Baltic Sea
General Information about #2C242E
The hexadecimal color code #2C242E, often referred to as 'Baltic Sea', represents a dark, muted shade of purple-gray. It belongs to the family of near-black colors and is characterized by low saturation and brightness values. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it consists of 17.25% red, 14.12% green, and 18.04% blue. This color is commonly used in design contexts where a sense of sophistication, mystery, or understated elegance is desired. Due to its dark nature, it is crucial to carefully consider color contrast when using this color in web design or other applications where readability is important. It shares similarity with colors found in nature, such as deep shadows and dark stones, making it suitable for designs aiming to evoke natural or earthy themes.
The color #2C242E, a dark, muted shade, presents considerable accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text against a white background, it falls significantly short of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal text. To ensure readability for users with visual impairments, it's crucial to pair it with a very light color for text or a significantly lighter background color if #2C242E is used as the background. Using tools like contrast checkers is highly recommended. Also, avoid using this color for crucial interactive elements without sufficient contrast, as users may fail to perceive them. Consideration should be given to providing alternative styling options for users with specific visual needs. Furthermore, carefully consider the size and weight of the text. Larger text sizes can tolerate slightly lower contrast ratios, but smaller text requires higher contrast to remain legible.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #433b45
A lighter, more accessible alternative to #2C242E, offering better contrast against light backgrounds.
- #3a323c
A slightly brighter alternative, providing a touch more visibility while still maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #332b2d
A warmer color that is closely related in shade to the Baltic Sea Color. Can be used if the Baltic Sea color is not exactly required.
Applications
Sophisticated Website Background
In web design, #2C242E can be utilized as a background color for sections intended to convey a sense of sophistication or mystery. It could be effective for headers, footers, or sidebars on websites related to topics such as history, gaming, or entertainment. When combined with lighter accent colors like off-white or gold, it can create a visually appealing contrast. However, caution should be exercised to ensure sufficient color contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain accessibility standards. It can also be used for decorative elements like lines or shapes, adding depth to the overall design.
Elegant Interior Accent
In interior design, #2C242E can be incorporated as an accent wall color or used in furniture upholstery to introduce a touch of elegance and depth to a room. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as metallic accents in gold or copper. The color evokes a sense of calm and can contribute to a relaxing atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. To prevent the room from feeling too dark, it's essential to balance the color with lighter elements such as light-colored flooring, furniture, and ample natural light.
Fashion Design
In the world of fashion, #2C242E offers a versatile and refined option for creating stylish outfits. It can be used as the primary color for dresses, suits, or outerwear, providing a sophisticated and understated look. The color pairs beautifully with accessories in metallic tones, such as silver or gold jewelry, and can be combined with lighter colors like cream or beige to create a balanced ensemble. Additionally, it can be used as an accent color in patterns or prints, adding depth and dimension to the overall design.