Blue Dianne
General Information about #2A424A
The hexadecimal color code #2A424A, often referred to as Blue Dianne, is a dark, desaturated shade of cyan-blue. It is composed of 16.47% red, 25.88% green, and 29.02% blue. In the RGB color model, it is defined as (42, 66, 74). Its CMYK representation is 43.24% cyan, 10.81% magenta, 0% yellow, and 70.98% black. This color is often associated with feelings of calm, stability, and sophistication. Its relatively low saturation makes it suitable for backgrounds and elements that need to be visually unobtrusive. In various color naming systems, it might be perceived as a dark slate gray with a hint of blue.
The hex color #2A424A, also known as Blue Dianne, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its relatively low luminance value of approximately 0.11 makes it difficult to provide sufficient contrast with lighter text colors. 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 to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. When using #2A424A, it is crucial to pair it with very light colors, such as whites or very pale yellows, to meet these contrast requirements. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements or informative graphics without careful consideration of contrast, as this could exclude users with low vision or color blindness. Providing alternative high-contrast themes can improve accessibility for a wider range of users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #2A424A can be used to create a professional and modern aesthetic. It works well as a background color for website headers or footers, providing a sophisticated touch. Because of its dark shade, it is best to pair with lighter text for readability. Consider using it for navigation bars or call-to-action buttons, provided the text on top is a light hue. It can also be applied to charts and graphs to visually emphasize data while maintaining a consistent and subtle color palette. The deep hue evokes feelings of trust and stability, ideal for corporate websites.
Branding
#2A424A is an excellent choice for branding that wants to convey stability and trustworthiness. It is suitable for logos, business cards, and marketing materials in industries like finance, technology, or consulting. This color can be implemented as a base hue, accompanied by complementary colors to create a balanced and impactful brand identity. Its neutrality allows it to be paired with a variety of brighter colors to add interest or softer shades for a more subdued feel. This leads to a very verstaile branding palette.
Interior Design
In interior design, Blue Dianne (#2A424A) serves well as an accent color. It can be used for painting a feature wall, or for furniture such as sofas or cabinets, adding a touch of sophistication and depth to a room. The color pairs well with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white to create a balanced and inviting space. For a more vibrant look, consider using it with brighter colors such as mustard yellow or teal. It can also be complemented by metallic accents like gold or brass to elevate the design.