Chambray
General Information about Chambray (#284C8C)
The color #284C8C, commonly known as Chambray, is a dark shade of blue with a slightly muted or grayish undertone. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it consists of 16.08% red, 29.8% green, and 54.9% blue. In the CMYK color model, which is used for printing, it is composed of 71% cyan, 46% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45% black. This color is frequently used in various design applications, including web design, graphic design, and interior design, due to its versatility and ability to evoke a sense of trust and professionalism. It's important to note that the perceived appearance of Chambray can vary slightly depending on lighting conditions and surrounding colors.
The color #284C8C, also known as Chambray, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low luminance value means that it requires careful consideration when used for text or interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between text and background is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. For text, it's recommended to use a lighter color for the background or a much lighter shade of the same hue to ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When used for interactive elements such as buttons or links, ensure that there's sufficient visual distinction from the surrounding elements, especially in different states (e.g., hover, focus, active). Using tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility standards. Considering colorblindness is also essential; ensure that the information conveyed by this color is also available through other means, such as labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #5d8aa8
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can provide a softer, more subtle background or text color, ensuring readability and visual comfort.
- #003366
A darker blue that can provide a better contrast when used as a background for lighter color text.
Applications
Website Design
In web design, Chambray (#284C8C) can be used for headers, navigation bars, or as a background color for specific sections of a website to create a sense of sophistication and trust. It pairs well with lighter text colors like white or light gray to ensure readability. Due to its calming nature, it's well-suited for websites related to finance, education, or healthcare. It can be combined with other complementary colors or accent colors to create a visually appealing and balanced design. It is important to consider accessibility guidelines by ensuring adequate color contrast between text and background.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chambray can be used as an accent wall color or for upholstery to bring a sense of tranquility to a room. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. It can be combined with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white to create a balanced and harmonious space. Accessorizing with pops of brighter colors like yellow or orange can add visual interest and prevent the space from feeling too monotonous. For example, in a bedroom, Chambray colored walls can be complemented with white bedding and yellow throw pillows.
Fashion
In fashion, Chambray is a versatile color that can be used for various clothing items such as shirts, dresses, or jackets. It pairs well with denim, khaki, or white for a classic and casual look. Accessorizing with brown leather belts or shoes can enhance the overall outfit. Chambray colored clothing can be suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions, depending on the style and cut of the garment. The color also works well with other neutral tones, allowing for a variety of styling options. Because the color is more muted, it is more appropriate for daytime wear.