The hex color #172C66 is a rich, deep shade of blue. It’s perfect for creating a bold and calming vibe. Let’s break it down and see why it’s such a versatile choice.
What Makes Up #172C66?
Colors like #172C66 are made by mixing red, green, and blue (RGB) in different amounts. Here’s the breakdown for this one:
- Red: 23 (out of 255)
- Green: 44 (out of 255)
- Blue: 102 (out of 255)
This mix leans heavily toward blue, giving the color its deep and cool feel. If you prefer percentages, it looks like this:
- 9% Red
- 17.3% Green
- 40% Blue
So, when you see #172C66, think of it as mostly blue with a touch of green and just a hint of red.
How Does It Look in HSL?
The HSL color model tells us more about the personality of #172C66:
- Hue: 224° (This means it’s firmly in the blue family.)
- Saturation: 63% (It’s vivid, but not overly bright.)
- Lightness: 24% (This is why it looks so dark and moody.)
Colors That Go Well with #172C66
1. Complementary Color:
The color directly opposite #172C66 on the color wheel is #E8D399, a soft golden-yellow. Together, these colors create a striking and balanced contrast.
2. Triadic Palette:
For a harmonious look, try combining #172C66 with these two:
- #66172C (a deep red)
- #2C6617 (a rich green
Different Shades of #172C66
Lighter Shades:
If you add white to #172C66, you’ll get softer, more pastel blues. For example:
- #2E4175: A slightly lighter blue.
- #5C6B93: A medium blue-gray.
- #D0D4E0: A pale, almost white blue.
Darker Shades:
Adding black makes it even moodier:
- #14275B: A slightly darker blue.
- #0B1633: A near-black with a blue hint.
Where to Use #172C66
1. Background Color:
- It’s perfect for a dark and professional background. Use white or light-colored text to keep things readable.
2. Text Color:
- For text, it works best on a very light background like white or beige.
3. Borders and Shadows:
- A #172C66 border or shadow adds a sophisticated touch to any design.
Here’s an example of how to use it in CSS:
/* Background Example */
div {
background-color: #172C66;
color: white; /* Light text for contrast */
}
/* Border Example */
div {
border: 3px solid #172C66;
}
/* Shadow Example */
div {
box-shadow: 3px 3px 7px #172C66;
}Similar Colors
If you’re looking for colors close to #172C66, here are some options:
- #152C60: A muted version.
- #172960: Slightly darker.
- #142766: A touch brighter.
- #162A62: A balanced variation.
These subtle differences give you flexibility when designing.
Best Pairings for #172C66
Here are some ideas for combining #172C66 with other colors:
- Classic and Clean:
- Pair it with white (#FFFFFF) for a timeless look.
- Warm Contrast:
- Combine it with its complementary color, #E8D399, for a pop of warmth.
- Monochromatic:
- Stick with other shades of blue for a cohesive feel, like #5C6B93 and #D0D4E0.
- Modern and Bold:
- Use bright accents like cyan (#00FFFF) or lime green (#00FF00) for a fresh, modern vibe.
Why Choose #172C66?
- Professional Appeal: It’s dark and sophisticated, ideal for business or corporate designs.
- Timeless: Blue is a universally loved color, symbolizing trust and stability.
- Versatile: From backgrounds to accents, #172C66 fits a wide range of styles.
Fun Facts About #172C66
- Popular Choice: #172C66 is often used in branding because it conveys professionalism and reliability.
- Calming Effect: Blue shades like #172C66 are known to evoke feelings of peace and tranquility.
- Web Design Favorite: This color works beautifully in website headers, buttons, and logos, providing a clean and elegant look.
Final Thoughts
The color #172C66 is more than just a dark blue. It’s a versatile and stylish choice that fits beautifully into a variety of design settings. Whether you’re designing a website, creating branding materials, or experimenting with colors, #172C66 adds depth and elegance. Pair it with contrasting tones or lighter shades to make your designs stand out while maintaining a polished look.
