Charade
General Information about #272E31
The hex color #272E31, also known as Charade, is a dark, muted shade that falls within the cool gray-brown color family. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 15.29% red, 18.04% green, and 19.22% blue. Its CMYK representation is characterized by high levels of cyan, magenta, and yellow, indicating its relative lack of saturation. This color evokes a sense of sophistication, neutrality, and understated elegance. It is often associated with modern aesthetics, minimalist designs, and corporate branding. Because of its darker nature, it is best utilized with lighter accents or as a background color to ensure readability and visual balance in designs.
The hex color #272E31, also known as Charade, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning text and interactive elements. Its low luminance value of approximately 5.9 cd/m² falls short of WCAG guidelines for sufficient contrast against white backgrounds. Specifically, for normal text (smaller than 18pt), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text (18pt and larger) and user interface components, a contrast ratio of 3:1 is required. Using #272E31 for text on a white or light background would likely fail these criteria, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read comfortably. Therefore, it's crucial to pair this color with significantly lighter shades to ensure readability and accessibility. Consider using online contrast checkers to verify the contrast ratio of your color combinations. For interactive elements, provide clear visual cues beyond color alone to ensure users can easily identify and interact with them.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #363e42
A slightly lighter shade provides better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #404040
A desaturated gray offers a neutral alternative that works well with various color palettes.
- #2e3440
A dark blue, providing a slightly better contrast ratio against light backgrounds while still maintaining a sophisticated feel.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, Charade (#272E31) can serve as an excellent background color for website sections or headers, especially when aiming for a sophisticated and modern look. Due to its dark nature, it's crucial to pair it with light-colored text or elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It works well with minimalist designs, allowing other colors and elements to stand out. When using it for larger blocks of text, make sure that the font is large enough and has sufficient contrast. It's also ideal for website footers or sidebars, where less critical information is typically displayed.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Charade can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It's suitable for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when complemented by lighter furniture and decor. The color's dark tone can bring depth and drama to a space, making it feel cozy and inviting. It's particularly effective when used in combination with natural materials like wood or stone. Additionally, it can be incorporated into furniture pieces like sofas or chairs for a subtle yet impactful touch.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Charade can be incorporated into various garments and accessories. It's a great color for creating a sophisticated and understated look, perfect for everyday wear or formal occasions. It works well as a base color for pants, skirts, or jackets, and can be paired with brighter colors or neutral tones. In accessories, it can be used for handbags, shoes, or belts, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Due to its dark nature, Charade is a versatile color that can be easily styled with different pieces.