Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal (#011115)
The hex color #011115, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark, muted shade that sits between black and dark blue on the color spectrum. It is composed of 0.4% red, 6.7% green, and 8.2% blue. In the RGB color model, it has values of R:1, G:17, B:21. In the CMYK color model, its composition is C:95, M:19, Y:0, K:92. Blue Charcoal evokes feelings of sophistication, depth, and tranquility. Its dark nature lends itself well to creating a sense of understated elegance and can be used to add depth and contrast to designs. This color is often associated with night, shadows, and the mysteries of the deep sea, contributing to its enigmatic appeal. When used effectively, it offers a powerful visual anchor.
The hex color #011115, often described as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely low luminance. With such a dark shade, it's crucial to use light text colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA standards. Given the darkness of #011115, only very light shades of white or yellow will likely meet these requirements. Therefore, always test the color combination with accessibility tools to avoid causing eye strain or readability issues for users, especially those with visual impairments. Consider using alternative, lighter background colors to enhance overall usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar dark aesthetic but offers improved contrast when paired with white text.
A desaturated gray that provides a neutral backdrop, making text more readable and reducing eye strain.
For a more vibrant feel, consider using a deep teal which offers a better contrast with lighter elements while retaining some of the depth of Blue Charcoal.
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
In web design, #011115 can be used sparingly for website headers or footers to create a sophisticated, muted effect. However, it should be paired with lighter colors for text and other interactive elements to ensure readability and accessibility. Avoid using it as a background for large blocks of text due to the potential for eye strain. Use it to accent other colors to provide balance to your design.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #011115 can be used as an accent color for walls or furniture in rooms with ample natural light. It provides a grounding effect and can be paired with lighter, warmer colors to create a balanced and inviting space. It's particularly effective in creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. Use with textiles to add depth to the room.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #011115 can be used as a base color for clothing items such as jackets or trousers. Its dark, neutral tone makes it versatile and easy to pair with other colors. It can also be used for accessories such as bags or shoes to add a touch of sophistication to an outfit. This color looks best when accented with brighter colors to draw more attention.