Ebony Clay
General Information about Ebony Clay (#262E42)
The hex color #262E42, often referred to as Ebony Clay, is a dark, muted shade that resides in the realm of blues and grays. It carries a sense of sophistication, depth, and understated elegance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 15.3% red, 18% green, and 25.9% blue. Its subdued nature makes it versatile for various design applications, providing a grounding element for more vibrant colors. In the CMYK color model, Ebony Clay consists of approximately 41% cyan, 31% magenta, 0% yellow, and 74% black. Its hexadecimal triplet is 262E42, which can be converted to other color systems for use across different media. Colors like this are often found in designs aiming to convey professionalism, seriousness, or a touch of luxury.
The hex color #262E42, also known as Ebony Clay, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, sufficient contrast with foreground text is crucial for readability, especially 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, as per WCAG guidelines. It is imperative to use color contrast tools to verify that text and interactive elements meet these standards. Considering its dark nature, pairing #262E42 with light or bright hues for text and graphical elements is advisable. Failure to ensure adequate contrast can result in a poor user experience, rendering content difficult or impossible to read for some individuals. Proper implementation of ARIA attributes can further enhance accessibility for screen reader users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333b4f
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #383838
A more neutral gray that offers greater versatility in various design contexts.
- #30384d
Provides a sophisticated look, while offering a touch more brightness and slightly improved contrast compared to Ebony Clay
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ebony Clay (#262E42) is effective for creating backgrounds and panels that need to convey sophistication and depth. Its dark hue makes it suitable for dark-themed websites or sections where content should stand out. To maximize readability, it should be paired with light-colored text and interactive elements. Consider using it for headers, footers, or sidebars to give a website a modern and refined feel. Further, using it as a secondary color in UI elements allows you to define a clear visual hierarchy, making key actions more noticeable, such as buttons or navigation links, while keeping the design harmonious.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ebony Clay can be used to create a moody and luxurious atmosphere. It works particularly well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. As an accent wall color, it can add depth and drama to a space. Complementary colors like mustard yellow or teal can be used in accessories to provide pops of color and visual interest. Lighter furniture and artwork will also create a balanced and inviting environment. In smaller rooms, it's wise to use it sparingly to avoid making the space feel too enclosed.
Fashion
In fashion, Ebony Clay presents a sophisticated and versatile option, often used for creating a modern, minimalist, and elegant look. It works as an excellent base color for outfits, especially in outerwear like coats and jackets, and can be elegantly paired with a wide array of accent colors, from muted tones to brighter hues, to create depth and visual interest. As a neutral base, it allows accessories to stand out and is suitable for a variety of fabrics, adding a touch of class and refinement to everyday wear.