#8CA4AF
- Brightness
- 158.6
- HSL (°,%,%)
- 199°, 18%, 62%
- HSV V %
- 69%
- Lab
- 65.9, -5.9, -8.5
- CMYK (%)
- 20%, 6%, 0%, 31%
- PNG size
- 5.9 KB
- Tone / Feel
- mid, muted cool hue
Recommended text: Black (8.04:1 — AAA / AAA)
Color Profile: #8CA4AF
Common Name: Steel Blue
RGB: 140, 164, 175
HSL: 204°, 14%, 63%
Contrast Ratio: 4.3:1 with white, 8.3:1 with black (AA pass for accessibility)
Mood: This muted shade of blue conveys a sense of calm, balance, and professionalism. It's a color often used in contexts that require trustworthiness and stability. Ideal for both modern and classic designs, it’s versatile in its use, evoking a sense of serenity without being overly subdued.
Close Named Matches:
- Jotun paint: CULT (#9CAAB2) - ΔE=4.74
- Behr paint: Newport Blue (#8DAAB5) - ΔE=2.52
- Benjamin Moore: Dusty Cornflower (#8DA5AE) - ΔE=1.17
- PPG Paint: Serene Stream (#819DAA) - ΔE=3.33
Why Designers Use It:
This soft blue is a staple in the design world due to its calming, professional qualities, making it ideal for corporate branding, websites, and interiors that aim for a relaxed yet trustworthy ambiance. It has particular popularity in industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare, where professionalism and clarity are key. The muted tone makes it versatile for pairing with a variety of other colors, from warm neutrals to darker blues or grays. Its trendiness has ebbed and flowed but remains a classic choice for projects that call for elegance without overwhelming brightness. Additionally, its associations with calmness and clarity make it particularly suited for spaces where focus and serenity are desired, such as offices and bedrooms. With its subtle sophistication, it's favored by both traditional and contemporary brands. This color is naturally linked to the aesthetic of certain oceanic regions or even the aerospace industry, where soft metallic blues are prevalent in uniforms, interior designs, and even tech product colors.