Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
The hexadecimal color code #040A17 represents a dark shade of blue, often referred to as Blue Charcoal. It is composed of 1.57% red, 3.92% green, and 9.02% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to R:4, G:10, B:23. The corresponding CMYK values are C:83, M:57, Y:0, K:91. This color is primarily used to evoke feelings of depth, mystery, and sophistication. Because of its darkness, it's important to use it carefully in designs, particularly when considering accessibility guidelines for readability. It is not a very common color but could be used in backgrounds and accents to other colors.
The color #040A17, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely low luminance. With such a dark shade, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when pairing it with text or other interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using white or very light colors for text on a #040A17 background is essential to meet these standards. However, relying solely on color is insufficient; consider providing alternative visual cues like underlines or icons to aid users with color vision deficiencies. Thoroughly test your designs with accessibility evaluation tools to verify compliance and ensure readability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Blue Charcoal can be used for website headers, footers, or sidebars to create a sophisticated and professional look. It's particularly effective when used as a background color for displaying light-colored text or graphics. To enhance usability, ensure that interactive elements such as buttons and links have sufficient contrast against the dark background. Complementary colors like light blues or grays can be used to add visual interest and balance to the overall design.
Interior Design
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used to create a dramatic and moody atmosphere in spaces such as bedrooms or home theaters. It can be used on walls, furniture, or accent pieces to add depth and sophistication to a room. When using Blue Charcoal in interior design, it's important to balance it with lighter colors and textures to prevent the space from feeling too dark or oppressive. Metallic accents and natural materials can also be used to add warmth and visual interest.
Fashion
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can be used for evening wear, outerwear, or accessories to create a sleek and understated look. It can be paired with other neutral colors such as black, gray, or white for a minimalist aesthetic, or with bolder colors such as red or gold for a more dramatic effect. Blue Charcoal is a versatile color that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.