Chambray
General Information about Chambray
The hex color #315882, also known as Chambray, is a dark shade of blue with a slightly gray undertone. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with calmness, sophistication, and stability. In the RGB color model, it consists of 19.22% red, 34.51% green, and 50.98% blue. The CMYK color model representation is 62.37% cyan, 32.1% magenta, 0% yellow, and 49.02% black. Chambray is a popular choice for various design applications, including web design, graphic design, and interior design. Its muted tone makes it easy to work with and allows it to complement a wide range of other colors. The color is named after chambray fabric, which shares a similar visual appearance.
The color #315882, also known as Chambray, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio with pure white (#FFFFFF) is approximately 3.8:1, which is below the WCAG 2.0 Level AA recommended ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text. Therefore, using Chambray for text on a white background may be difficult for users with visual impairments to read comfortably. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter shade of Chambray or a darker background. For larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), the contrast ratio is slightly better, but still falls short of the WCAG AA requirement. Pairing it with darker colors for text and interactive elements ensures better readability and usability for a wider audience. Additionally, avoid using Chambray as the sole indicator for important interactive elements, and always provide redundant cues such as icons or text labels.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #5d9cec
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability.
- #1e3a8a
A darker shade of blue that offers a higher contrast ratio, making it more accessible for users with visual impairments.
- #607b8b
A neutral gray-blue that provides a softer, more subtle alternative while maintaining a degree of sophistication.
Applications
Web Design
Chambray is often used in web design to create a sense of calmness and sophistication. It can be applied as a background color for websites related to technology, finance, or corporate services. When used for buttons and interactive elements, it's important to ensure sufficient contrast with the text to maintain accessibility. Chambray can also serve as a secondary color in a website's color palette, complementing brighter accent colors to create a balanced and visually appealing design. For example, a technology blog might use Chambray for the header and navigation, paired with white or light gray for the content area, and a vibrant accent color for call-to-action buttons.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chambray can be used to evoke a sense of tranquility and elegance. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or decorative accents. Chambray pairs well with neutral colors such as white, beige, and gray, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. To add visual interest, consider incorporating pops of brighter colors such as yellow or coral. Chambray-colored textiles, such as curtains, cushions, and throws, can add a soft and inviting touch to any space.
Fashion
In fashion, Chambray is often used for casual wear such as shirts, dresses, and pants. It's a versatile color that can be dressed up or down. Chambray pairs well with a variety of colors, including white, navy, gray, and brown. It can also be combined with brighter colors such as red, yellow, or green to create a more playful look. Chambray denim shirts are a classic wardrobe staple, offering a comfortable and stylish alternative to traditional denim. Chambray fabrics are often lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for warm weather.