Spectra
General Information about #2E5E5B
The hexadecimal color #2E5E5B, also known as Spectra, is a muted shade of teal, a color often associated with nature, tranquility, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 18.04% red, 36.86% green, and 35.69% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 51.01% cyan, 0% magenta, 3.17% yellow, and 63.14% black. This color is often used in design to evoke a sense of calm and stability. Its relatively low saturation makes it a versatile option for backgrounds, accents, and text when properly contrasted with lighter colors. It’s a popular choice for brands seeking to convey trust, balance, and environmental awareness. The color name Spectra does not carry the same wide recognition and emotional context as the actual teal/green tone. Teal and other similar shades have been used in decorative ways throughout history.
The hex color #2E5E5B, a muted teal, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white is approximately 3.6:1, falling short of the WCAG's minimum recommendation of 4.5:1 for normal text. This means that individuals with moderate visual impairments might find it difficult to read text rendered in this color on a white background. When used for larger text or graphical elements, the color achieves a contrast ratio of 3:1, which meets the WCAG AA standard for large text. To improve accessibility, pair #2E5E5B with lighter shades of gray or off-white. Avoid using it for crucial interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast. Providing alternative text descriptions for images and icons that use this color is also recommended. Testing your designs with accessibility tools like contrast checkers and screen readers can provide valuable insights into the experience of users with disabilities.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3f736f
A slightly lighter shade of teal that offers better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability for a wider range of users.
- #224744
A darker shade providing enhanced contrast when used as a background color for light text, making it suitable for headings and important information.
- #808080
A neutral gray that complements #2E5E5B while offering sufficient contrast for text and interactive elements, ideal for creating a balanced and accessible user interface.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #2E5E5B can be utilized for website headers, background accents, and non-critical user interface elements. Its calming and professional appearance makes it suitable for businesses in the environmental, health, or technology sectors. However, careful consideration should be given to text contrast to ensure readability. This hue creates a sense of tranquility and sophistication when applied thoughtfully. By integrating this into a website's color palette, companies can project a modern and trustworthy image. The color works well alongside neutral tones and brighter accents to highlight key information.
Interior Design
In interior design, #2E5E5B serves as a sophisticated wall color for creating a calming and inviting atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. It pairs well with natural wood tones, metallic accents, and neutral-colored furniture. Use it sparingly to add pops of color through throw pillows, artwork, and decorative accessories. Its grounding nature can help make a space feel more balanced and harmonious, promoting relaxation and focus. Consider its complementary and analogous colors to round out the design choices, resulting in a complete, unified color scheme.
Fashion
In fashion, #2E5E5B can be incorporated into clothing designs for both casual and formal wear. It's an excellent choice for blouses, dresses, or outerwear, offering a unique alternative to traditional neutral colors. When paired with lighter shades, it creates a sophisticated and modern look. Accessorizing with gold or silver jewelry can elevate the outfit, adding a touch of elegance. As a bottom or top, it can blend well in business-casual environments, but its potential to create eye strain must be taken into consideration.