Pickled Bluewood
General Information
The hexadecimal color code #304050 represents a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It is composed of 18.82% red, 25.1% green, and 31.37% blue. In the RGB color space, it is closer to blue than red or green. The color is often referred to as "Pickled Bluewood", suggesting a connection to natural, weathered wood tones. This makes it a versatile color for designs that aim for a sophisticated, calm, or natural aesthetic. Colors similar to #304050 are often used to invoke feelings of tranquility and reliability, making it a suitable choice for branding, web design, and interior decoration. Its relative neutrality also makes it a good background color, allowing other elements to stand out.
The color #304050, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents some accessibility challenges, especially in text applications. Its relatively low luminance (around 10%) means that it requires careful consideration of color contrast to ensure readability for all users, including those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text against its background. To meet accessibility standards, it's advisable to pair #304050 with lighter colors such as whites (#FFFFFF) or light grays (#D3D3D3) for text. For interactive elements like buttons, employing a color contrast checker is crucial to verify that the chosen foreground color provides sufficient contrast. Moreover, providing alternative cues, such as underlines or icons, can further enhance usability for users who may have difficulty distinguishing colors.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #405060
A slightly lighter variant that improves readability and contrast when used as a background color for text or other visual elements.
- #505050
A desaturated gray that can serve as a neutral alternative for backgrounds or borders, providing a subtle contrast without overpowering the design.
- #305040
This color offers a visually appealing alternative for elements where a softer and warmer hue is desired, maintaining a degree of subtlety while enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #304050 can be used as a background color for website headers or footers, creating a sophisticated and professional look. It pairs well with lighter text colors to ensure readability. For example, use it as a background in a website header with white (#FFFFFF) or light gray (#D3D3D3) text for navigation links and titles. It can also be used for decorative elements or as a secondary color in a website's color scheme to add depth and visual interest. Its subdued nature allows other elements to stand out while maintaining a cohesive design. Its often used as a contrasting background color for data visualizations.
Interior Design
In interior design, Pickled Bluewood can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or accessories. It adds a touch of sophistication and tranquility to a space, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. Its neutral tone allows it to blend seamlessly with various design styles, from modern to traditional. Consider using it as an accent wall color in a bedroom with lighter-colored furniture to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. For furniture, it can be applied to sofas, chairs, or cabinets to add a subtle pop of color. Small accessories like pillows, blankets, or vases in this color can also enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.
Fashion
In fashion, this color lends itself to creating elegant and refined looks, suitable for both formal and casual wear. It can be used as a dominant color for dresses, suits, or outerwear, or as an accent color for accessories like scarves, bags, or shoes. In corporate settings, this color makes for a great suit or dress color. Its dark tone provides a professional appeal without being as stark as black, making it ideal for business meetings or conferences. For casual wear, it can be paired with lighter colors like beige or white to create a relaxed yet stylish look. Accessories in contrasting colors like mustard yellow or deep red can add a pop of visual interest to the overall ensemble.