Blue Charcoal
General Information about #00061B
The hex color #00061B, often referred to as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue, almost black. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0% red, 2.4% green, and 10.6% blue. Its primary characteristic is its extremely low luminance, making it appear very dark to the human eye. This color is often associated with depth, mystery, and sophistication. In terms of color theory, it belongs to the cool color family. Due to its darkness, it is generally not used as a primary color in design but rather as an accent or background color. It evokes a sense of elegance and can be used to create a feeling of understated luxury or somberness. The perception of this color can also vary based on the surrounding colors and lighting conditions.
The hex color #00061B, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its very low luminance value makes it difficult to discern text or elements rendered in this color against a standard white background. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability, especially for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's imperative to pair #00061B with very light colors that provide a high contrast ratio, ideally exceeding 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using tools to evaluate color contrast is highly recommended. Moreover, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements or conveying critical information without adequate contrast, as it can lead to a poor user experience and exclusion.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #0a1429
A slightly lighter shade that retains the dark, cool tone but offers improved readability against light backgrounds.
- #111111
A desaturated gray that provides a neutral backdrop while maintaining a similar dark value.
- #004346
A dark teal that offers a hint of color while still remaining dark enough to provide sufficient contrast.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Blue Charcoal can be used as a background color for websites or applications that aim to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It's particularly effective in the technology and finance sectors. The color should be paired with contrasting fonts and UI elements to ensure readability and usability. For example, a website for a cybersecurity firm could use #00061B as a primary background color, using white or light yellow text and bright call-to-action buttons to create visual interest and guide user interaction.
Packaging Design
This color lends itself well to creating elegant and modern packaging designs, especially for luxury goods or high-end tech products. Imagine a sleek box for wireless earbuds using #00061B with minimalist silver or gold accents. The dark color conveys a sense of quality and sophistication, aligning with the premium nature of the product. Using a matte finish on the packaging can further enhance the tactile experience and add to the feeling of luxury.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used to create a moody and atmospheric space, such as a home theater or a study. It works well as an accent wall color or as a color for furniture upholstery. Pair it with lighter neutral colors like cream or beige to balance the darkness and create a sense of warmth. Metallic accents like brass or copper can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the space. Good lighting is crucial when using dark colors in interiors.