Pickled Bluewood
General Information about #2C4B5A
The hex color #2C4B5A, also known as Pickled Bluewood, is a muted, dark shade of blue-gray. It falls within the family of cool colors, evoking feelings of calmness, sophistication, and stability. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 17.25% red, 29.41% green, and 35.29% blue. Its CMYK representation is 0.51, 0.17, 0, 0.65, indicating that it requires a substantial amount of black to achieve its depth. This color is often associated with professionalism and can be used to create a sense of trust and reliability. Due to its low saturation, it works well as a background color or accent in designs where you want to avoid overwhelming the viewer with brighter hues.
The color #2C4B5A, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its relatively low luminance can make it difficult to read text rendered in lighter colors against it. To ensure readability, it is crucial to use a contrasting color, such as a very light gray or even white, for text. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate the contrast ratio to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, aiming for a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Consider using this color sparingly for decorative elements rather than critical information displays, or pair it carefully with highly contrasting elements to improve the overall user experience and meet accessibility requirements for users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3e6072
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the blue-gray tone while offering improved contrast when paired with darker elements.
- #4a5568
A more neutral gray that can be used as a safer alternative for text backgrounds, providing better readability for a wider range of users.
- #5f9ea0
A lighter blue that still evokes a calm feeling, but that provides a better contrast ratio for accessibility.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Pickled Bluewood can serve as an elegant background for headers or sidebars, especially for sites aiming for a sophisticated and calming aesthetic. It pairs well with lighter text colors like off-white or pale yellow to create a visually appealing contrast. However, it's important to use a contrast checker to ensure the text is readable for all users. The color can also be used for interactive elements like buttons and links, but again, contrast is key to usability. Use the color sparingly as it may not be accessible.
Interior Design
In interior design, #2C4B5A can be used to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. It works well as a wall color when complemented with lighter furniture and decor elements to balance the darkness. Consider pairing it with natural wood tones, soft textiles, and metallic accents to enhance the overall aesthetic. This color is ideal for creating a relaxing environment while maintaining a sense of elegance.
Fashion
In fashion, Pickled Bluewood can be used to create sophisticated and understated looks. It is suitable for outerwear like jackets and coats. The color works nicely in accessories like scarves and handbags, creating a versatile item. Because the color is subdued, it may need an accent color to give the garment some pop. The color also works for menswear.