Black Russian
General Information
The hex color #05041A, also known as Black Russian, is a very dark shade of black with subtle undertones of violet and blue. This color resides in the black color family, characterized by its extremely low lightness value. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2% red, 2% green, and 10% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 79% cyan, 81% magenta, 0% yellow, and 90% black. Its primary attribute is its darkness, making it nearly indistinguishable from pure black in many contexts. The hexadecimal system represents colors by combining three two-digit codes, each representing the intensity of red, green, and blue. The combination of very low values for red and green, with a slightly higher value for blue, results in the unique dark hue of #05041A.
The color #05041A, being a very dark shade, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely low luminance results in poor contrast against most standard background colors, including white. Text or interactive elements using this color on a light background would be difficult for users with visual impairments to perceive. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to use high contrast ratios, ideally exceeding the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommended ratios of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Pairing #05041A with very light colors, such as #FFFFFF or near-white shades, can mitigate these issues. Moreover, providing alternative visual cues, like underlines for links or distinct shapes for interactive elements, can further enhance usability for all users, including those with color vision deficiencies. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools is essential to validate the contrast and overall accessibility of designs incorporating this dark hue.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #12112b
A slightly lighter shade of black that provides better contrast while maintaining a dark aesthetic.
- #211f36
A deep grey that offers a more subtle and accessible alternative to pure black, improving readability.
- #1a1933
A muted purple that offers a subtle hint of color without sacrificing darkness. It's good as background
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, #05041A can be used sparingly for elements where a strong, grounding color is needed, such as website footers or as an accent color in a dark-themed interface. Given its darkness, it should be paired with lighter, contrasting colors for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and accessibility. Furthermore, it could serve as a background for highlighted code snippets or other visual elements that require strong differentiation from the primary content area. Due to the poor accessibility, it is best to avoid using it for texts.
High Fashion Base
In fashion, #05041A can be used for creating sophisticated and edgy looks. It can serve as a base color for outfits, particularly in evening wear or gothic-inspired designs. Accessorizing with brighter or metallic colors can create striking contrasts and visual interest. The color's depth makes it suitable for high-end fashion where subtlety and understated elegance are valued.
Interior Design Accent
For interior design, #05041A can be applied to create intimate and luxurious spaces. It's well-suited for accent walls in home theaters or studies, where a dark environment enhances the viewing or working experience. When used in larger quantities, it should be balanced with lighter elements to prevent the space from feeling oppressive. The color pairs well with metallic accents and rich textures.