Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
The hexadecimal color #000626, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue. It is composed of 0% red, 2.4% green, and 14.9% blue. In the RGB color space, it has values of R:0, G:6, B:38. In the CMYK color space, it is composed of C:1, M:0.84, Y:0, K:0.85. Its darkness makes it a challenging color to use in designs where readability is paramount. The human eye perceives color based on lightness, and the minimal brightness in this color demands careful consideration of contrast. Blue Charcoal evokes a sense of depth and mystery due to its dark and cool tones, making it suitable for elegant designs. It is often associated with sophistication, formality, and a sense of the unknown. The color is more subdued compared to brighter blues and offers a more somber feel.
The hex color #000626, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for text and interactive elements. Its extremely low lightness value (very close to black) means that it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to achieve sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. Using darker shades of gray or colors with low luminance against this background will result in text that is difficult or impossible for many users to read, especially those with visual impairments. It is crucial to test the color combination with accessibility tools to ensure it meets the minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Consider avoiding this color for primary text and interactive elements if suitable high-contrast alternatives are unavailable. For graphical elements and decorative purposes, the contrast requirements are less stringent, but still bear in mind that good visual perception should be maintained.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Elegant Website Background
In web design, Blue Charcoal (#000626) can be used sparingly for backgrounds of hero sections or footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It's best paired with bright, contrasting text and minimal UI elements to ensure readability and usability. Avoid using it for large blocks of text or primary navigation components due to its low contrast. Consider using it to showcase elegant designs for luxury brands or for designs that intends to evoke a sense of nighttime.
Accent Wall Color
In interior design, Blue Charcoal works well as an accent wall color in a room with plenty of natural light or bright artificial lighting. It can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, especially in bedrooms or home theaters. Pair it with lighter-colored furniture and accessories to prevent the room from feeling too dark. It can also be used in smaller doses for decorative elements like throw pillows or artwork to add a touch of sophistication.
Formal Attire
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can be used as a base color for evening wear or formal attire. It provides a sophisticated and understated alternative to black. It can be paired with metallic accessories or pops of bright color to create a striking look. It is also a very suitable color for winter clothing.