Steel Gray
General Information about #281F38
The hexadecimal color code #281F38 represents a dark shade of gray, often referred to as steel gray. It is composed of 15.7% red, 12.2% green, and 21.96% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 40 red, 31 green, and 56 blue. This color falls within the cool spectrum, lending itself to applications where a sense of sophistication, neutrality, or understatement is desired. Its muted nature allows it to serve effectively as a background or supporting color, enabling brighter or more vibrant colors to stand out. The steel gray tone evokes feelings of calmness and stability. In CMYK, the color is composed of 28.57% cyan, 44.64% magenta, 0% yellow, and 78.04% black.
The hex color #281F38, a deep and muted steel gray, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially regarding text legibility. When using this color as a background, ensure that the foreground text possesses a high contrast ratio, ideally meeting WCAG AA or AAA standards. Lighter shades of gray, whites, or vibrant accent colors are recommended for text. Insufficient contrast can hinder readability for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Tools like contrast checkers are essential for verifying compliance. Additionally, avoid relying solely on color to convey critical information; supplement with text labels or icons to accommodate all users. Thoughtful consideration of color pairings is crucial for creating inclusive and accessible designs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Background
This color can be used as a background for websites. The muted tone is ideal for displaying textual information and graphics. Consider using a lighter text color like white or a light grey to ensure readability.
Clothing
This color can be applied to clothing to give it a more sophisticated style. It blends well with a large palette of other colors, and can function as a grounding tone for a more vibrant outfit.
Interior Design
Steel gray is a versatile color for interior design, lending itself well to modern and minimalist aesthetics. It can be used on walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies to create a sophisticated and calming environment. When paired with brighter accent colors, such as teal or mustard yellow, it can add depth and personality to a space. In corporate environments, this color is often used for accent walls.