Charade
General Information about #2A2E33
The hex color #2A2E33, commonly referred to as Charade, is a dark, muted shade of gray-brown. It belongs to the family of neutral colors and is often associated with sophistication, understated elegance, and a sense of mystery. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 16.47% red, 18.04% green, and 20% blue. This subtle balance gives it a unique depth and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Its muted nature makes it a preferred choice for backgrounds and elements where the focus should be on other parts of the design. The color got it's name from the Charade Game in 1960.
The hex color #2A2E33, also known as Charade, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or important interactive elements. Its low luminance value indicates a lack of sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, which can make it difficult for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. This color likely falls short of meeting these standards when paired with many common background colors. Developers should carefully evaluate color combinations and consider using tools to measure contrast ratios. Using this color for backgrounds with white or light gray text will create accessibility issues. Testing the color with various screen readers and assistive technologies is essential to ensure a user-friendly experience for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #33373d
A slightly lighter shade provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark, muted aesthetic.
- #404040
A desaturated gray can offer a more neutral background option with improved readability.
- #202429
If you want to keep the aesthetic intact, consider adding a white glow around the text or elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Charade (#2A2E33) can serve as a subtle background color for website sections, especially those containing dark or monochrome imagery. It can also be used as a secondary text color to create a sense of depth or hierarchy. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with other elements to maintain accessibility. This color creates a very dark and subtle aesthetic and can be used as the main color for creating a minimalistic website with dark colors.
Interior Design
Within interior design, Charade (#2A2E33) can be used for accent walls or furniture in modern and minimalist spaces. It provides a sense of sophistication and can be paired with lighter colors for contrast or darker shades for a more dramatic effect. It serves to create a quiet, relaxed atmosphere in rooms. Using it as the main color for a room will make it seem smaller and darker.
Fashion
In fashion, Charade (#2A2E33) can be used as a neutral base color for clothing items, allowing other colors and accessories to stand out. It is a versatile color that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For a night on the town a dress using this color in combination with silver jewlery will be a match made in heaven. During the day you can combine this color with almost any color.