Blue Charcoal
General Information
The hex color #040C16, commonly known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue with subtle gray undertones. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 1.57% red, 4.71% green, and 8.63% blue. This color is often associated with sophistication, depth, and a sense of calmness. Its hexadecimal representation makes it easy to use in digital design and web development. Blue Charcoal tends to evoke a feeling of serenity and is often used in designs aiming for a sleek and modern aesthetic. However, due to its dark nature, careful consideration must be given to its contrast against other colors to ensure readability and accessibility, especially in text and user interface elements. The low luminance value requires pairing with lighter colors to create visual balance and prevent eye strain.
The hex color #040C16, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. The extremely dark shade results in very low contrast against lighter backgrounds commonly used in web design and other applications. For users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, distinguishing text or elements rendered in this color from the background can be exceptionally difficult, leading to a poor user experience. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Blue Charcoal likely fails to meet these standards against typical light backgrounds. When using this color, designers should carefully consider its impact on accessibility and provide high-contrast alternatives or complementary colors to ensure readability and usability for all users. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools and feedback from users with disabilities are crucial to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Blue Charcoal's deep, muted tone makes it suitable for backgrounds in websites or applications aiming for a sophisticated and calming user interface. It can create a sense of depth and tranquility, particularly when paired with lighter accent colors to ensure readability and visual appeal. Using it in webdesign provides a premium look to a product. It is well suited for web designs about underwater products, submarines, night, sea and other dark themes.
Interior Design
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. It works well as a wall color when balanced with lighter furniture and decor. The dark blue tone adds a cool, calming effect to any room. Consider painting a wall with a painting or a photo with clear colors to bring some light into the room.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can serve as a versatile neutral, appearing in clothing items like jackets, trousers, or dresses. It can be paired with brighter colors for a bold look or with other muted tones for a more understated style. The color works especially well in winter clothing. It is also suited for creating dark themed clothing.