Pickled Bluewood
General Information about #304B5E
The hexadecimal color code #304B5E represents a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It is composed of 18.82% red, 29.41% green, and 36.86% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to a value of 48 for red, 75 for green, and 94 for blue. The CMYK representation is approximately 49% cyan, 20% magenta, 0% yellow, and 63% black. This color is often described as 'Pickled Bluewood' due to its resemblance to aged or stained wood with a bluish tint. It is a versatile color that can evoke feelings of calmness, sophistication, and stability. The color is part of a family of colors called 'cool colors'.
The color #304B5E, also known as Pickled Bluewood, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white text is relatively low, potentially failing WCAG AA standards for normal text sizes. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter text color, such as white (#FFFFFF), which significantly enhances contrast. Alternatively, employing this color for larger text elements (18pt or 14pt bold) can meet accessibility guidelines. When used for interactive elements, ensure sufficient visual cues beyond color alone are present, such as clear labels or distinct borders, to accommodate users with visual impairments or color blindness. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools is recommended to validate compliance and ensure an inclusive user experience. Also, consider using this color with darker backgrounds to provide enough contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4a647a
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving contrast against white backgrounds.
- #223340
A darker shade that can be used for creating depth and shadows in designs, while still complementing the original color.
- #778899
A neutral gray-blue which provides good contrast as a background color.
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, #304B5E can serve as a sophisticated background color for website headers or footers. Its muted tone provides a calming and professional feel, making it suitable for corporate or portfolio websites. It pairs well with lighter text colors such as white or light gray. The color can be used for buttons or interactive elements. This color is ideal for websites aiming to convey trust and reliability.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #304B5E can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms. Its calming nature promotes relaxation and complements natural wood tones and metallic accents. It works well in spaces with ample natural light, and can be paired with brighter pops of color for contrast. In fashion, this color can be used to create dresses or coats.
Branding Color
For branding, Pickled Bluewood evokes feelings of stability, trustworthiness, and sophistication. It is well-suited for financial institutions, consulting firms, or technology companies that want to project an image of professionalism and expertise. It can be incorporated into logos, business cards, and marketing materials to create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. This color is ideal for companies aiming to build long-term relationships with their clients.