Pickled Bluewood
General Information about #2E4350
The hex color #2E4350, often referred to as "Pickled Bluewood," is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. In the RGB color model, it consists of 18.04% red, 26.27% green, and 31.37% blue. Its CMYK representation is approximately 42.54% cyan, 16.23% magenta, 0% yellow, and 68.63% black. This color evokes feelings of tranquility, stability, and sophistication. It is often associated with professionalism and trust, making it a popular choice in corporate branding and design. The color's subtle nature allows it to be versatile, fitting well into various design contexts, from web interfaces to interior decor. Its muted tone makes it a good background color, allowing other elements to stand out.
The hex color #2E4350, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's essential to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. For AAA compliance, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. Given the darkness of #2E4350, light colors such as whites, yellows, or very light grays are advisable for text. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can help verify compliance. Also, providing alternative visual cues beyond color, such as underlines or icons, can improve accessibility for users with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Headers and Navigation
In web design, Pickled Bluewood can be employed for website headers or navigation bars to impart a sense of sophistication and trust. Its subdued tone provides a pleasant user experience, especially when paired with lighter hues for content. For example, using #2E4350 for the header with white or light grey text ensures legibility while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. Additionally, it can be used for button backgrounds or subtle UI elements to create visual hierarchy without being overly assertive. Its calm presence makes it a great choice for professional or corporate websites.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Pickled Bluewood can serve as an accent color for walls or furniture, adding a touch of elegance and tranquility to a room. It works well in spaces where a calming atmosphere is desired, such as bedrooms or studies. Complementary colors like light beige or cream can be used for other elements to create a balanced and harmonious environment. Consider using it on a feature wall in a living room, paired with neutral-colored furniture and soft lighting for a cozy and sophisticated ambiance.
Data Visualizations
This color lends itself well to creating backgrounds for data visualizations and infographics. Its muted tone ensures that the data is the focal point while providing a professional and sophisticated backdrop. When combined with brighter accent colors for key data points, it can effectively guide the viewer's attention. This is especially useful in reports, presentations, and dashboards where clear communication of information is paramount.