Pickled Bluewood
General Information about #294A57
The hexadecimal color code #294A57 represents a dark, muted shade of blue-green, often described as a 'Pickled Bluewood'. It falls within the cool color spectrum, evoking feelings of tranquility, stability, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 16.08% red, 29.02% green, and 34.12% blue. The CMYK values are 0.53, 0.16, 0.00, 0.66, indicating a significant presence of cyan, a touch of magenta, and almost no yellow, with black as the dominant component. This color is often associated with nature, specifically forests and bodies of water, making it suitable for designs that aim to create a calming or grounding effect. Its relatively low saturation gives it a subtle and understated appearance, making it versatile for various applications.
The color #294A57, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a text color. Its relatively low luminance of 0.064 means that it requires very light text to achieve sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is necessary for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with moderate visual impairments. When used as a background color, pairing it with white text is advisable. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the color combination meets accessibility standards. Careful consideration of font size and weight can also mitigate some issues, but it is generally recommended to use this color sparingly for text or interactive elements, opting instead for backgrounds or decorative purposes where contrast requirements are less stringent. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3e5b68
A slightly lighter shade of blue-gray that provides better contrast as a background color, while maintaining a similar aesthetic feel to Pickled Bluewood.
- #1a2d36
A darker shade for creating greater contrast as a text color on a light background, improving readability and accessibility for a wider range of users.
- #537a8a
A muted teal alternative that offers a softer aesthetic while remaining versatile for various design applications, providing a more subtle visual impact.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #294A57 is suitable for website headers, footers, or sidebars, especially when aiming for a sophisticated and calming aesthetic. It can serve as a background for showcasing text, but be sure to utilize a light-colored text, such as white, to ensure readability and meet accessibility standards. It can also be integrated into charts and graphs as a subtle color for data visualization, complementing brighter accent colors for emphasis. Avoid using this color for interactive elements or essential icons unless accompanied by significant visual cues or labels.
Interior Design
In interior design, Pickled Bluewood (#294A57) can be applied to walls in bedrooms, studies, or living rooms, offering a relaxing and serene atmosphere. It pairs well with natural wood tones, creating a harmonious and inviting space. This color can also be used for furniture pieces, such as sofas or cabinets, providing a touch of elegance and sophistication. Consider using it in combination with brighter accent colors like mustard yellow or coral to add visual interest and prevent the space from feeling too monotonous. Incorporating textures such as linen or velvet can further enhance the depth and richness of the color.
Fashion
In fashion, #294A57 can be used for creating sophisticated and elegant clothing pieces, such as dresses, suits, or coats. It works well as a base color that can be paired with other neutral or vibrant colors to create a variety of looks. This color can be used as the color for formal occasion attire, such as evening dresses and suits. Accessorize the outfit with silver or gold jewelry and a clutch in a complementary color such as blush pink or mustard yellow to add a pop of color and elevate the overall look.