Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
The hexadecimal color #020C18, also recognized as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of cyan-blue. It is composed of 0.78% red, 4.71% green and 9.41% blue. In the RGB color model, #020C18 has RGB values of R:2, G:12, B:24. In the CMYK color space, it is composed of 91.67% cyan, 50% magenta, 0% yellow and 90.59% black. Its angle in the HSL color wheel is 206.67 degrees, its saturation is 84.62% and its lightness is 5.1%. This color leans towards the cooler side of the spectrum and provides a strong grounding and serious aesthetic. Because of its high black value, this color can appear nearly black in print and requires a careful balance with the rest of the design to ensure it's represented accurately.
The hex color #020C18, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely low luminance. This dark shade offers very little contrast against similarly dark backgrounds, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to discern text or graphical elements. Web developers must exercise extreme caution when using this color, ensuring that it is paired with a sufficiently light foreground color to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Failure to meet these guidelines can result in an inaccessible and frustrating user experience, particularly for users with low vision or color blindness. Careful consideration of color pairings and thorough accessibility testing are essential when incorporating #020C18 into a design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #121c28
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved contrast while maintaining a similar dark and moody aesthetic.
- #222222
A dark gray that provides better readability against white or light backgrounds.
- #242E3A
A muted navy blue alternative that offers a touch more visibility while staying true to the dark color theme.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, Blue Charcoal can serve as an excellent background color for sections intended to evoke a sense of sophistication and exclusivity. Its deep, dark hue helps content stand out and creates a visually striking contrast when paired with lighter text and graphics. Consider using it for headers, footers, or sidebars where you want to establish a strong visual presence. Also, it is a good option for dark mode themes, providing a comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments. However, always make sure that the contrast ratios are met.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, this color creates an atmosphere of intimacy and luxury. It is ideally suited for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when complemented by metallic or warm-toned accessories. When used in a bedroom, this color is perfect for promoting relaxation and can be combined with natural textures such as wood or linen for a calming ambiance. Furthermore, it's a stylish choice for home theater rooms, minimizing light reflection for an immersive viewing experience.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, #020C18 can be an excellent base color for evening wear or sophisticated business attire. Its rich dark tone exudes elegance and professionalism. As such, it is a versatile backdrop for statement jewelry or colorful accents. It's a popular choice for creating a slim and modern silhouette, suitable for various styles, from classic to contemporary. A dark color makes for a timeless and chic addition to wardrobes.