Pickled Bluewood
General Information about #304957
The hexadecimal color #304957, often referred to as 'Pickled Bluewood,' is a muted, grayish-blue color that belongs to the family of cool tones. It possesses a subtle, understated elegance, making it a versatile choice for various applications across design fields. This color is composed of 18.82% red, 28.63% green, and 34.12% blue. In the RGB color space, it is defined by the values R:48, G:73, and B:87. The CMYK representation is C:0.45, M:0.16, Y:0.00, and K:0.66. Its light reflectance value is quite low, influencing considerations for contrast in accessible design practices. The color evokes a sense of calmness, sophistication, and understated style, making it suitable for both background elements and selective accents where subtlety is desired.
The color #304957, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its relatively low luminance value means that it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for users, including those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #304957 for text, it is crucial to pair it with a light background color to meet these contrast requirements. Conversely, if #304957 is used as a background, light-colored text should be employed. The use of accessibility evaluation tools to verify compliance is highly recommended, as is getting feedback from users with disabilities during the design process. Consider alternative color combinations or text enhancements like bolding or larger font sizes to improve legibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4f6a7b
A slightly lighter blue-gray that offers improved contrast against both light and dark backgrounds, enhancing readability.
- #587b7f
A desaturated teal that provides a softer and more versatile alternative, suitable for various design contexts.
- #a0b1ba
A light muted blue-gray which works well as a background color, especially when paired with darker text
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Pickled Bluewood can be utilized for creating backgrounds or headers that evoke a sense of calmness and sophistication. It works well in layouts for corporate websites, particularly those in the technology, finance, or consulting sectors. When used as a background, it's essential to pair it with contrasting text colors to ensure readability. It can be integrated into a broader color scheme with complementary or analogous colors to achieve a harmonious visual appeal. Also, it can be combined with textures or patterns to add depth and visual interest to the design.
Interior Design
In interior design, this color can be used to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or accent pieces. When used in conjunction with natural materials like wood or stone, it enhances the feeling of tranquility and connection to nature. It pairs well with warm neutrals or pops of brighter colors for contrast. The color's subdued nature makes it a versatile choice for various interior design styles, from modern minimalist to rustic chic.
Fashion Design
This color can be effectively used in fashion design for creating elegant and sophisticated outfits. It's a great option for dresses, suits, or outerwear. The color complements both cool and warm skin tones. It can be paired with neutral accessories for a subtle look or with bolder colors to create a statement. It also makes an excellent base for layering with other textures and patterns, allowing for a versatile and customizable wardrobe.