Charade
General Information
The hex color #272F36, also known as Charade, is a dark, muted shade that falls within the realm of cool neutrals. It's composed of 15.3% red, 18.4% green, and 21.2% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to relatively low values across all three primary colors, resulting in its dark appearance. This color often conveys a sense of sophistication, seriousness, and reserve. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various applications in design, where it can serve as a background to make other colors pop, or as an accent color to add depth and shadow. The color name “Charade” suggests an element of mystery or deception, which can add an intriguing layer to its use in creative projects.
The hex color #272F36, also known as Charade, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding text legibility. Its low luminance value of approximately 6.7 cd/m² falls significantly short of the WCAG's recommended contrast ratios for text and background colors. When using #272F36 as a background color, it's essential to pair it with a light-colored text (such as white or a very light gray) to ensure sufficient contrast for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is generally recommended. Using color contrast analyzers can help ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Developers should also provide alternative styling options, such as high-contrast themes, to accommodate users with specific visual needs, thus improving the overall user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #434a54
A lighter shade that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility.
- #343a40
A slightly brighter tone while maintaining a similar aesthetic, offering a subtle visual lift.
- #3a4750
This lighter color provides a similar aesthetic but enhanced readability, making it suitable for text and interactive elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Charade (#272F36) can be used to create a sophisticated and understated aesthetic for websites and applications. It's particularly effective as a background color for headers, footers, and sidebars. This dark, neutral tone allows content to stand out, drawing the user's attention to key information and calls to action. When used thoughtfully, #272F36 can enhance the overall user experience by creating a sense of elegance and professionalism. Pairing it with lighter fonts and well-placed accents can further elevate the design, making it both visually appealing and highly functional.
Interior Design
In interior design, the hex color #272F36 can contribute to creating a modern and relaxing atmosphere. It works exceptionally well in living rooms and bedrooms when paired with warm lighting and soft textures. This color adds depth and sophistication to walls or furniture, making it a versatile choice for accent pieces and focal points. It can be paired with metallic accents like gold or copper, or lighter colors like cream or beige, to create a comfortable balance between boldness and coziness. This colour creates a relaxed and stylish environment.
Fashion Design
Charade (#272F36) can be employed in fashion design to evoke a sense of mystery and sophistication. As a dark and neutral tone, it can be used for creating base garments like dresses, pants, or jackets. It is very appropriate for accessories and can be used in casual and formal wear. For example, you can use it as a basic background and complement it with bright colors such as reds or yellows. It can be matched with jewelry, bags, and shoes. The effect is more elegant and refined.