Mine Shaft
General Information
The hex color #303031, often referred to as "Mine Shaft", is a dark, muted gray color. It is composed of 18.82% red, 18.82% green, and 19.22% blue. In the RGB color space, it has values of R:48, G:48, and B:49. In the CMYK color space, its approximate values are C:2, M:2, Y:0, K:81. This color is generally perceived as neutral and can evoke feelings of sophistication and subtlety. It is often used as a background color or as a secondary color in designs where a subdued, understated aesthetic is desired. The color is a shade of gray, a color typically associated with neutrality and timelessness, often used to create a sense of calm and reliability.
The hex color #303031, also known as Mine Shaft, presents accessibility challenges due to its low contrast. When used as text against a white background, it may be difficult for users with visual impairments to read. Similarly, when used as a background color, text may need to be a brighter hue to ensure readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This color may not meet these recommendations in many scenarios, making it crucial to carefully consider color pairings. Designers should use contrast checking tools to verify compliance and potentially adjust the color or choose alternative colors to enhance accessibility. Always prioritize a user-friendly experience by ensuring sufficient contrast between foreground and background elements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #404041
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #202021
A darker shade that provides a more modern contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #ffffff
Using white offers the best contrast, ensuring readability and accessibility in designs where the color is used as a background.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #303031 can be utilized for creating dark-themed website layouts, providing a sophisticated and modern aesthetic. This color can serve as a primary background for website sections, header, or footer elements. To ensure readability and accessibility, designers should pair this color with lighter shades of text and interface elements. For example, using white (#FFFFFF) or a light gray (#D3D3D3) for text on a #303031 background can provide sufficient contrast. It's also suitable for UI elements, such as buttons and form fields, where a subtle and understated visual impact is desired.
Interior Design
In interior design, #303031 can be employed to create an atmosphere of modern elegance in living spaces. This color may be used for walls in studies or entertainment rooms. It can be paired with brighter colors such as teal or gold to provide a balanced and modern look. The color also works well with natural materials like wood or stone. In furniture, #303031 can add a touch of sophistication to upholstery and design elements, when combined with brighter accents and light colored accessories to prevent the space from feeling too dark.
Fashion
In fashion, #303031 can serve as a versatile and stylish foundation for various ensembles. This color may be used in outerwear like jackets and coats, it can be combined with various bright colors for modern accents. As a base color, it also allows for easy integration with a range of accessories. It is very suitable for minimalistic designs, and outfits can be paired with jewelry or shoes of different colors.