Pickled Bluewood
General Information
The hexadecimal color #2A4D59, commonly referred to as 'Pickled Bluewood', is a dark, muted shade of cyan-blue. It has a calming and sophisticated presence, lending itself well to designs that aim for a sense of stability and trustworthiness. In the RGB color model, #2A4D59 consists of 16.47% red, 30.2% green, and 34.9% blue. This composition gives it a subtle depth that distinguishes it from brighter, more saturated blues. The color is often associated with professionalism and can be used to create a sense of reliability, making it suitable for use in contexts where those qualities are desired. Its muted nature allows it to serve as a versatile background or accent color, without overwhelming other elements in the design.
The color #2A4D59, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents some accessibility challenges due to its relatively low contrast, especially when used for text against a white background. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is essential for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. When using #2A4D59 for text, careful consideration should be given to the background color to ensure adequate contrast. Using lighter background shades or employing techniques like text shadows or outlines can improve readability. For interactive elements like buttons, contrast should be even higher to ensure usability. Testing with accessibility tools that measure contrast ratios is recommended to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and provide an inclusive experience for all users. The dark shade makes it less suitable for users with low-light conditions if not paired with a bright contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web and UI Design
In web design, #2A4D59 can be utilized for creating backgrounds for headers or sidebars to give a website a professional and sophisticated feel. It works best with light-colored text to ensure readability. The color evokes a sense of calm and reliability. In UI design, this color can serve as a secondary color for buttons or icons. For data visualization, the color can be used to represent a set of related data points in charts or graphs. Due to the hue being darker it is best for creating a dark mode aesthetic.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, #2A4D59 can be applied to walls in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when aiming for a modern or minimalist aesthetic. Complementing it with lighter furniture or decor items can create a balanced and inviting space. In fashion, this color can be incorporated into clothing designs for garments like jackets, dresses, or trousers. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige for a sophisticated look. It also could be used as an accent color for accessories.
Branding and Corporate Identity
In branding, Pickled Bluewood can be used to evoke professionalism, calm, and trustworthiness. This is especially useful for financial, medical, or governmental organizations. It works great in logos, marketing materials, and overall visual communication, reinforcing a brand's image and helping to build the intended connection with target audiences. When used in presentation templates, #2A4D59 can provide a professional backdrop while retaining readability.