Bastille
General Information
The hex color #281C26, often referred to as 'Bastille', is a dark, muted shade that resides within the realm of deep purples and browns. It is composed of 15.7% red, 11% green, and 15% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to relatively low values across all three channels, resulting in its darkened appearance. Colors like Bastille are frequently employed to evoke feelings of depth, sophistication, and mystery. Its subtle nature makes it a versatile choice for designs aiming for understated elegance. However, its darkness requires careful consideration of contrast when pairing with other colors, especially for text or elements requiring high visibility.
The hex color #281C26, also known as Bastille, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to select foreground text colors that provide sufficient contrast to ensure readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of #281C26, lighter shades of gray, white, or even carefully chosen pastel colors would be more suitable for foreground text. Tools like contrast checkers can help web developers verify that their color choices meet accessibility standards, thereby making content accessible to users with visual impairments. Careful consideration should be given to the overall design to ensure usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #332631
A slightly lighter shade that provides a similar dark, muted feel while improving contrast with white text.
- #333333
A more neutral dark gray that is easier to pair with various accent colors and generally offers better accessibility.
- #40303e
A color with less saturation that works well to create contrast with lighter elements.
Applications
Elegant Website Backgrounds
Bastille (#281C26) is well-suited for creating sophisticated and moody website designs. Its deep, muted tone can be used as a background color for sections intended to convey elegance or exclusivity, such as portfolio showcases or landing pages for luxury products. Paired with gold or cream accents, it can evoke a sense of understated luxury. Careful attention should be paid to contrast to maintain readability.
Sophisticated Fashion Designs
In fashion, Bastille can serve as an excellent base color for creating outfits with a touch of mystery and sophistication. It pairs well with textures like velvet or leather and can be complemented with metallic accessories for a glamorous touch. This color is ideal for evening wear or statement pieces, offering a more subtle alternative to black.
Intimate Interior Design
For interior design, #281C26 can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in spaces like bedrooms or home theaters. It works well on accent walls or as upholstery for furniture. To avoid making the space feel too dark, it's important to balance it with lighter colors and ample lighting. Metallics and warm wood tones can further enhance the space's ambiance.