Black Pearl
General Information about Black Pearl (#04182B)
The hex color #04182B, also known as Black Pearl, is a very dark shade of blue-black. It belongs to the blue color family but leans heavily towards black due to its low lightness value. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 1.57% red, 9.41% green, and 16.86% blue. Its CMYK representation is 0.91 cyan, 0.44 magenta, 0.00 yellow, and 0.83 black. This color is often associated with sophistication, elegance, and mystery. Its dark, subdued nature makes it suitable for applications where a sense of depth and seriousness is desired. Black Pearl evokes feelings of calmness and introspection and can be used effectively in designs that aim to convey stability and trustworthiness. While visually appealing, its darkness requires careful consideration of contrast with other colors for readability and accessibility.
The hex color #04182B, also known as Black Pearl, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Its extremely low luminance value of just 0.87 cd/m² results in very poor contrast against typical light-colored backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to perceive text or other fine details rendered in this color. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Black Pearl falls far short of these recommendations when paired with common background colors like white or light gray. To enhance accessibility, consider using lighter foreground colors (e.g., shades of white, yellow, or light green) when using #04182B as a background. Alternatively, you could use it as a background color for white text. However, this should be tested and carefully implemented. It is crucial to test the color combination with accessibility evaluation tools and, if possible, with real users to ensure readability and usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved contrast while maintaining a similar dark, sophisticated feel.
A desaturated gray that provides better readability against light backgrounds.
A dark blue-gray that offers improved contrast while maintaining a similar dark, sophisticated feel.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #04182B can be utilized to create a sleek and modern aesthetic, particularly for backgrounds or headers where a sense of depth and sophistication is desired. Its dark nature makes it well-suited for websites with a focus on technology, finance, or luxury goods. It can be combined with brighter accent colors to create visual interest and guide the user's eye. However, careful consideration must be given to contrast ratios to ensure readability of text and other elements. For example, pairing it with white or light yellow text can create a visually striking and accessible design. Use it for banners, footers or as a secondary color in buttons.
Interior Design
In interior design, Black Pearl can be used to create a moody and sophisticated atmosphere in living spaces or bedrooms. It can be applied to walls or furniture to add depth and visual interest. The color pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver, as well as natural materials like wood or stone. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, it is important to incorporate ample lighting and lighter-colored decor elements.
Fashion
In fashion, #04182B can be used to create elegant and understated looks, particularly for evening wear or formal attire. It can be incorporated into dresses, suits, or accessories to add a touch of sophistication and refinement. The color pairs well with other dark shades like black or navy, as well as brighter accent colors like red or gold.