#38474E Hex Color
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This muted, dark blue-grey has dusty, cyan undertones that lean professional rather than playful. As a desaturated mid-tone, #38474e excels as a sophisticated backdrop for UI designs where high-contrast white text is required for readability. It feels more stable than black and offers a richer alternative to standard charcoal. If you are learning what colors make gray, consider this hex code a study in controlled, moody saturation.
Questions about #38474e
What is #38474e in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #38474e is rgb(56, 71, 78), in HSL hsl(199, 16%, 26%) and in CMYK 28%, 9%, 0%, 69%.
How does #38474e function as a neutral in interface design?
#38474e acts as a softer alternative to pure black by introducing subtle cyan undertones that reduce visual harshness. It provides a stable, professional backdrop that maintains excellent readability when paired with clean, high-contrast white text or light UI elements.
What colors pair well with #38474e?
#38474e works best when combined with bright, crisp whites or soft, warm cream accents to balance its cool, desaturated nature. You can also introduce muted terracotta for a sophisticated contrast that bridges the gap between industrial utility and organic warmth.
Is #38474e readable on white or black?
#38474e has a 9.63:1 contrast ratio on white and 2.17:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works for body text and on black it is too faint for text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.