Blue Charcoal
About Blue Charcoal (#020619)
The hexadecimal color code #020619 represents a very dark shade of blue, often referred to as Blue Charcoal. It's composed of 0.78% red, 2.35% green, and 9.8% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 2 red, 6 green, and 25 blue. The color's darkness stems from the low values across all three color channels, resulting in a muted and almost black appearance. Blue Charcoal is often associated with feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication, although its darkness can also evoke a sense of melancholy or mystery. It is mostly used on dark themes as a background color, often paired with lighter font colors to provide enough contrast.
The color #020619, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark nature. Its extremely low luminance results in poor contrast against most background colors, especially white. This makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, to perceive text or graphical elements rendered in this color. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use #020619 with very light foreground colors that provide a high contrast ratio, adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Careful consideration and testing with accessibility tools are necessary to avoid creating a frustrating or unusable experience for individuals with disabilities. The use of color alone should never convey important information; always provide redundant cues such as text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e293b
A slightly lighter shade of blue-gray that offers improved contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #1e3a8a
A dark midnight blue that provides a more perceptible visual difference from black.
- #0f172a
A dark teal, useful in situations where you want to evoke a sense of calm and sophistication.
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web design, Blue Charcoal can be employed as a background color for sections intended to evoke a sense of sophistication or mystery. Due to its darkness, it pairs well with lighter text colors, such as white or light gray, to ensure readability. It can be used in headers, footers, or sidebars to create visual separation and hierarchy within a website. It can also be used as a subtle overlay on images to create a muted or cinematic effect. However, careful consideration must be given to contrast ratios to maintain accessibility standards. This color is best suited for designs aiming for a minimalist or modern aesthetic.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used as an accent wall color to add depth and drama to a room. It works well in bedrooms or living rooms, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. When used in smaller quantities, such as on furniture or decorative accessories, it can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a space. This color complements other cool tones, such as grays, blues, and greens, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. When using it as a wall color, ensure there is adequate lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark or enclosed. Pairing with lighter furniture and accessories can help balance the darkness of the color.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can serve as a versatile neutral alternative to black or gray. It can be used in clothing items such as jackets, trousers, or dresses to create a sophisticated and understated look. This color pairs well with a variety of other colors, including jewel tones, pastels, and metallics, making it a versatile option for building a wardrobe. It can also be used in accessories such as scarves, hats, or bags to add a subtle touch of color to an outfit. Because this shade is dark, it's also an ideal color for a sophisticated style.