Pickled Bluewood
General Information about #303F5C
The hexadecimal color code #303F5C represents a dark shade of blue-gray. It is composed of 18.8% red, 24.7% green, and 36.1% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to 48 red, 63 green, and 92 blue. The color is often perceived as calm, reserved, and professional. It is not a particularly vibrant or saturated color, which gives it a subdued and sophisticated appearance. The name 'Pickled Bluewood' suggests a resemblance to the color of treated or aged wood with bluish undertones, evoking a sense of history or craftsmanship. This color can be used effectively in various design contexts to convey a sense of stability and reliability. Because the color is very unsaturated, it works as a great background color where other colors can take more space. #303F5C is more often perceived as blue.
The color #303F5C, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in scenarios involving text. Its relatively low lightness value can lead to insufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet WCAG AA standards. When using #303F5C for text, ensure that it is paired with a background color that provides adequate contrast. Lighter shades of yellow, white, or even light grey could be considered. For purely decorative elements, contrast requirements are less strict, but it's still good practice to ensure sufficient differentiation for users with varying visual abilities. Using a color contrast checker tool is advisable during design to verify compliance with accessibility guidelines. Also avoid using it for critical information that must be available to everyone, as color blindness affects many people.
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Digital Color Formats
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Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web design, #303F5C can serve as a sophisticated background color for website headers or footers. Its muted tone provides a professional and calming aesthetic. When using it as a background, ensure that text and interactive elements layered on top have sufficient contrast for readability and usability. It may be used in combination with white, light grey, or accent colors like a muted yellow or orange to create a balanced visual hierarchy. It might also be suitable for elements such as dividers or subtle graphical accents throughout a webpage, but its use as the main color is discouraged.
Interior Design Accents
In interior design, Pickled Bluewood can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative elements. Its calming and sophisticated nature makes it suitable for creating a serene atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. When pairing it with other colors, consider using warm neutrals like beige or cream to balance the coolness of the blue. It can also be combined with metallic accents like gold or silver to add a touch of elegance. When painting a larger section of a wall, be sure to select a finish that does not appear too shiny to keep the relaxing effect in the room.
Fashion Apparel and Accessories
In fashion, #303F5C can be used in apparel for creating professional or understated styles, best used for items like blazers, skirts, or trousers. It can be paired with neutrals like white, grey, or black for a classic look, or with bolder colors like mustard yellow or deep red for a more fashion-forward statement. Also, Pickled Bluewood accessories, such as scarves or handbags, can be used to add a touch of sophistication to an outfit. Its subtle nature makes it a versatile addition to a wardrobe, working well across different seasons.