Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal (#00131A)
The hex color #00131A, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue. It belongs to the blue-cyan color family but leans towards a near-black appearance due to its extremely low luminance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0% red, 7.45% green, and 10.2% blue. The CMYK color model representation is 100% cyan, 27% magenta, 0% yellow, and 89.8% black. This color is often associated with feelings of sophistication, calmness, and depth. It is commonly used in designs where a subtle and understated aesthetic is desired. Due to its dark nature, it's important to consider accessibility when using this color, ensuring sufficient contrast with text and other elements.
The hex color #00131A, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for text-based content. Its extremely low luminance value results in very poor contrast against most common background colors, including white. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is essential for readability and usability, especially for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Blue Charcoal is highly unlikely to meet these requirements when paired with lighter colors. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter color for text or UI elements placed on a #00131A background. Alternatively, use #00131A sparingly, reserving it for purely decorative elements where readability is not critical. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and to meet the needs of all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #0a232d
A slightly lighter shade of blue can retain the original color's coolness while improving readability against light backgrounds.
- #212529
This dark gray provides a similar depth and sophistication, but offers better contrast when used for text or interface elements.
- #000000
This deeper black color will give more accessibility to the text.
Applications
Website Header/Footer
Blue Charcoal can be effectively employed as a background color for website headers or footers to create a sense of sophistication and depth. Its dark nature helps to visually separate these elements from the main content area, enhancing the overall structure and user experience. When using it for headers, ensure that text and interactive elements have sufficient contrast by using a light color such as white or a pale gray. For footers, it can be paired with lighter brand elements to create a cohesive and elegant design. The color evokes feelings of calm and sophistication and therefore perfectly applies to the design of a bank or wealth management website.
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 intimate atmosphere. Its dark hue absorbs light, making the space feel smaller and more enclosed, ideal for creating a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Pair it with lighter furniture and decor elements, such as white sofas and metallic accents, to balance the darkness and prevent the room from feeling too heavy. Plants, especially those with big leaves, can give a room a natural and vital touch.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Blue Charcoal is often used for elegant evening wear or professional attire. A Blue Charcoal suit or dress provides a sophisticated alternative to black, conveying a sense of understated style and confidence. It pairs well with metallic accessories, such as silver or gold jewelry, and can be complemented with pops of color, such as a vibrant scarf or handbag. The color is perfect as an alternative to black, while being very versatile and fitting for multiple skin tones.