Blue Charcoal
General Information about #031317
The hexadecimal color code #031317, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of cyan-blue. It is composed of 1.18% red, 7.45% green, and 9.02% blue. In the RGB color space, it's close to black. The CMYK values are C:0.87, M:0.17, Y:0.00, K:0.91. Blue Charcoal typically evokes feelings of depth, sophistication, and tranquility. Due to its muted nature, it's often utilized in designs where subtlety and elegance are desired, but caution must be taken to ensure adequate contrast for readability and accessibility. It is not a bright color, as its low saturation and value contribute to its understated appearance, making it more suitable for backgrounds or accent elements rather than primary focal points.
The color #031317, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. Its dark nature results in poor contrast against typical light backgrounds, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to discern text or interface elements. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use this color sparingly and always pair it with a light color that provides a high contrast ratio, ideally exceeding the WCAG AA guidelines of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using color contrast analyzers is highly recommended to verify compliance. Moreover, avoid relying solely on color to convey important information; instead, supplement with text labels, icons, or other visual cues to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a242f
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark and muted aesthetic.
- #262626
A more neutral dark gray that works well as a background or text color on light backgrounds, offering improved readability.
- #008080
A deep teal color that provides a similar aesthetic but offers slightly better visibility than #031317.
Applications
Website Background
In web development, Blue Charcoal (#031317) can be employed as a background color for website sections intended to convey a sense of sophistication or mystery. However, due to its low visibility, it should ideally be used with light-colored text and supporting design elements to ensure accessibility. Consider using it for header backgrounds, website footers, or distinct content blocks, combined with generous spacing and clear typography to enhance readability and visual appeal. Careful attention to contrast is paramount to avoid making the content difficult to perceive.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #031317 works excellently as an accent color for walls or furniture in rooms designed to evoke a calming or sophisticated atmosphere. Its deep, muted tone can be combined with lighter shades of gray, blue, or even warmer colors like beige or cream to create a balanced and inviting space. This color choice would be particularly suited for bedrooms, studies, or living rooms, where a sense of tranquility is desired. The subtle character of the color lends itself well to pairing with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Fashion Apparel
In the realm of fashion, Blue Charcoal can be utilized as a versatile and understated color for clothing items, especially in casual or formal wear. Think of sleek blazers, trousers, or dresses that exude a sense of elegance without being overly flashy. It is particularly well-suited for garments made from materials like wool, velvet, or silk, where the color's depth can be fully appreciated. Accessories like scarves or belts in contrasting colors can provide a striking visual counterpoint, adding personality and flair to the overall ensemble. The color can also be used for sporty designs such as jackets.