Pickled Bluewood
General Information
The hexadecimal color #30405A, also known as Pickled Bluewood, is a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the blue color family but leans towards the cooler end of the spectrum due to its desaturated nature. This color evokes feelings of calmness, sophistication, and stability. In the RGB color model, #30405A is composed of 18.82% red, 25.1% green, and 35.29% blue. Its CMYK representation is 46.77% cyan, 28.24% magenta, 0% yellow, and 64.71% black. This color is often used in designs where a sense of professionalism, reliability, or understated elegance is desired. It is found in many areas of design, ranging from web design to interiour design, but also in fashion.
The color #30405A, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents certain accessibility challenges. Its relatively low lightness value of approximately 25% results in a limited contrast ratio against a standard white background. This can pose readability issues for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use this color with lighter text or interface elements that provide sufficient contrast. WCAG guidelines recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #30405A, careful consideration must be given to the font size, weight, and surrounding colors to meet these standards and provide an inclusive user experience. Using tools to measure contrast is highly recommended. Also, avoid using this color as the only visual cue to convey important information, as it can be missed by colorblind users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #30405A can be effectively used for backgrounds, headers, or sidebars to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Its muted tone makes it suitable for websites related to technology, finance, or corporate services. However, it's essential to pair it with lighter text colors to ensure readability. For instance, using white or a light gray text on a #30405A background can create an elegant and professional look. Additionally, consider using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, but ensure sufficient contrast on hover and active states for enhanced usability.
Interior Design
In interior design, Pickled Bluewood can be employed to create a serene and understated ambiance. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices where a sense of tranquility is desired. This color can be used on walls, furniture, or accent pieces. Pair it with lighter shades of gray, white, or beige to create a balanced and harmonious space. Accents of natural wood or metallic elements can also complement this color effectively, adding warmth and visual interest. It also makes a great color for a study.
Fashion
This color can serve as a grounding neutral in fashion, especially for outerwear, trousers, or accessories like bags and hats. It pairs well with a wide range of colors, from bold jewel tones to other muted shades. #30405A can also be used as a base color for printed fabrics, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional black or navy. The subtlety of Pickled Bluewood makes it a versatile choice for creating timeless and stylish outfits. As an example, it would combine greatly with a winter jacket or coat.