Cod Gray
General Information about #040A0B
The hexadecimal color code #040A0B represents a very dark shade of gray, often referred to as Cod Gray. It is composed of 1.57% red, 3.92% green, and 4.31% blue. In the RGB color space, it is defined as RGB(4, 10, 11). In the CMYK color space, it consists of 63.64% cyan, 9.09% magenta, 0% yellow, and 95.69% black. This nearly black hue possesses minimal luminance, making it appear almost indistinguishable from pure black in certain lighting conditions. Colors like #040A0B are commonly used to establish a sense of depth, sophistication, or mystery in various design contexts, although care must be taken to ensure proper contrast when used with other design elements.
The color #040A0B, a very dark shade of gray also known as Cod Gray, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast with lighter text or interface elements. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using #040A0B for text or backgrounds can easily fall short of these recommendations, potentially excluding users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to pair this color with much lighter shades, or to use it sparingly for purely decorative elements where contrast is not essential for understanding the content. Careful consideration and testing with accessibility evaluation tools are necessary to ensure usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a1a1a
A slightly lighter gray that provides better contrast while maintaining a dark aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark charcoal color that offers improved readability compared to Cod Gray.
- #000033
A deep midnight blue, providing a subtle shift in hue while retaining a similar level of darkness and providing slightly better readability.
Applications
UI Design
In user interface design, #040A0B can be used sparingly for decorative elements or as a subtle background for code editors or terminal applications where a dark theme is desired. Its use should be carefully balanced with brighter foreground elements to ensure readability and prevent eye strain. Avoid using it for essential text or interactive components without sufficient contrast.
Fashion
In fashion, #040A0B represents a sophisticated and understated aesthetic. It can be used as a base color for garments, providing a backdrop for brighter accessories or patterns. Its deep hue makes it suitable for formal wear, creating a sleek and elegant silhouette. Consider using it in combination with lighter grays or whites to add depth and visual interest.
Interior Design
In interior design, #040A0B can be utilized to create a moody and dramatic atmosphere. It works well in accent walls or as a grounding color for furniture. When incorporating such a dark shade, ensure ample lighting to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed. Pairing it with metallic accents or natural textures can add warmth and visual interest to the room.