Blue Charcoal
General Information about #040E18
The hex color code #040E18 represents a very dark shade of blue, often referred to as Blue Charcoal. It is composed of 1.57% red, 5.49% green, and 9.41% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 4 red, 14 green, and 24 blue. This color is more saturated in the blue spectrum, giving it its characteristic cool tone. Blue Charcoal is often associated with feelings of sophistication, depth, and tranquility. Due to its low lightness value, it appears almost black and is best used as an accent or background color with brighter, contrasting elements to ensure readability and visual appeal. This color family is found frequently in modern design palettes.
The color #040E18, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. Its contrast ratio against a standard white background is critically low, making text and user interface elements rendered in this color difficult to perceive for users with visual impairments. This includes individuals with low vision, color blindness, or those simply viewing the content under brightly lit conditions. To ensure accessibility, it's imperative to pair this color with a significantly lighter color to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast requirements. Using tools to check color contrast ratios is highly recommended before deploying #040E18 in a user interface. Consideration should also be given to providing alternative color schemes for users with specific accessibility needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #121e29
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark, cool tone.
- #000000
A deeper, almost black color that can be used for backgrounds to make lighter elements stand out more effectively.
- #222222
A desaturated dark grey with less blue that can be used for text to improve legibility.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #040E18 can be used sparingly as a background for hero sections or footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, it's crucial to use a contrasting text color, such as white or a light grey, to ensure readability. This color can also be incorporated into graphical elements, such as icons or illustrations, to add a subtle, dark accent to the overall design. Overuse can lead to an inaccessible design, so it's best employed judiciously to highlight specific areas or elements.
Interior Design
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used as an accent color in modern or minimalist spaces. It works well on walls in rooms with plenty of natural light, or as a color for furniture upholstery. This dark blue can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, especially when paired with lighter neutrals like creams, grays, and whites. Metallic accents, such as gold or silver, can also complement this color and add a touch of luxury. Consider using it in bedrooms or studies for a relaxing and focused environment.
Fashion
In fashion, #040E18 can be used in sophisticated and elegant clothing designs, especially for evening wear or formal attire. This color exudes a sense of understated luxury and can be used for dresses, suits, or accessories such as handbags or shoes. It pairs well with both cool and warm metallics, such as silver and gold, and can be used as a versatile base color for building a complete outfit. The darkness of the color allows for bold accessory choices without clashing, opening doors to interesting fashion choices.