Payne’s Grey
A stable and grounded inky grey
Payne’s Grey is a dusty, inky shade with a matte finish. This highly unsaturated tone feels stable and grounded, making it ideal for minimalist UI backgrounds or corporate branding. The hex code #536878 provides a 5.8:1 contrast ratio against white text, ensuring excellent readability for small body copy. Pair it with soft, muted oranges to balance its cool, serious temperament.
Questions about Payne’s Grey
What is the hex code for Payne’s Grey?
Payne’s Grey is #536878. In RGB that is rgb(83, 104, 120), in HSL hsl(206, 18%, 40%) and in CMYK 31%, 13%, 0%, 53%.
Why is #536878 effective for UI design?
Payne’s Grey provides a 5.8:1 contrast ratio against white text, making it a reliable choice for accessible body copy and minimalist backgrounds. Its matte, unsaturated quality reduces visual fatigue, allowing users to focus on content without distraction.
What colors complement Payne's Grey?
Use warm, muted tones like terracotta or soft orange to balance the cool, serious temperament of #536878. These combinations create a sophisticated contrast that prevents the grey from feeling too cold or static in digital layouts.
Is Payne’s Grey readable on white or black?
Payne’s Grey has a 5.80:1 contrast ratio on white and 3.61:1 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 works only for large text (24px, or 18.5px bold). Try other pairs in the contrast checker.