Blue Charcoal
General Information
The hex color #020618, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It belongs to the family of blue colors and is characterized by its low saturation and brightness values. In the RGB color model, it consists of 2 red, 6 green, and 24 blue components. This color is often used to create a sense of depth, mystery, and sophistication. It is suitable for backgrounds, accents, and text, but requires careful consideration of contrast to maintain readability. Its usage in web design and graphic design can evoke a feeling of elegance and professionalism.
The hex color #020618, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely dark nature results in very low contrast when used with text or other foreground elements. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. To ensure accessibility, it's essential to use this color with very light text colors, such as white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays, and to verify that the contrast ratio meets the minimum requirements for different levels of compliance (AA or AAA). Avoid pairing it with mid-tone or dark colors, as this will render content illegible for many users. Proper contrast checking tools should be employed during development to confirm compliance. Also consider providing alternative color schemes to enhance accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #0a122a
A slightly lighter shade of blue, offering better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #121212
A dark gray that provides a neutral background with improved contrast compared to #020618.
- #293352
A brighter blue that provides a more vibrant and accessible alternative, especially for user interfaces.
Applications
Web Design: Dark Themes
In web design, #020618 can be used sparingly as a background color for sections where a dark, muted aesthetic is desired, such as footers or sidebars. However, it must be paired with very light text to ensure readability. It is also suitable for creating a dark theme option, offering users a comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments. Consider its use in data visualization for dark themed dashboards where emphasis on the data is desired.
Fashion: Evening Wear
In fashion, #020618 can represent sophistication and mystery. It can be used as a base color for evening wear or accessories, paired with metallics or contrasting bright colors for accents. This color works well in creating a professional and elegant look, suitable for formal events or business attire. It provides an understated yet powerful statement, conveying confidence and refinement.
Interior Design: Accent Walls
Within interior design, #020618 may be used as an accent wall color in a modern, minimalist space or as the primary color in a home theater room to enhance the cinematic experience. The dark color can make the projection screen appear more vibrant. It should be balanced with lighter furniture and decor to prevent the room from feeling too enclosed. Consider using it in combination with warm lighting to create a cozy and inviting ambiance.