Martinique
General Information about #313257
The hexadecimal color code #313257 represents a dark, muted shade of blue-gray. It is often referred to as "Martinique" within color palettes. This color falls within the blue-violet spectrum but has a significant gray undertone, contributing to its subdued and sophisticated appearance. In the RGB color model, #313257 is composed of 19.22% red, 19.61% green, and 34.12% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is comprised of 44% cyan, 43% magenta, 0% yellow, and 66% black. This color evokes a sense of calmness, stability, and seriousness, often used to convey trustworthiness and elegance. Its relative darkness makes it suitable for backgrounds, text, or accent elements when paired with lighter colors.
The color #313257, also known as Martinique, presents some accessibility challenges due to its relatively dark nature. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure that the text or foreground elements have sufficient contrast to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Using a lighter color for text, such as a light gray or off-white, can significantly improve the contrast and make the content more accessible. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate the contrast ratio. For interactive elements like buttons or links, consider adding visual cues beyond color alone to ensure they are easily identifiable by all users, including those with color vision deficiencies. Also avoid using this color for text on its own if the background is white or a very light color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4a4a4a
A lighter shade of gray can offer a softer and more neutral backdrop, enhancing readability and reducing eye strain compared to the darker Martinique.
- #2e4a62
A deep teal provides a sophisticated and calming feel, working well in similar contexts while offering a slightly brighter alternative.
- #282A3A
Oxford Blue is an elegant and subtle alternative that conveys trust and authority and works nicely in designs for financial institutions, healthcare and more.
Applications
Website Header/Footer
In web design, #313257 can be used for website headers and footers to create a sense of sophistication and professionalism. The dark hue provides a solid foundation for lighter text and graphic elements, making them stand out. It's especially effective for websites related to finance, technology, or luxury goods, where a sense of stability and trustworthiness is important. It works best paired with lighter accents to provide sufficient contrast and visual interest. The color can also be used for sidebars or other secondary elements to delineate different sections of a webpage.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #313257 can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to add depth and a sense of tranquility to the space. It pairs well with lighter, warmer colors like cream or beige for a balanced aesthetic. The dark hue can also be used for furniture upholstery, such as sofas or armchairs, to create a focal point in the room. When using #313257 in interior design, it's important to consider the amount of natural light available in the space to ensure it doesn't feel too dark or overwhelming.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, Martinique can be used to create elegant and sophisticated garments, such as evening dresses, blazers, or tailored suits. The deep, muted tone exudes a sense of understated luxury and pairs well with metallic accessories or vibrant pops of color. The color lends itself to formal or semi-formal attire and is especially well-suited for fall and winter collections. It works well in combination with silk, velvet or wool fabrics.