#EDEEF0
#C9CCD1
#1D4ED8
#0B1220
#F4F3F1Smoke
#B9B6B1Ash
#5F5C58Umber
#438CD2Steel Blue
Startup Steel Blue & Ash is a muted neutral-based color palette tagged modern, white, gray. Built almost entirely from neutrals, with Steel Blue (#438CD2) as the single point of color. Saturation stays low across the board, giving it a calm, editorial feel.
Color codes click any value to copy
| Swatch | Name | HEX | RGB | HSL | OKLCH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke | #F4F3F1 | rgb(244, 243, 241) | hsl(40, 12%, 95%) | oklch(96.4% 0.003 85) | |
| Ash | #B9B6B1 | rgb(185, 182, 177) | hsl(38, 5%, 71%) | oklch(77.7% 0.008 81) | |
| Umber | #5F5C58 | rgb(95, 92, 88) | hsl(34, 4%, 36%) | oklch(47.6% 0.007 75) | |
| Steel Blue | #438CD2 | rgb(67, 140, 210) | hsl(209, 61%, 54%) | oklch(62.6% 0.129 250) |
Why it works and how to use it
The palette holds together thanks to its neutral backbone and a strong light-to-dark ladder (95% down to 36% lightness). A natural fit for websites, presentations and branding.
- Background: Smoke (#F4F3F1) is the lightest color, so it belongs on large surfaces.
- Text: Umber (#5F5C58) on #F4F3F1 gives 6:1, passing WCAG AA.
- Primary: Steel Blue (#438CD2) is the most saturated mid-tone; use it for buttons and links (3.2:1 against the background, fine for UI elements).
- Accent: Ash (#B9B6B1) for highlights, badges and hover states.
1 of 6 color pairs pass WCAG AA (4.5:1); the strongest is Smoke on Umber at 6:1.
Preview on a real UI see how the palette feels in context
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Design faster with Startup Steel Blue & Ash
A palette preview that turns four colors into a page, so you can judge hierarchy, contrast and mood before you commit.
Primary action SecondaryCard title
Card title
Card title
Roles are assigned by lightness.
Color blindness simulation
#F4F3F1
#B9B6B1
#5F5C58
#438CD2
Color-blind check: all four colors stay distinguishable under protanopia, deuteranopia and tritanopia.
Contrast check WCAG ratios between palette colors
| Pair | Sample | Ratio | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
#F4F3F1 on #5F5C58 | Aa | 6:1 | AA |
#B9B6B1 on #5F5C58 | Aa | 3.29:1 | AA large only |
#F4F3F1 on #438CD2 | Aa | 3.2:1 | AA large only |
#5F5C58 on #438CD2 | Aa | 1.87:1 | Fail |
#F4F3F1 on #B9B6B1 | Aa | 1.82:1 | Fail |
#B9B6B1 on #438CD2 | Aa | 1.75:1 | Fail |
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