Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
#00031A, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue with minimal luminance. Its RGB values are R:0, G:3, B:26, and its CMYK values are C:100, M:88, Y:0, K:90. In the sRGB color space, its coordinates are x:0.154, y:0.058. This color is often associated with sophistication, mystery, and depth. Due to its darkness, it's generally not recommended for extensive use in text or user interface elements without careful consideration for contrast and accessibility. Historically, dark blues like this have been used to evoke feelings of calm and authority. Its hexadecimal representation makes it easily usable in digital design applications.
The hex color #00031A, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, a crucial requirement for WCAG compliance. Text rendered in this color on a white background, for example, would likely fail even the basic contrast ratio thresholds, rendering it unreadable for users with visual impairments. Similarly, interactive elements like buttons or links using #00031A risk being missed entirely. Designers must use extremely light foreground colors to ensure readability, or incorporate larger font sizes to partially compensate. Further, relying on color alone to convey information with #00031A would violate accessibility best practices, as colorblind users would be unable to perceive the intended meaning. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools is crucial when using such a dark color. Consideration should also be given to providing alternative high-contrast themes.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #00031A can be used sparingly for decorative elements or as a background color for sections with very light text. However, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast to meet accessibility standards. For example, it could be employed as a background for a hero section featuring a call to action button with a contrasting color. Its somber tone makes it suitable for websites conveying seriousness or sophistication, such as those for law firms or financial institutions. It is advised to test the design in different screen sizes, resolutions and for people with disabilities.
Interior Design
In interior design, #00031A can be used to create a dramatic and moody atmosphere in spaces like home theaters or bedrooms. It can be paired with lighter colors like silver or white to create contrast and prevent the space from feeling too dark. Accent lighting can also be used to highlight specific features and add visual interest. This hue is suitable for creating a luxurious and relaxing environment. It is recommended to use this color in rooms with plenty of natural light, or with strategic artificial lighting.
Fashion
In fashion, #00031A can be used as a base color for outfits, providing a sophisticated and understated look. It can be combined with brighter colors like gold or red for contrast, or with neutral colors for a more subtle effect. This color is suitable for formal occasions or for creating a professional look. Garments made in this tone tend to be elegant.