Pale Oyster
General Information about #9A8B7E
The hexadecimal color code #9A8B7E represents a muted, desaturated shade of beige, often described as 'Pale Oyster.' It belongs to the family of neutral colors, known for their calming and grounding effect. This color is created by combining specific proportions of red, green, and blue light, with the '9A' indicating the intensity of red, '8B' representing green, and '7E' for blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to approximately 154 red, 139 green, and 126 blue. The color is most commonly used to evoke feelings of tranquility, sophistication, and subtlety. It is frequently implemented in designs that require a gentle, unobtrusive background or a touch of understated elegance. It is often seen in web design, interior decor, and fashion.
The color #9A8B7E, also known as Pale Oyster, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white text is approximately 2.2:1, which falls short of the WCAG's minimum requirement of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This means that using white text on a Pale Oyster background might be difficult for users with visual impairments to read comfortably. Similarly, using black text on this color has a contrast ratio of approximately 4.6:1, which is sufficient for normal text but only borderline for large text. To improve accessibility, consider using darker shades of text or providing a higher contrast background. Tools like contrast checkers can help ensure sufficient contrast ratios. Also, provide alternative styling options for users who need them.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly darker tone can provide better contrast for text, improving readability for a wider range of users.
A lighter tone can be used as a highlight color that remains subtle yet noticeable.
A desaturated beige, excellent for backgrounds, offering a neutral canvas without competing with other elements.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Pale Oyster serves as a sophisticated backdrop for websites, offering a gentle and inviting feel. Its neutrality allows other design elements, such as vibrant images and bold typography, to stand out effectively without causing visual strain. It can be implemented in website backgrounds, subtle dividers, and card designs, enhancing the overall user experience by promoting a sense of calmness and understated elegance, making it easier for users to focus on the content.
Interior Design
In interior design, Pale Oyster creates a serene atmosphere, ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or studies. Its warm undertones make spaces feel inviting and cozy, while its neutrality allows for versatility in decor choices. It complements natural materials like wood and stone, and pairs well with both cool and warm accent colors, such as blues, greens, or terracotta, enhancing the room's aesthetic appeal and overall comfort.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, Pale Oyster is utilized to create timeless and versatile pieces. Its neutral quality makes it suitable for base garments like trousers, skirts, and jackets, which can be easily paired with various colors and patterns. This color exudes understated elegance, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal wear, and it complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a practical and stylish option for designers.