Blue Charcoal

General Information about Blue Charcoal

The hex color #040817, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue, close to black. It's composed of 1.57% red, 3.14% green, and 8.63% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to very low values across all three channels, resulting in a dark and muted tone. Blue Charcoal evokes a sense of depth, mystery, and sophistication. It is often associated with elegance and a subtle strength. The color finds use in a variety of contexts, from digital design to interior decoration, where its dark hue can provide a grounding and anchoring effect. When using Blue Charcoal, care should be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with other elements, particularly text, to maintain readability and accessibility. Its subtlety makes it a versatile choice for backgrounds and accents, offering a refined alternative to pure black.

The hex color #040817, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. Its extremely dark nature results in poor contrast against lighter backgrounds, making text and user interface elements difficult to read for individuals with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Blue Charcoal typically falls far short of these ratios when paired with common background colors like white or light gray. Designers should avoid using this color for essential text or interactive elements without implementing substantial contrast enhancements. To improve accessibility, consider using lighter shades of gray, white, or other contrasting colors for text and interactive elements placed on a Blue Charcoal background. Also, consider providing alternative high-contrast themes to accommodate users with varying visual needs.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Backgrounds

  Blue Charcoal's deep, subdued hue makes it suitable for backgrounds in websites or applications aiming for a sophisticated or mysterious feel. It can create a sense of depth and elegance, particularly when paired with lighter accent colors and minimalist design. However, its low contrast means that designers must use it cautiously, ensuring that any text or interactive elements placed on it have sufficient contrast to be easily readable. This color is ideal for header sections, footers, or large background panels where readability is less critical, or where it can be combined with contrasting overlays to improve accessibility.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used to create a calming and intimate atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, studies, or home theaters, providing a dark and cozy backdrop. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or accent pieces to add depth and sophistication to a space. When using Blue Charcoal in interior design, it's essential to balance the darkness with lighter elements, such as bright artwork, light-colored furniture, or ample lighting, to prevent the room from feeling too enclosed or somber. The color complements natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the sense of warmth and texture.

• Fashion Design

  In fashion, Blue Charcoal can be used to create pieces that are both understated and elegant. It is often used for outerwear such as coats or jackets, or base pieces such as trousers and skirts. It works well with both casual and formal wear, making it a versatile choice. The dark shade provides a sense of sophistication and can be paired with a range of other colours, from vibrant brights to more muted tones. The subtle blue hue helps to soften the starkness of a true black, providing visual interest while remaining neutral enough to not clash with bolder design elements. It also works well as the base for an outfit that is accented with a lighter scarf, jewellery, or shoes.

Complementary color

Buttons