Chambray
General Information
The hexadecimal color #2E5B87, commonly referred to as Chambray, is a dark shade of blue falling within the blue-cyan color family. It is composed of 18.04% red, 35.69% green, and 52.94% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as RGB(46, 91, 135). The color's name, Chambray, is derived from a type of plain-weave fabric, typically cotton or linen, with a colored warp and a white weft. This weaving gives the fabric a slightly heathered appearance, which is mirrored in the color's muted and sophisticated tone. Chambray evokes a sense of calmness and stability, making it a popular choice in various design applications. It is often associated with professionalism, trust, and reliability, making it suitable for corporate branding and formal settings. In terms of color theory, Chambray offers a versatile base for creating harmonious color schemes.
The color #2E5B87, also known as Chambray, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white is approximately 3.5:1, which is below the WCAG's minimum requirement of 4.5:1 for normal text. This means that using Chambray for text on a white background might be difficult for users with low vision to read comfortably. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter background color or darkening the text color. For larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), the contrast ratio is slightly better, around 2.7:1, but still falls short of the recommended 3:1. Therefore, it is crucial to test the color combination with accessibility tools to ensure readability for all users. Using a color contrast analyzer can help determine if the chosen color combination meets accessibility standards and provides adequate contrast for users with visual impairments. Careful consideration of text size and weight can also mitigate some accessibility issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Chambray can be used for header backgrounds to create a calming and professional feel. It pairs well with neutral colors like white and light gray for a clean and modern look. The color is also suitable for interactive elements such as buttons and links, but it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with the text to maintain accessibility. Consider using it in data visualizations to represent a specific category or range, leveraging its subtle hue to differentiate from other data points without being too overpowering. In UI design, this color can be effectively employed in sidebars and navigation menus to provide a sophisticated and user-friendly experience. Its calm nature ensures it doesn't distract users, maintaining focus on the primary content.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chambray can be used to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. It works well as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative elements. Paired with natural materials like wood and linen, it evokes a sense of tranquility and sophistication. This color is also suitable for creating a calming workspace, promoting focus and productivity. Consider using it in combination with warm neutrals and soft lighting to create a balanced and inviting environment. Furthermore, Chambray can be used in bathrooms to create a spa-like ambiance, enhancing relaxation and comfort. Accessorizing with metallic accents such as silver or gold can elevate the overall aesthetic.
Fashion
In fashion, Chambray can be used for creating casual and stylish outfits. It pairs well with denim, white, and other neutral colors. It's a versatile color that can be used for shirts, dresses, and accessories. This color works especially well with jeans. Chambray is a neutral choice, so it can also be paired with any color you like, but works especially well with brown.