Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
Blue Charcoal, represented by the hex code #040C14, is a very dark shade of blue with hints of gray. It belongs to the blue color family but is significantly muted, contributing to its charcoal-like appearance. This color is often associated with sophistication, depth, and a sense of quiet elegance. In the RGB color model, #040C14 is composed of 1.57% red, 4.71% green, and 7.84% blue. In the CMYK color model, used for printing, it consists of 80% cyan, 40% magenta, 0% yellow, and 92% black. Due to its dark nature, Blue Charcoal is often used to create a sense of contrast and depth in design, but requires careful consideration for accessibility due to its low lightness value. The color evokes a sense of calmness and stability.
The color #040C14, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. Its very dark nature means that text or other visual elements rendered in this color require extremely light foreground colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. For instance, using white text (#FFFFFF) on a background of #040C14 achieves a sufficient contrast ratio for large text but may fall short for smaller text sizes, failing WCAG AA or AAA compliance. Designers and developers must be cautious when using this color, ensuring that adequate contrast is maintained for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Tools like contrast checkers are essential in verifying compliance. Consideration should also be given to providing alternative color schemes or high-contrast modes to accommodate users' needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, Blue Charcoal can be used as a background color for website headers or footers to create a sophisticated and modern look. Its dark hue provides a solid foundation that allows brighter colors in the foreground (such as navigation links or call-to-action buttons) to stand out effectively. Additionally, this color can be applied to the website's sidebars or content blocks to add depth and visual interest. However, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors to meet accessibility standards and provide a pleasant user experience. Blue Charcoal can be particularly useful in creating a premium or professional aesthetic for websites in industries such as finance, technology, or luxury goods.
Interior Design Accent Walls
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can serve as a dramatic and grounding color for accent walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. Its deep and rich tone creates a sense of intimacy and sophistication, particularly when paired with lighter and warmer hues in furniture and accessories. For example, a Blue Charcoal accent wall can be complemented by furniture in shades of cream, beige, or gold to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. It also works well with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the space. When using Blue Charcoal in interior design, it's essential to consider the lighting conditions of the room, as darker colors can absorb light and make the space feel smaller if not properly illuminated.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can be incorporated into clothing designs to create elegant and versatile pieces suitable for both casual and formal occasions. A Blue Charcoal blazer or dress, for instance, can serve as a sophisticated alternative to black, offering a softer yet equally refined look. This color also pairs well with a variety of other colors and patterns, making it easy to style with different accessories and footwear. Furthermore, Blue Charcoal can be used in the design of accessories such as scarves, handbags, and hats to add a touch of understated luxury to an outfit. Its dark and neutral nature makes it a practical and stylish choice for creating timeless and wearable fashion pieces.