Steel Gray
General Information
The hexadecimal color #292236, often described as a dark steel gray, is composed of 16.08% red, 13.33% green, and 21.18% blue. It resides within the RGB color space and is commonly employed in digital design and web development to achieve a muted, sophisticated aesthetic. This color is best suited for backgrounds, text, and accents where subtlety and understated elegance are desired. Its relative darkness implies a somber and serious tone, making it appropriate for professional or formal contexts. Understanding its components allows designers to adjust it for specific applications or find complementary hues to enhance visual appeal.
The color #292236, a dark steel gray, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires light-colored text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet WCAG AA guidelines. Using color contrast checking tools can help determine if the combination meets accessibility standards. Also, avoid using color as the sole method to convey important information; supplement color with text labels or icons to accommodate users with visual impairments. Considering users with low vision or color blindness is crucial when designing with this color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #43464b
A slightly lighter gray that provides better contrast with dark text.
- #333333
A dark neutral color that is easier to combine with other colors than #292236.
- #555555
This alternative provides a more pure grey that can be used instead of #292236. It gives a softer look and can be useful as background color.
Applications
Web Design
This hue, reminiscent of darkened metal, lends a sophisticated touch to user interfaces, evoking feelings of reliability and muted elegance. The dark steel gray (#292236) is an excellent choice for website backgrounds, navigation bars, and button hover states. Its subtle depth minimizes distraction, enabling seamless content integration and readability. Furthermore, this shade can be applied to icons, borders, and separators, enriching the overall design with a refined aesthetic.
Fashion Design
Dark steel gray (#292236) offers a refined and understated choice for apparel design. Its versatility allows it to be used in various clothing items, from casual wear to formal attire. It is used for creating a professional and contemporary feel. As a base color, it can be combined with vibrant accents to create a striking contrast. Alternatively, it can be used with other neutral tones for a minimalist and elegant look, making it a staple in modern wardrobes.
Interior Design
In interior design, dark steel gray (#292236) can create a modern and sophisticated ambiance. Its neutral tone pairs well with a wide range of colors and materials, allowing for versatile design schemes. It is an excellent choice for walls, flooring, and furniture, adding depth and character to any room. Consider using this color to accent architectural details or to serve as a backdrop for artwork and decorative objects. This color is well-suited for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.