Blue Charcoal
General Information about #040E17
#040E17, commonly referred to as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue, almost bordering on black. It has a subtle blue undertone that distinguishes it from pure black. This color belongs to the family of dark, muted colors, providing a sense of depth and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 1.57% red, 5.49% green, and 9.02% blue. Its primary use cases lie in designs where a subtle, understated color is needed. Due to its dark nature, it's important to consider contrast ratios when using it for text or interface elements, ensuring accessibility and readability. It can evoke feelings of calmness, sophistication, and mystery, making it suitable for various design contexts where these emotions are desired.
The hex color #040E17, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.006 makes it difficult to read when used as text against a white or light-colored background. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. #040E17 fails to meet these requirements against most backgrounds. To improve accessibility, it's essential to use lighter text colors or to modify the color itself to increase its lightness. Careful consideration must be given to the color combinations to ensure readability and usability for all users, including those with visual impairments. Tools for contrast checking are readily available online and should be used to validate color choices.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #141e30
A slightly lighter shade of blue can improve readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #222222
A dark gray offers better contrast against light backgrounds compared to #040E17.
- #0a2028
A dark teal color provides a bit more visual interest and potentially better contrast depending on the specific background.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #040E17 can be used sparingly as a background color for specific sections to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, it should be paired with light-colored text to ensure readability. It can also be used for decorative elements such as borders or dividers, adding a subtle touch of elegance. Avoid using it for crucial interactive elements or large blocks of text due to its low contrast. Consider its use in combination with brighter accent colors to create a visually appealing and balanced user interface.
Interior Design
In interior design, #040E17 can serve as an accent color for walls in areas where a calming and sophisticated atmosphere is desired, such as a home library or a study. It pairs well with lighter shades of gray or beige to prevent the room from feeling too dark and enclosed. It can also be used in furniture upholstery or decorative accessories like cushions and throws. The dark blue shade creates a sense of depth and luxury when used in combination with metallic accents like gold or silver.
Fashion
In fashion, #040E17 can be utilized to create elegant and understated looks. It can be used as the base color for a sophisticated evening gown or as an accent color in accessories like scarves or handbags. The dark blue shade conveys a sense of refinement and professionalism, making it suitable for business attire. When paired with brighter colors, it can add a touch of drama and contrast, creating a visually striking ensemble.