Steel Gray
General Information about #281E39
The hexadecimal color code #281E39 represents a dark shade of gray, often described as steel gray or a muted, deep grayish-purple. It is composed of 15.7% red, 11.8% green, and 22.4% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:40, G:30, B:57. The CMYK values are C:29, M:48, Y:0, K:78. The hue angle is 253.3 degrees, the saturation is 31.4, and the lightness is 16.7. This color evokes feelings of sophistication, neutrality, and calmness. It's often associated with modern and professional aesthetics, making it suitable for a variety of design applications where a subtle, understated color is desired.
The color #281E39, a deep, muted steel gray, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Due to its low luminance, it requires careful pairing with contrasting colors to ensure readability. For text, a light color like #FFFFFF (white) or a bright pastel would be suitable for the foreground to achieve a sufficient contrast ratio as defined by WCAG guidelines. Using this color as a background necessitates equally bright foreground elements. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, providing clear visual cues such as hover or focus states becomes crucial. Insufficient contrast can make the content difficult or impossible to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Regular testing with accessibility tools and real users is essential to validate the color scheme's usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, this color can serve as a sophisticated background for portfolios or corporate websites aiming for a professional and understated appearance. It works well with minimalist layouts and allows content to stand out. It can also be used for UI elements like sidebars or footers to create visual separation without being too attention-grabbing. Use it together with muted pastels to create a modern look.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Steel Gray acts as a versatile neutral that complements both warm and cool tones. It can be used on walls to create a calming and elegant atmosphere, or as an accent color in furniture and accessories. Combining it with wood elements or metallic accents can enhance its sophistication. The color allows a broad range of color accents in any space.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, this hue presents a refined and timeless choice, appropriate for both formal and casual attire. Ideal for crafting sleek, versatile pieces like blazers, trousers, or knitwear, it pairs seamlessly with a spectrum of colors—from vibrant jewel tones to soft pastels. Accessorizing with metallic accents or bold patterns introduces depth and character to the ensemble, making it a foundational shade for a curated wardrobe.