Blue Charcoal
General Information
The hex color #01091F, also referred to as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue, close to black. It is composed of 0.4% red, 3.5% green, and 12.2% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as rgb(1, 9, 31). In the CMYK color space, its values are cyan: 96.8%, magenta: 71%, yellow: 0%, black: 87.8%. Blue Charcoal evokes feelings of calmness, sophistication, and mystery. Due to its darkness, it is often associated with night, shadows, and depth. Colors such as Blue Charcoal can often be found in modern web design, where it is often used as background colors for dark themes.
The hex color #01091F, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark nature. Its low luminance results in poor contrast against typical light-colored backgrounds, making text and interactive elements difficult to read for users, especially those with visual impairments. 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 recommendations when paired with standard white or light gray backgrounds. Therefore, it is crucial to use this color sparingly and always pair it with very light colors (such as whites, creams, or very pale yellows) to ensure readability. Developers should also consider providing alternative color schemes that offer better contrast for users with different visual needs. Proper testing with accessibility tools is essential to validate the color choices and prevent excluding users with disabilities.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Blue Charcoal can serve as a sophisticated background color for sections intended to convey a sense of depth or exclusivity. Consider using it for website footers, sidebars, or call-to-action areas. However, always ensure sufficient contrast by pairing it with light text and interactive elements. Moreover, Blue Charcoal can create a dark theme on websites. For example, developers could implement Blue Charcoal for the background color and some desaturated white for the text.
Interior Design
Within interior design, Blue Charcoal can be employed to create a calming and luxurious ambiance. It's particularly well-suited for accent walls in bedrooms or living rooms. Complementary colors like gold, silver, or light grays can be used to add visual interest and prevent the space from feeling too dark. Furthermore, to not make rooms appear smaller, one should use Blue Charcoal sparingly and with good lighting to create a cozy room.
Fashion
In fashion, Blue Charcoal provides a versatile base for creating elegant and understated looks. It can be used for garments like coats, trousers, or dresses. Pair it with brighter colors like teal or coral to add a pop of color or with neutral tones for a more minimalist approach. Blue Charcoal is also great for creating a gender neutral clothing style, as Blue Charcoal is accepted by all genders.