Zorba
General Information about #9F9C95
The hexadecimal color #9F9C95, often referred to as 'Zorba', is a muted, desaturated grayish-brown hue. It resides within the gray color family due to its low saturation and proximity to neutral gray. In the RGB color model, it's composed of 62.35% red, 61.18% green, and 58.43% blue. In the CMYK color model, used primarily for printing, it consists of 0% cyan, 1.87% magenta, 6.26% yellow, and 37.65% black. This color evokes a sense of calmness, neutrality, and sophistication. It's often associated with natural elements like stone and earth, making it a versatile choice for various design applications. Its subtle nature allows it to blend seamlessly into diverse palettes, providing a stable and grounding presence. The name 'Zorba' doesn't have an official meaning in the color naming conventions, but it gives the color more character and personality.
The color #9F9C95, a muted grayish-brown, presents some accessibility considerations. Its relatively low contrast against both white and black backgrounds can pose challenges for users with visual impairments. For optimal readability, especially in text, it's crucial to pair this color with backgrounds that offer a significantly different luminance. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text, and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Tools such as contrast checkers can assist in verifying compliance with WCAG guidelines. In user interface design, consider using #9F9C95 sparingly for non-essential elements or as a secondary color, ensuring that interactive elements maintain sufficient contrast for usability. When used for icons, ensure those icons are large enough to be easily discernible. Consider providing alternative color schemes to users, so they can pick the most suitable combination for their individual needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds and Dividers
In web design, #9F9C95 is suitable for backgrounds of secondary content blocks, providing a subtle separation from the primary content area. It works well for borders or dividers, offering a softer visual break than stark black or gray. It can be applied to less important UI elements, for instance to represent a disabled state of a button. Consider this color also for website footers, sidebars, or areas containing meta-information, where the content is supplementary rather than central to the user's purpose. Using it in navigation could be considered carefully to maintain good readability.
Interior Design: Wall Color and Upholstery
In interior design, #9F9C95 can be used as a neutral wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a calming and sophisticated ambiance. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the earthy feel of a space. It can be used in conjunction with stronger accent colors, letting the accents stand out. Also, consider this color for furniture upholstery or rugs, adding a touch of understated elegance to the decor. The color could also be used to create a unified scheme throughout multiple rooms.
Fashion: Base Color for Outfits
In fashion, #9F9C95 can serve as a versatile base color for outfits, especially in casual or business-casual settings. It works well for trousers, skirts, or jackets, providing a neutral canvas for pairing with bolder colors or patterns. It is often used in knitwear, where the color looks sophisticated. Accessorize with scarves, jewelry, or shoes in brighter hues to add personality and visual interest. Consider this color also for outerwear, such as coats or trench coats, offering a timeless and practical choice.