Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
The hexadecimal color code #04081A, also known as Blue Charcoal, represents a very dark shade of blue. It is composed of 1.57% red, 3.14% green, and 10.2% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 4 red, 8 green, and 26 blue. This color is commonly perceived as a deep, muted, and sophisticated shade, often associated with elegance and mystery. Blue Charcoal is frequently utilized in design contexts where a dark, understated tone is desired. It is often used to evoke a sense of calmness and serenity, although its darkness also lends itself to creating a more dramatic atmosphere. Due to its low luminance, the color is most suitable for backgrounds or as an accent in designs featuring lighter colors. #04081A is far from the sRGB color range.
The color #04081A, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its very dark nature. Its extremely low luminance results in a poor contrast ratio against almost any lighter color used for text or interactive elements. This poses readability issues for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to avoid using #04081A for text or interactive elements unless paired with a sufficiently light color that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Testing with accessibility tools and considering user feedback are essential steps in verifying the usability of color combinations involving #04081A. If used as a background, ensure that all foreground elements have sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #12182b
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved contrast while maintaining a similar dark and sophisticated feel.
- #212529
A more neutral dark gray that is easier to pair with other colors and provides better readability.
- #1a2033
This color provides a similar tone but with slightly lighter appearance, which ensures readability and accessibility.
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, #04081A can be used sparingly for background elements in sections where a dark, sophisticated aesthetic is desired. However, due to its poor contrast, it should not be used for text or interactive elements unless paired with very light colors that meet accessibility standards. For example, it might work well as a background for a hero section with white or light grey text overlayed. Also it is appropriate for a footer section if paired with light text elements, and simple icons.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #04081A can be used as an accent color for walls or furniture in modern, minimalist spaces. It creates a sense of depth and sophistication when used sparingly. It is very suitable for bedrooms and living rooms, combined with other natural light colors. The key is to balance it with lighter elements to prevent the space from feeling too dark and closed in. Light wood tones and metallic accents can complement this dark color well.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #04081A can be used for creating sleek and modern looks. It is often seen in evening wear, outerwear, and accessories. Because it is so dark, it can be used as a base color, and combined with lighter ones in order to create a visual balance. A dark dress in this color can be paired with bright accessories to create a striking contrast. It is also appropriate for shoes and bags.