Mine Shaft
General Information about #2E3038
The hex color code #2E3038, also known as Mine Shaft, is a dark, muted shade of gray. It belongs to the family of neutral colors and is often associated with sophistication, stability, and understated elegance. In the RGB color model, #2E3038 consists of 18.04% red, 18.82% green, and 21.96% blue. The CMYK values are 0.18, 0.14, 0.00, 0.78. This color is commonly used in design to create a sense of depth and seriousness, making it suitable for backgrounds, text, and accents. Because it is a dark color, it should be used with lighter colors to maintain readability and accessibility. Mine Shaft's neutral quality allows it to pair well with a variety of other colors, providing flexibility in design projects. Its hex code offers a precise way to specify this particular shade of gray in digital applications.
The hex color #2E3038, also known as Mine Shaft, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its relatively low luminance value of approximately 8% means that text rendered in this color requires careful consideration of contrast ratios. To ensure readability and accessibility for users with visual impairments, it is crucial to pair #2E3038 with a sufficiently light background color. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet WCAG AA guidelines. Furthermore, avoid using #2E3038 for interactive elements or links without providing additional visual cues, such as underlines or icons, to distinguish them from static text. Proper color contrast is essential for inclusive design, enabling users with varying visual abilities to perceive and interact with content effectively. Testing the color combination with accessibility evaluation tools is highly recommended to validate compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #2E3038 is often used for website backgrounds, navigation bars, or footer sections to create a sophisticated and modern feel. Its dark, muted tone pairs well with brighter accent colors, allowing for effective visual hierarchy and call-to-action elements. It can also be employed for typography, especially in headings or subheadings, when contrasted against a light background. Using this color in website development requires careful consideration of color contrast to ensure accessibility and readability, particularly for users with visual impairments. Ensuring sufficient contrast between text and background elements is crucial for a seamless user experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, #2E3038 can be utilized to create a calming and grounding effect within a space. It is suitable for walls, furniture, or accent pieces, providing a neutral backdrop that complements a variety of design styles. The color works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices, adding a touch of sophistication without being overly demanding. It can be paired with warm woods, metallic accents, or vibrant pops of color to create visually interesting and balanced interiors. When using this color in interior design, consider the lighting conditions of the room, as darker colors can make a space feel smaller and more intimate.
Graphic Design
In graphic design, Mine Shaft can be used for branding, logo design, and print materials to create a serious and subdued aesthetic. It can be incorporated into brochures, business cards, and other marketing collateral to convey a sense of professionalism and stability. This color is useful for designs requiring a strong, neutral base that enables other elements to stand out. When combined with brighter complementary colors, it can help draw the viewer's attention to specific areas or messages. Ensure consistency across all design applications to reinforce brand recognition.