Pickled Bluewood
General Information about #2E4A5A
The hexadecimal color #2E4A5A, also known as Pickled Bluewood, is a muted, dark shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the blue-cyan color family and evokes a sense of calmness, stability, and sophistication. This color is composed of 18.04% red, 29.02% green, and 35.29% blue. In the RGB color space, it is characterized by these values. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 48.94% cyan, 17.98% magenta, 0% yellow, and 64.71% black. Its subdued nature makes it a versatile choice for various design applications, often utilized to create a subtle, understated, yet elegant aesthetic. The color name 'Pickled Bluewood' suggests a natural, weathered appearance, aligning with its muted and desaturated qualities.
The hex color #2E4A5A, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white (#FFFFFF) is approximately 3.8:1, which is below the WCAG AA standard of 4.5:1 for normal text. Therefore, it might not be sufficiently readable for all users, especially those with visual impairments. When used for text, pairing it with a lighter background color is crucial to improve readability. For larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), the contrast ratio is slightly more forgiving, needing only 3:1. This color can work well for decorative elements or UI components where legibility is not paramount. Employing color contrast checkers and testing with real users are essential steps to ensure good accessibility when using this color in digital interfaces. Consider using it alongside a lighter color for a more inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #5f788a
A lighter shade of blue-gray that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #808080
A neutral gray that provides a more accessible option for text and UI elements.
- #365e6b
A slightly desaturated teal, offering an alternative in the blue-green spectrum with potentially better contrast depending on the background.
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #2E4A5A can be utilized for website headers, navigation bars, or as a secondary color to establish a calm and professional atmosphere. Its muted tone works well in corporate websites, portfolios, or blogs where a subtle and sophisticated aesthetic is desired. Using it sparingly for text might require adjustments for accessibility. Employing it for background elements with lighter text overlaid can create a pleasing visual hierarchy. It pairs well with neutral colors or lighter shades of blue to maintain a balanced and harmonious color scheme. It is suitable for interactive elements that do not rely solely on color to convey meaning.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, Pickled Bluewood (#2E4A5A) can serve as an accent color in bedrooms, living rooms, or offices. Its calming hue can promote relaxation and focus. It works well on walls, furniture, or decorative items. Pairing it with warmer tones like beige or cream can balance the coolness of the blue. In fashion, this color can be used in clothing or accessories to create a sophisticated and understated look. It is often seen in business casual attire or outerwear. It combines well with neutral colors like gray or white.
Graphic Design
In graphic design, #2E4A5A works well as a background for infographics or presentations, especially when conveying data or information that requires a calm and focused approach. When combined with brighter accent colors, the color can give a more striking impression. In logo design, it can be used to represent stability and reliability. The color works very well with a minimalist or modern look. This hex color is commonly seen within the technology and finance sector.