Charade
General Information about #262F38
The hexadecimal color code #262F38, commonly known as 'Charade,' represents a dark, muted shade of gray with subtle hints of blue and green. It belongs to the cool color family, evoking feelings of sophistication, neutrality, and understated elegance. In the RGB color model, #262F38 is composed of 15.29% red, 18.43% green, and 21.96% blue. This color is frequently employed in designs where a sense of depth, modernity, and seriousness is desired. Charade is often found in corporate branding, website backgrounds, and interior design, providing a grounding effect. Its dark tone makes it suitable for creating contrast with brighter elements, allowing key features to stand out effectively.
The color #262F38, a dark charcoal shade, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low contrast against lighter backgrounds. When used as text, it is crucial to ensure a sufficient contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background to meet WCAG AA standards. This is especially important for users with visual impairments. For larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), a contrast ratio of 3:1 is acceptable. When using #262F38 for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure a clear visual distinction through sufficient contrast, size, or supplementary indicators like underlines or borders to help users easily identify them. Consider providing alternative color schemes to enhance usability for users with different visual needs. Proper implementation of ARIA attributes can further improve accessibility for assistive technologies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Charade, or #262F38, provides a sophisticated and understated backdrop for websites, especially those aiming for a professional or minimalist aesthetic. This color works exceptionally well in headers, footers, or sidebars, offering a dark canvas that allows lighter text and vibrant accents to stand out. In user interfaces, it can define a clean and modern structure, promoting visual hierarchy and reducing eye strain. It pairs effectively with brighter colors like teal, yellow, or orange, creating a visually appealing contrast that draws the user's attention to key elements. The color lends itself well to tech-focused sites and blogs.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #262F38 can be used to create a sense of depth and sophistication in living spaces. Consider applying it as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, pairing it with lighter grays, whites, or even muted blues for a balanced aesthetic. It also works well on furniture, such as sofas or cabinets, where it can impart a modern and luxurious feel. The color allows metallic accents like gold or brass to shine through, creating an elegant and inviting ambiance. Use it to create a dark, cozy space in rooms with plenty of natural light.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Charade (#262F38) can serve as a versatile base color for creating elegant and understated looks. It is a great alternative to black. Incorporate it into clothing items like blazers, trousers, or skirts for a touch of sophistication. This color works exceptionally well when paired with lighter neutrals like beige or cream, as well as bolder accent colors such as deep reds or emerald greens. Accessorize with silver or gold jewelry to enhance its richness. The shade is well-suited for both casual and formal wear, and can be adapted to various styles and settings.