If you looked closely at many of the websites I design, you might notice a color that shows up again and again.
It’s not a bold brand color.
It’s not a trendy gradient.
It’s a simple, quiet hex value: #333333
I usually refer to it simply as Dark Gray.
It may not sound exciting, but this color plays an important role in how a website feels and how easy it is to read.
Why Not Just Use Black?
Pure black is #000000.
On paper, it seems like the obvious choice for text. Maximum contrast should mean maximum readability.
But on bright digital screens, pure black can actually feel a little harsh. The stark contrast between black and white creates sharp edges that can make long passages of text feel visually intense.
#333333 softens that contrast just enough.
It’s still dark and highly readable, but it removes a bit of the visual sharpness that pure black creates.
It Improves Readability
One of the main responsibilities of a website is simple: make information easy to consume.
When visitors read blog posts, service pages, or school information pages, they may spend several minutes scanning and reading content.
Using a slightly softened dark gray helps create a more comfortable reading experience. It reduces the feeling of glare that sometimes happens with pure black text on bright white backgrounds.
The difference is subtle, but over longer sections of content it matters.
Pure Black (#000000)
Pure black gets the job done. It’s bold, direct, and very confident about it. But on bright white screens it can feel a little intense, like someone talking slightly too loud in a quiet room.
Dark Gray (#333333)
Dark Gray is still dark and readable, but it relaxes just enough to feel comfortable. Same message, same contrast, just a little easier on the eyes. Think of it as black… after it’s had its morning coffee.
It Works With Almost Any Brand
Another reason I often use #333333 is versatility.
Every organization has its own brand colors. Some lean bright and energetic. Others use muted, earthy palettes.
Dark gray sits comfortably alongside almost any color system. It provides a strong foundation for text without competing with the brand colors that are meant to stand out.
In many ways, it acts like a quiet supporting character in the design.
Small Details Shape the Whole Experience
Good design rarely comes down to one big decision. Instead, it’s a collection of small choices that work together.
Typography, spacing, layout, and color all play a role in shaping how a website feels.
Choosing #333333 instead of pure black is one of those small decisions. Most visitors won’t notice it directly, but they will feel the result: a website that feels a little calmer and easier to read.
Behind the Build
When I build websites, I’m constantly making these small adjustments. Tweaking spacing. Adjusting color. Refining hierarchy.
Individually they may seem minor.
But together they shape the overall experience. Sometimes the most frequently used design choice isn’t the boldest one. Sometimes it’s simply a well-chosen shade of dark gray.
Cover image from Nathan Krum.
