Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal (#040916)
The hexadecimal color code #040916 represents a very dark shade of blue, often referred to as Blue Charcoal. It is composed of 1.57% red, 3.53% green, and 8.63% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 4 red, 9 green, and 22 blue. The color is frequently perceived as a deep, muted tone, evoking feelings of sophistication and mystery. Colors with a similar dark hue are often associated with elegance and stability. The color's darkness means it is more suited as a background color than for text, requiring a light foreground color for adequate contrast. The #040916 color is used in various design applications, including web design and graphic design, where a dark or moody aesthetic is desired.
The hex color #040916, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value of approximately 0.002 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially violating WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is generally recommended for normal text, and 3:1 for large text. #040916 is very unlikely to meet these requirements with most foreground colors. To ensure readability, it's crucial to pair this color with very light hues, perform thorough contrast testing, and consider providing alternative high-contrast themes for users with visual impairments. Utilizing tools that measure contrast ratios can help designers make informed decisions and comply with accessibility benchmarks. For buttons or interactive elements, consider adding visual cues beyond color to assist users who might have difficulty distinguishing subtle color differences.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #141926
A slightly lighter shade that provides a bit more visibility while maintaining a similar dark, moody feel.
- #242936
A dark grayish-blue that offers a touch more brightness and can improve contrast in certain applications.
- #141414
A dark grey that increases the visibility while retaining a similar aesthetic
Applications
Web Design and User Interfaces
In web design, Blue Charcoal can be used for website backgrounds to create a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, particularly for technology or finance-related websites. It serves well for headers or footers. However, it is important to take care to use a contrasting color such as white or light gray for the text to ensure that it is readable. Also, this color works well with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or dashboard designs where a dark theme is desired, which is gentle on the eyes during prolonged usage. The dark theme can be used on mobile apps as well, to prolong battery life, especially on devices with OLED screens.
Fashion and Apparel
In the realm of fashion, Blue Charcoal is a versatile color choice, suitable for creating elegant and understated apparel. It can be utilized for evening wear, formal suits, or even casual attire such as sweaters or t-shirts. This color is often associated with sophistication and can be paired with various accent colors to create different looks, such as silver or gold for a luxurious effect, or brighter colors like red or yellow for a bolder contrast. The subtle nature of Blue Charcoal allows it to be a great alternative to the usual black clothing that is worn by most people.
Interior Design
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be employed to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. It works well for painting walls in bedrooms or living rooms, creating a sense of depth and coziness. Paired with lighter colors and wooden accents, it can help create an inviting space. It can be used as an accent color for furniture or accessories such as pillows or curtains, and it complements modern and minimalist design schemes. The depth of Blue Charcoal creates an intimate ambiance, perfect for relaxation and contemplation, or adding a touch of elegance to a room.