Baltic Sea
General Information about #2A2E30
The hexadecimal color code #2A2E30 represents a dark, muted shade of gray, often categorized within the range of dark cool grays. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 16.47% red, 18.04% green, and 18.82% blue. In the CMYK color model, which is often used for printing, it consists of 13% cyan, 4% magenta, 0% yellow, and 81% black. This color is frequently associated with qualities like sophistication, neutrality, and a sense of understated elegance. It is commonly used in designs that require a subtle, non-distracting background or a color that conveys a sense of seriousness and professionalism. The color is also known as Baltic Sea, representing a dark and murky body of water.
The color #2A2E30, often referred to as Baltic Sea, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used for text or interactive elements. Its low luminance value of approximately 5.6 cd/m² necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text against its background to meet Level AA conformance, and 7:1 for Level AAA. For large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), the minimum contrast ratio is 3:1. When using #2A2E30 for text, ensure a light background color is chosen to meet these contrast requirements. Similarly, if used as a background color, pair it with a light-colored text. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can be used to verify compliance. Furthermore, avoid using this color alone to convey important information, as users with low vision may struggle to distinguish it. Consider providing redundant cues such as icons or text labels. When using this color for links or buttons, ensure sufficient visual distinction from the surrounding text, such as an underline or a distinct hover state.
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Digital Color Formats
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Applications
Web Design
In web design, #2A2E30 can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or footers, especially when aiming for a dark mode aesthetic. It works well paired with lighter text colors like #FFFFFF or #F0F0F0 to ensure readability. Additionally, this color can be used for creating subtle dividers or borders to add depth and structure to a website's layout. For interactive elements like buttons, consider using a brighter hover state to enhance usability. It's also suitable for data visualization, where its dark tone can effectively differentiate data sets or chart elements when used in conjunction with lighter, contrasting colors.
Interior & Fashion Design
In interior design, Baltic Sea can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or accessories. It creates a sense of calm and sophistication, particularly in bedrooms or living rooms. When using it on walls, balance it with lighter-colored furniture and decor to prevent the space from feeling too dark. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as metallic accents like gold or copper. In fashion, this color can be used for creating versatile wardrobe staples like jackets, trousers, or skirts. It complements a wide range of skin tones and can be easily styled with both casual and formal outfits.
Graphic Design
In graphic design, the hex color can be used as background for posters or flyers. It fits perfectly as a color for text boxes or other layout elements, especially in minimalistic designs. In combination with bright color accents, the color is a good choice for modern designs.