Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
Blue Charcoal, represented by the hex code #000523, is a very dark shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family but possesses a muted and almost black-like appearance due to its extremely low luminance. This color is often associated with sophistication, elegance, and mystery. In color psychology, dark blues can represent trustworthiness, reliability, and authority. However, the darkness of Blue Charcoal can also evoke feelings of sadness or melancholy if used excessively. The color is composed of 0% red, 1.96% green, and 13.73% blue in the RGB color space. Due to its low brightness, it is not a common choice for primary colors in design but is more often used as an accent color or for creating a subtle, sophisticated background. Its hex code is composed of three pairs of hexadecimal numbers, each pair representing the intensity of the red, green and blue.
The hex color #000523, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.002 means that it provides very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Blue Charcoal falls far short of these requirements, making it difficult for users, particularly those with visual impairments, to read content displayed with this color. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to pair #000523 with much lighter colors that provide sufficient contrast. Alternatively, consider using #000523 sparingly for purely decorative elements where readability is not critical. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate and adjust color combinations to meet accessibility standards, ensuring a more inclusive user experience. Always prioritize the needs of all users when making color choices.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Blue Charcoal (#000523) can be used as a background color for website headers or footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, due to its dark nature, it's important to use it sparingly and pair it with contrasting text colors (e.g., white or a light shade of gray) to ensure readability and accessibility. It can also be effective for highlighting specific sections or elements on a webpage, drawing the user's attention to important content. When applied thoughtfully, Blue Charcoal can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of a website while maintaining a user-friendly experience. Consider using it for interactive elements like buttons or hover effects to add a touch of elegance and modernity.
Interior Design
In interior design, Blue Charcoal (#000523) can be employed to create a moody and intimate atmosphere in spaces such as bedrooms or home theaters. It can be used as an accent wall color or incorporated into furniture pieces and decorative accessories like throw pillows or curtains. When combined with soft lighting and warm textures, Blue Charcoal can evoke a sense of luxury and tranquility. It's essential to balance the darkness of the color with lighter elements to prevent the space from feeling too heavy or oppressive. Consider using metallic accents like gold or silver to add a touch of glamour and sophistication.
Fashion
In fashion, Blue Charcoal (#000523) can serve as a versatile neutral base for creating sophisticated and understated looks. It can be used for garments such as dresses, trousers, or outerwear, providing a refined and timeless aesthetic. When paired with brighter or more vibrant colors, Blue Charcoal can help to ground the overall outfit and create a sense of balance. Accessorizing with metallic jewelry or bold statement pieces can add visual interest and personality. Blue Charcoal is particularly well-suited for evening wear, offering a sleek and elegant alternative to traditional black.