is a versatile color that can be used in various design applications, from web design to fashion, often serving as a background or accent color to create depth and visual interest without being overly assertive. The understated nature makes it ideal for creating sophisticated visual experiences.
The color #262936, also known as Charade, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its low luminance value of approximately 8.4 cd/m² means that it offers very little contrast against other dark colors, potentially making content difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When pairing #262936 with text, it's crucial to use a light color to ensure sufficient contrast. White (#FFFFFF) or very light grays would be suitable choices to enhance readability. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility standards, ensuring content is usable for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #363946
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #464956
A color offering a higher contrast for better readability in text applications.
- #292636
This color is similar in darkness but adds a hint of warmth, providing a subtle variation while remaining aesthetically pleasing.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Charade (#262936) can serve as a sophisticated background color for websites or applications aiming for a modern and minimalist aesthetic. Its dark, muted tone can create a sense of depth and sophistication, making it suitable for portfolios, landing pages, or creative agency websites. To ensure readability, pair it with light-colored text and elements. The subtle nature of Charade allows it to recede into the background, emphasizing the foreground content and drawing the user's attention to key elements, graphics, and calls to action. Using it sparingly and strategically can enhance the overall user experience.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Charade can be used as an accent wall color to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Its dark and calming hue can make a room feel more enclosed and comfortable, especially when paired with warm lighting and soft textures. Consider using it in bedrooms, home theaters, or reading nooks to establish a relaxing and inviting space. Complementing it with lighter furniture and décor can prevent the room from feeling too dark, striking a balance between depth and airiness. Charade's versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with a variety of design styles.
UI Elements
In UI/UX design, #262936 can be used for elements such as sidebars or headers, providing a dark and subtle background that allows other brighter elements to stand out. The muted tone of Charade ensures that it does not distract from the main content, enabling users to focus on the core functionalities and information. When using this color in UI elements, ensure adequate contrast with text and icons for accessibility, and consider using it in conjunction with lighter accents to maintain visual balance and a clean, modern aesthetic. Its subtle nature ensures a professional look.