Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal (#021216)
The hex color #021216, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of cyan-blue. It is composed of 0.78% red, 7.06% green, and 8.63% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:2, G:18, B:22. The corresponding CMYK color code is C:90, M:18, Y:0, K:91. Its primary attribute is its low luminance, contributing to its muted and sophisticated appearance. Blue Charcoal evokes a sense of depth, calm, and understated elegance. Because of its darkness, it's often used to create a modern or sophisticated aesthetic, but it should be used carefully to ensure accessibility and readability in design applications. The color is close to black, and might be confused with a black color.
The hex color #021216, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value makes it difficult to distinguish text or elements using this color against most backgrounds, including white. A very high contrast ratio is crucial when using this color. Ensuring a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, as defined by WCAG guidelines, is essential. Using tools to check color contrast is highly recommended before deploying designs with #021216. Consider pairing it with much lighter colors to meet accessibility standards and provide a better user experience. It is also recommended to provide alternative visual cues, such as underlines or icons, to convey information that might be lost due to poor color contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue charcoal that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A desaturated gray that offers a more neutral and accessible alternative for backgrounds or text.
A darker teal that has similarity to the color #021216, but with slightly better visibility in combination with lighter colors.
Applications
Web Design - Dark Mode
In web design, #021216 can be used sparingly for elements like navigation bars or subtle accents to create a sophisticated and modern feel. However, due to its dark nature, it should be paired with light, contrasting colors for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and accessibility. This color can also be effective for creating a dark mode interface, providing a visually appealing and user-friendly experience, reducing eye strain in low-light environments. Use it in combination with lighter fonts to ensure the application is WCAG-compliant.
Interior Design - Accents
In interior design, Blue Charcoal (#021216) can be used to create a moody and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in spaces where a sense of calm and introspection is desired, such as home offices or bedrooms. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or accent pieces, and is best complemented with lighter, contrasting colors like creams, whites, or metallics to balance the darkness and add visual interest. Consider using it in combination with natural materials like wood or stone to create a warm and inviting space.
Fashion - Base Color
In fashion, Blue Charcoal (#021216) offers a versatile and elegant option for creating timeless and sophisticated looks. It works well as a base color for garments like dresses, suits, or outerwear, and can be paired with a variety of colors and textures to achieve different effects. To create an elegant look, combine the color with soft neutrals like beige or ivory. Or combine it with bolder colors such as burgundy or mustard for an intriguing contrast. Accessorize with metallic elements to enhance the sophisticated appeal.