Outer Space
General Information about Outer Space (#283D47)
The color #283D47, often referred to as "Outer Space," is a dark, muted shade of gray with subtle hints of blue. It belongs to the family of cool colors and evokes a sense of calmness, stability, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it consists of 16.1% red, 23.9% green, and 27.8% blue. In the CMYK color model, it's composed of 42% cyan, 14% magenta, 0% yellow, and 72% black. This color is often used in designs where a sense of professionalism, neutrality, or understated elegance is desired. Its dark tone makes it suitable for backgrounds, text, and other elements where contrast is important, provided that it is paired with appropriate lighter colors for readability. Because of the color's high concentration of blue, the hexadecimal name is often attributed to calm and cold themes.
The hex color #283D47, also known as Outer Space, presents some accessibility considerations for web developers. Its relatively low lightness value means it requires careful attention to contrast ratios, especially when used for text. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. When using #283D47 as a background color, ensure that the foreground text color provides a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Tools like contrast checkers can assist in verifying these ratios. Additionally, consider providing alternative styling options or themes that offer higher contrast for users who need them. Avoid using #283D47 for essential visual information without sufficient contrast, as this could render the information inaccessible to some users. Providing sufficient spacing between elements is also important to ensure an accessible design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #36454F
A slightly lighter shade of gray that offers better readability and contrast, suitable for backgrounds and text.
- #2F4F4F
A dark blue-gray that provides a sophisticated feel while offering a bit more visual distinction than #283D47.
- #2E4A3F
A dark shade of gray with a hint of green, this provides a calm and peaceful feel. It's a shade lighter than #283D47 and offers a subtle variation.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Outer Space (#283D47) can be effectively used in website backgrounds to create a calm and professional atmosphere. It works well with lighter text colors such as white or off-white to ensure readability. This color is particularly suitable for websites related to technology, science, or business, where a sense of stability and sophistication is desired. The muted tone allows content to stand out without being visually distracting. It's a great choice for headers, footers, and sidebars, providing a clean and modern look. The color can also be applied to charts and graphs, where a subtle background enhances data presentation without overwhelming the viewer.
Interior Design
In interior design, Outer Space serves as an excellent base color for creating a modern and minimalist aesthetic. It can be used on walls to provide a neutral backdrop for furniture and decor. This color pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as metallic accents such as brushed steel or copper. It's also a good choice for upholstery, such as sofas or chairs, providing a sophisticated and understated look. The color can be used in bedrooms to provide a calm and restful environment and in living rooms to add a formal ambiance.
Fashion Apparel
Outer Space provides a versatile color choice for fashion apparel. It can be used for outerwear, such as jackets or coats, as well as for pants or skirts. This color pairs well with a variety of other colors, from vibrant hues to muted tones, making it easy to create a range of different looks. It is also a good choice for accessories such as scarves or hats. In menswear, it can be used to create a classic and sophisticated look, while in womenswear, it can be used to create a modern and edgy look.