Choosing color combinations can be tricky, but it is an important part of design. The hex color code #333333 represents a dark gray shade. When using this deep, neutral gray in a color palette, it’s helpful to understand what colors complement it best. In this article, we’ll look at the basics of color theory and psychology as they relate to #333333. We’ll also explore some examples of effective color schemes using this dark gray as a base.
The Basics of #333333
First, let’s break down the hex code #333333. Hex codes are six-digit codes that represent colors on the web. The first two digits represent the amount of red, the middle two digits are green, and the last two digits are blue. #333333 is made up of:
- 33 red
- 33 green
- 33 blue
This equal mixture results in a dark neutral gray. It sits between black (#000000) and the midpoint (#808080). On the grayscale spectrum, #333333 is around 20% lightness.
Color Theory for #333333 Combinations
When building a color scheme, color theory principles are helpful. Primary color schemes use primary colors red, yellow and blue. Analogous schemes use adjacent colors on the color wheel. Complementary colors are located opposite each other. Triadic schemes use three colors equally spaced around the color wheel.
Since #333333 is a neutral color, it is extremely versatile for color combinations. However, some basic color theory guidelines can provide direction.
- Monochromatic – different shades, tints and tones of gray
- Complementary – #333333’s complement is #FFCC33, a golden yellow
- Analogous – colors adjacent to the complement, such as orange, yellow-green
- Triadic – adding equally spaced colors like purple and red-orange
- Split Complementary – the two colors on either side of the complement, like red-orange and yellow-green
Experimenting with these schemes using #333333 as a base will create balanced yet interesting color combinations.
Color Psychology
In addition to color theory, understanding color psychology can help chooses colors that evoke the desired mood or message. Here is an overview of psychological associations with #333333:
- Sophistication – Darker grays and neutrals are refined and elegant.
- Strength – As a darker shade, #333333 suggests durability.
- Neutrality – Works well as a background and balances brighter accent colors.
- Melancholy – Can sometimes evoke sadness or solemnity.
- Detachment – Grays can seem distanced, in contrast to emotional colors.
- Modernity – Dark gray is associated with contemporary design.
Keeping these psychological qualities in mind will help select colors that work together to create the desired look and feel.
Web Design Color Schemes with #333333
Now let’s look at some examples of #333333 in website color palettes:
Monochromatic
A monochromatic scheme uses different shades, tints and tones of one color. For #333333, this involves lightening and darkening the gray.
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Charcoal Gray | #212121 |
| Light Gray | #C0C0C0 |
This minimalist palette keeps a refined, neutral aesthetic. Adding black and white enhances the grayscale. It allows other visuals to stand out while maintaining sophistication.
Complementary
The complement to #333333 is #FFCC33, a golden yellow. This pair provides strong visual contrast.
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Golden Yellow | #FFCC33 |
This combination captures attention with the vibrant energy of yellow against the neutral gray. It’s often used for warning labels and highlights.
Split Complementary
This scheme uses the two colors on either side of the complement. For #333333, that’s:
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Vermillion | #FF4F00 |
| Lime Green | #89FF00 |
The contrast of the red-orange and green-yellow complements the neutral gray nicely. This color palette has a bold, energetic vibe.
Triadic
A triadic scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. For #333333, this could be:
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Plum | #852D91 |
| Sea Green | #3D9980 |
The complementary purple and green balance the gray nicely. This palette works well for creating an elegant, natural feel.
Interior Design Schemes with #333333
For interior spaces, #333333 provides a sophisticated neutral base to build a color palette around. Here are some examples of interior design color schemes using this dark gray:
Industrial
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Charcoal | #434343 |
| Marigold | #F7CE3E |
| Millennial Pink | #FFD6E8 |
The dark grays and black establish an edgy, urban feel. Pops of marigold and pink add personality and softness. Exposed brick, wood and metal finishes complement this palette.
Mid-Century Modern
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Mustard | #FFDB58 |
| Royal Blue | #0D18A5 |
| Walnut | #6C3E1D |
The dark gray and walnut brown provide an earthy, natural feel. Pops of bright yellow and blue add retro flair. This palette suits mid-century furniture and geometric patterns.
Boho Chic
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Terracotta | #CA6641 |
| Seafoam Green | #94EBCD |
| Lavender | #B29FFB |
Earthy terracotta and green pair with #333333 for a natural, organic look. Pops of lavender add a free-spirited, artistic vibe. This works well for boho spaces with lots of plants, woven textures and cozy furnishings.
Fashion Color Palettes with #333333
Deep, dark grays pair beautifully with other colors in fashion. Here are examples of #333333 in clothing color schemes:
Monochrome
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Light Gray | #999999 |
| White | #FFFFFF |
| Black | #000000 |
Shades of gray effortlessly combine from light to dark in monochrome outfits. Crisp black and white enhance the softened palette. This look conveys elegance and restraint.
Neutral with Pops of Color
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Bubblegum Pink | #FF69B4 |
| Buttercup | #FFFD8D |
| Royal Purple | #7851A9 |
The neutral dark gray lets bright, playful colors pop. This is a flexible palette fitting many styles from professional to funky. Gray grounds the accents into a polished look.
Earth Tones
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Olive Green | #677F3D |
| Terracotta | #CA6641 |
| Sand | #EDC8AF |
Earthy hues like olive, brown and sand complement the deep gray. This organic palette adds a relaxed yet grounded look. Great for casual wear and natural fabrics.
Graphic Design Color Palette with #333333
In graphic design, deep dark grays provide an excellent background neutral. The examples below demonstrate color schemes using #333333:
High Contrast
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Yellow | #FFFF00 |
| Royal Purple | #7851A9 |
Against the dark background, the bright contrasting colors are eye-catching and vibrant. This bold palette commands attention. Use for posters, advertisements, etc.
Minimalist
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Light Gray | #E0E0E0 |
| White | #FFFFFF |
Limiting to only a few subdued neutrals creates a clean, straightforward look. The dark gray adds depth without distraction. Allows focus on layout and negative space.
Retro
| Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Gray | #333333 |
| Pale Blue | #D7E9F5 |
| Burgundy | #9D1A54 |
| Mustard | #FFDB58 |
Vintage color combinations strike a nostalgic mood. The dark gray grounds brighter colors like mustard, burgundy and pale blue. Use for branding, marketing materials, etc.
Conclusion
The neutral dark gray #333333 provides a versatile backdrop for many color palettes. It balances and grounds brighter accent colors beautifully. Monochromatic, complementary, triadic and earth tone schemes are all options using this gray as a base. Consider color theory and psychology when selecting palette combinations.
Fields like graphic design, fashion and interior design can all incorporate #333333 into aesthetically pleasing color schemes. Whether going for an elegant, retro or minimalist look, this dark neutral gray sets the tone. Use the palette examples and recommendations in this article as inspiration when working with the color #333333.
