Blue Charcoal
About Blue Charcoal
The hex color #040B16, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue. It belongs to the family of blue colors, but its low luminance gives it a near-black appearance. This color is often associated with depth, sophistication, and tranquility. In terms of color composition, it consists of 1.57% red, 4.31% green, and 8.63% blue. Blue Charcoal can be used to evoke feelings of stability and calmness. Its darkness and cool undertones make it suitable for designs needing a somber or sophisticated look. Despite its low luminosity, it is a color with complex properties. In certain digital applications it can cause rendering difficulties due to the almost indistinguishable color in dark conditions.
The hex color #040B16, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially violating WCAG guidelines. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Given its darkness, #040B16 necessitates very light foreground colors to meet these standards. When using this color, careful consideration must be given to users with visual impairments, ensuring that text remains legible and interactive elements are easily distinguishable. Alternatives with slightly higher luminance values might improve accessibility while maintaining a similar aesthetic. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is crucial to validate compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #141e30
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved contrast while maintaining a similar dark, muted aesthetic.
- #2c3e50
A dark gray with a hint of blue, providing better readability when used as a background color.
- #102030
This color provides a bit more luminance and could serve as a substitute with slightly improved accessibility.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Blue Charcoal's deep, subdued tone makes it suitable for creating sophisticated and calming user interfaces. It can be used for website backgrounds, navigation menus, and other UI elements where a sense of elegance and professionalism is desired. The color pairs well with lighter accents and typography to ensure readability and visual appeal. It evokes a feeling of reliability and depth, ideal for corporate or financial websites aiming for a trustworthy image.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can be utilized for creating elegant evening wear, sophisticated business attire, or understated casual wear. It's a versatile color that complements both warm and cool skin tones, offering a timeless and refined look. This color works effectively as a base for building a wardrobe with an array of possible combinations, from soft pastels to brighter accents, creating a balanced, stylish palette.
Interior Design
For interior design, Blue Charcoal can serve as a primary wall color in bedrooms or living rooms to create a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. It is also a great choice for furniture upholstery or accent pieces, where it can add a touch of understated luxury. When paired with warmer tones like gold or wood, Blue Charcoal provides a comforting contrast that brings depth and character to a room, enhancing its overall ambiance.