Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal (#000818)
The hex color #000818, often referred to as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue. It is composed of 0% red, 3.14% green, and 9.41% blue. In the RGB color model, it's represented as (0, 8, 24). This color typically evokes feelings of sophistication, depth, and mystery. Its near-black nature makes it a popular choice for designs where subtlety and elegance are desired. Due to its low luminance, it's crucial to consider contrast ratios when using it in conjunction with text or other visual elements, especially in digital interfaces, to ensure accessibility. Blue Charcoal, with its muted tones, often finds applications in various fields, including graphic design, web development, and even interior decoration.
The hex color #000818, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning text and background contrast. Due to its very dark nature, using this color as a background necessitates extremely light text to ensure readability and compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. When using #000818 for interactive elements like buttons or links, sufficient visual cues, such as hover effects or borders, are crucial for users with visual impairments to identify these elements easily. Careful consideration should be given to color blindness, testing the color scheme with tools that simulate different types of color vision deficiencies to ensure that information is not lost.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #0a192f
A slightly lighter shade of blue to improve contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A desaturated grey to provide a neutral background that pairs well with brighter accent colors.
- #001020
Another dark variant, but with enough lightness to be able to display white text clearly and be more accessible to visually impaired users.
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, Blue Charcoal (#000818) can serve as a sophisticated background color for websites aiming for a dark and modern aesthetic. It's particularly effective in portfolios, tech blogs, or corporate sites wanting to convey a sense of reliability and innovation. When paired with lighter accent colors like teal or light grey, it creates a visually appealing contrast that draws attention to key elements and improves the user experience. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially with text elements. Consider using it for headers or sidebars to add depth without overwhelming the overall design.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a cozy and elegant ambiance. The color works well with natural wood tones and metallic accents like gold or copper. It's also suitable for furniture upholstery or decorative items such as throw pillows or curtains, adding a touch of sophistication to the space. The color's dark hue can make a room feel smaller, so it's best used in well-lit spaces or paired with lighter colors to balance the effect and create a harmonious atmosphere.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can be incorporated into clothing designs for a timeless and versatile look. It can be used for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, offering a stylish alternative to black. In casual wear, it works well for jackets, sweaters, or pants, pairing easily with other colors and accessories. The color also lends itself well to footwear and handbags, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Its neutrality allows it to be dressed up or down, making it a staple in any wardrobe.