Black Russian
General Information about #05051A
#05051A, also known as Black Russian, is a very dark, almost black, shade of blue-purple. In the RGB color model, it consists of 2% red, 2% green, and 10% blue. Its hexadecimal representation, #05051A, is commonly used in web design and digital graphics. The color is perceived as sophisticated, mysterious, and elegant. Due to its low luminance, it is often used as a background color or for text when paired with very light colors to ensure readability. The color falls within the cool spectrum, which can evoke feelings of calmness or seriousness. In subtractive color models like CMYK, it requires very high percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to achieve its depth.
The color #05051A, being a very dark shade, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance creates a very low contrast ratio against standard white text, failing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. This can make content difficult or impossible to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair #05051A with very light colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays to ensure sufficient contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility standards, aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Consideration should also be given to users who rely on screen readers; providing alternative text descriptions for images and ensuring proper semantic HTML structure is essential.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #101020
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast against white text while maintaining a dark, sophisticated feel.
- #202030
A dark gray that offers a more neutral alternative, suitable for backgrounds and text where a softer look is desired.
- #000033
A deep navy blue which can be used as a sophisticated alternative.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #05051A can be used sparingly for headers or accents when paired with very light text. It's also suitable for creating a dark mode theme, providing a visually appealing and comfortable experience for users in low-light environments. Ensure sufficient contrast with interactive elements to maintain usability. The color evokes a sense of mystery and sophistication, making it suitable for websites targeting a mature audience.
Fashion
In fashion, #05051A can be used as a core color for elegant and minimalist designs. It works well for evening wear and accessories, conveying a sense of luxury and exclusivity. The color pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver, creating a sophisticated and timeless look. This dark color is suitable for creating a slimming effect, making it a popular choice for dresses and tailored suits.
Interiour Design
In interior design, this color is useful to create a sense of depth and to draw attention on well lit elements in the room. Can be used in small quantities to accent specific features in the room. Using brighter colours, such as yellow, orange or red, would allow to have a good contrast in the room and prevent a 'depressing' feeling.