Steel Gray
General Information about Steel Gray
The hexadecimal color #282635, commonly known as Steel Gray, is a dark, desaturated shade of gray. It is composed of 16.1% red, 15.3% green, and 20.8% blue. In the RGB color model, it has the values (40, 38, 53). In the CMYK color model, its composition is 24.53% cyan, 28.3% magenta, 0% yellow, and 79.2% black. The hue angle is 248.6 degrees, the saturation is 14.3%, and the lightness is 18%. This color is often associated with sophistication, neutrality, and modernity. It is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of applications, from web design to interior decoration. Because of its low brightness, the color is better suited for backgrounds and should be carefully evaluated when used for fonts.
The hex color #282635, also known as Steel Gray, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its relatively low luminance value means that it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios when paired with other colors, especially white or lighter shades. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between text and background is crucial for readability, particularly for users with visual impairments. For body text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while large text requires a ratio of 3:1. Steel Gray may not meet these standards when used with many lighter colors, necessitating the use of darker text colors or modifications to the background shade to ensure compliance and optimal readability. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure sufficient visual cues beyond color alone are provided. This might include underlines, borders, or icons to enhance recognizability for all users, including those with color vision deficiencies. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance with WCAG standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds and UI Elements
In web development, #282635 can be used for website backgrounds, particularly for creating a sophisticated and muted aesthetic. It pairs well with brighter accent colors to create visually interesting designs. As a background for text, ensure that the text color has sufficient contrast for readability, adhering to accessibility guidelines. Furthermore, this color can be incorporated into website headers, footers, and sidebars to provide a consistent and elegant visual theme. The color can also be used for buttons and form elements, providing a sleek and modern feel to the user interface, however, one must ensure there is a clear visual difference to interactive elements of a website.
Interior Design
#282635 is suitable for creating a minimalist and calming interior. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or accent pieces to establish a modern and elegant atmosphere. The color works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or office spaces. It can also be combined with natural elements like wood or plants to add warmth and texture to the design. Using lighter colored accents such as white, beige, or pastel shades can create a balanced and harmonious environment. The color is a good neutral canvas for colorful accents.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, Steel Gray (#282635) can be utilized for creating professional and sophisticated clothing items. This color lends itself well to suits, dresses, and outerwear, offering a refined and understated elegance. It can be paired with bolder colors for accessories or accents to add a touch of personality. The color is also suitable for creating neutral backgrounds in fashion photography or for designing textiles with subtle patterns. The shade works across various seasons and can be adapted for both casual and formal wear.