Slate grey is a medium dark grey color that is often used in web design. The exact shade of slate grey can vary slightly, but in general it is a gray with hints of blue or purple undertones. In HTML and CSS, there are a few different ways to specify the color slate grey. The most common options are using a hexadecimal color value, an RGB value, or a CSS color name. Keep reading to learn more about the different ways to define slate grey in HTML and view examples of how it looks on screen.
Hexadecimal Color Values
One way to specify colors in HTML and CSS is through hexadecimal color values. Hexadecimal codes are 6 digits, ranging from 00 to FF, that define the red, green, and blue (RGB) components of a color. For slate grey, some common hex values are:
| Hex Value | Color Preview |
| #708090 | |
| #6D7B8D | |
| #778899 |
As you can see, these hex values produce shades of grey with subtle hints of blue or purple. #708090 is a light slate grey, while #6D7B8D is more of a dark slate. #778899 is a medium slate grey. Hex values give you precise control over the shade of grey.
To use a hex value in HTML, you would set the style attribute on an element:
“`html
“`
Or in CSS:
“`css
.slate-grey {
background-color: #708090;
}
“`
RGB Values
Another way to define colors in HTML and CSS is through RGB values. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue – the primary colors that make up other colors on a digital display. RGB values are three numbers ranging from 0 to 255 separated by commas, like this: rgb(112,128,144).
Here are some common RGB values for shades of slate grey:
| RGB Value | Color Preview |
| rgb(112,128,144) | |
| rgb(109,123,141) | |
| rgb(119,136,153) |
These RGB values correspond to the hex values from the previous section. Just like hex codes, RGB values allow you to dial in the precise shade of grey you want.
To use an RGB value in HTML or CSS, you would do:
“`html
“`
“`css
.slate-grey {
background-color: rgb(112,128,144);
}
“`
CSS Color Names
The final way to specify slate grey is using CSS predefined color names. CSS supports around 140 named colors like “slategrey” and “lightslategrey”. Here are some named shades of grey:
| Color Name | Color Preview |
| slategrey | |
| darkslategrey | |
| lightslategrey |
These color names match up with common shades of slate grey used in design. The advantage of using color names is that they are more semantic than hex or RGB values. However, you are limited to the predefined color names supported by CSS.
To use a color name in HTML or CSS:
“`html
“`
“`css
.slate-grey {
background-color: slategrey;
}
“`
So in summary, the three main ways to define slate grey in HTML/CSS are:
– Hexadecimal color values (e.g. #708090)
– RGB values (e.g. rgb(112,128,144))
– CSS color names (e.g. slategrey)
Each option allows you to represent the same shades of grey. Use the method that works best for your particular needs.
Displaying Slate Grey on Screens
When selecting a shade of slate grey for your web design, keep in mind that colors can look different depending on the screen they are displayed on. Here are some tips for working with slate grey in web and app interfaces:
– View your design on multiple screens – laptop, desktop monitor, mobile device, etc. Colors may appear lighter or darker on different displays.
– Test your site on low contrast screens. Slate greys can lose definition on low quality displays.
– Ensure there is adequate contrast between slate grey text/elements and the background. Darker shades may not have enough contrast against white backgrounds.
– Desaturate and lighten the slate grey color for backgrounds. This will make it easier on the eyes for long periods of time. Use darker/saturated shades for accents.
– If using a darker slate grey text color, make sure it meets WCAG accessibility standards of 4.5:1 contrast against white. Lighter shades won’t have this issue.
– Give users the ability to customize or override colors. This allows them to adjust colors to suit their personal preferences.
With some testing and tweaking, slate grey can look modern yet sophisticated on screens. Just keep these factors in mind during development.
Matching Slate Grey Colors
When using slate grey across different elements and screens, you’ll want the colors to match precisely. Here are some tips for achieving consistent shades of slate grey:
– Use a color palette – create a swatch of your slate grey hex/RGB values to sample from. This ensures colors are replicated accurately.
– Use CSS variables – define slate grey shades as CSS custom properties like –slate-grey-dark and reuse them.
– Work in a color managed workflow – use a profiled monitor and calibrated software to nail down precise colors.
– Start from a common base grey – like #808080 grey and tint/shade it consistently to desired slate effect.
– Test on physical materials – match slate greys against real world Samples like paint swatches.
– Evaluate in multiple lighting conditions – colors can shift in different lighting environments.
With a rigorous approach, you can achieve pixel perfect slate grey shades that hold up across projects and mediums. Take the time to properly specify, calibrate and validate colors.
Accessibility Considerations for Slate Grey
When using slate greys on websites and apps, be sure to consider accessibility standards for users with visual impairments or color blindness. Here are some tips:
– Ensure contrast ratios between text and background colors meet WCAG 2.1 minimum standards. Lighter shades of slate grey will have sufficient contrast against white backgrounds. Darker shades may require testing.
– Don’t convey meaning solely through color. Also use icons, text labels, patterns, etc. to distinguish elements. This helps color blind users.
– Allow users to switch to high contrast modes that invert or change colors. Test that slate greys translate clearly.
– Use warm grays sparingly for large text blocks. Cooler slate greys are easier on the eyes for extended reading.
– Enable OS/browser color filters like Windows High Contrast Mode. Evaluate that slate greys are visible and usable.
– Provide options to disable animated transitions, overlays or backgrounds affecting slate grey elements. These can create accessibility issues.
With forethought, slate greys can be used elegantly while also meeting accessibility requirements. Evaluate contrast, allow color adjustments, and enable high contrast modes.
Conclusion
Slate grey is versatile color for web interfaces when thoughtfully implemented. Use hexadecimal, RGB, or CSS color name values to precisely define shades of slate grey. Ensure adequate contrast against adjacent colors and test on multiple screens. Allow user customization and high contrast modes for accessibility. With a strategic approach, slate greys can look clean, professional and be easy on the eyes. Choose wisely from the many shades of slate grey to enhance your next web design.
