Pickled Bluewood
General Information
The hex color #2E3A56, known as Pickled Bluewood, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It is composed of 18.04% red, 22.75% green, and 33.73% blue. In the RGB color model, it has values of 46 red, 58 green, and 86 blue. This color is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. It is a popular choice in design fields for creating a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism. The name Pickled Bluewood suggests a wood-like quality with a bluish tint, evoking a sense of natural yet refined aesthetics. This color is neither too bright nor too dull, making it versatile for various applications.
The hex color #2E3A56, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its relatively low luminance value of approximately 9% means that text rendered in this color on a white background may not meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio. This is especially critical for body text or important UI elements. To improve accessibility, it's recommended to use this color with lighter backgrounds or to pair it with text colors that offer significantly higher contrast, such as white or very light grays. Tools are available to test color contrast ratios and ensure compliance with accessibility standards, helping to create a more inclusive experience for all users. For instance, black text on a #2E3A56 background would offer poor contrast, making it difficult to read for many users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4f5b78
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast against dark text.
- #1e273b
A darker shade that maintains a similar aesthetic while offering higher contrast for light text.
- #5072A7
This color provides a brighter alternative while maintaining a similar bluish undertone. It is a good choice for backgrounds or elements needing more visual prominence.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #2E3A56 is often used for website headers or navigation bars to create a sophisticated and professional look. Its dark and muted tone provides a calming and reliable feel, making it suitable for businesses wanting to project stability and trust. When combined with lighter accent colors in UI design, this color can effectively guide the user's eye and highlight important elements without causing visual strain. It is also effective as a background color for sections with white or light-colored text, providing sufficient contrast for readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, Pickled Bluewood can be incorporated to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. It can be used as a wall color in bedrooms or living rooms, complemented by lighter furniture and decor. The color's calming effect is ideal for spaces intended for relaxation. It also works well as an accent color on doors, trim, or cabinetry, adding a touch of sophistication without being overpowering. This color pairs nicely with natural materials such as wood and stone, enhancing the room's overall appeal and creating a harmonious environment.
Fashion Design
In fashion, the color #2E3A56 can be utilized to design sophisticated and elegant clothing. It is especially suited for creating structured garments such as jackets, trousers or skirts. The color serves as an ideal background for printed designs. It can also be used for accessories such as bags or shoes. It makes it possible to create a cool but also serious impression and can be combined with gold or silver elements.