Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
The hex color #021218, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue that leans towards black. It is composed of 0.78% red, 7.06% green, and 9.41% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as rgb(2, 18, 24). This color is often associated with sophistication, stability, and a sense of calm. Due to its low lightness value, it is not typically used as a primary color but rather as an accent or background color. In CMYK color space, the color is composed of 91.67% cyan, 25% magenta, 0% yellow and 90.59% black. This composition reflects its dark, muted nature, making it ideal for creating a serious and professional look. The color is quite close to black, making it suitable for designs requiring a dark and neutral base.
The hex color #021218, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its extremely low luminance value (very dark) demands careful consideration of color contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. To ensure accessibility, any text placed on a #021218 background should utilize a very light color, aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). It's also important to avoid using #021218 for critical UI elements without a high contrast ratio, as this can exclude users who rely on clear visual cues for navigation. Providing alternative color schemes that offer better contrast is advisable to accommodate a wider range of user needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of dark blue can offer a similar aesthetic while improving contrast. This provides better readability when used as a background color for text.
A dark gray provides a neutral background that is easier to work with for accessibility and contrast with other elements.
A desaturated blue-gray provides a softer look that still keeps a dark color but is more accessible.
Applications
Website Background
Blue Charcoal can be effectively used as a background color in website designs aiming for a sophisticated and modern look, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, or high-end retail. It provides a stark contrast for light-colored text and elements, creating a visually appealing experience. When used for interactive elements, ensure sufficient contrast on hover states. Consider pairing it with accent colors like teal, gold, or light grey to create visual interest. In mobile applications, use this color sparingly to prevent eye strain on smaller screens.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used as an accent wall color or for furniture upholstery to add depth and sophistication to a room. It pairs well with natural wood tones and metallic accents like copper or brass. When using it in smaller spaces, ensure there is ample lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark and enclosed. It's a great color choice for home offices, libraries, or media rooms, providing a calm and focused environment. In fashion, it is suitable for formal wear, and outerwear.
Branding and Corporate Identity
For branding and corporate identity, Blue Charcoal can convey a sense of reliability, stability, and sophistication. It can be used in logos, business cards, and other marketing materials to create a professional and trustworthy image. When used in branding, ensure that the color aligns with the overall brand message and target audience. It is well suited for businesses in the financial, technology, and legal sectors. In data visualizations, it can represent the darkest value in a gradient, emphasizing the most important points.