Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
The hexadecimal color code #05091A, often referred to as Blue Charcoal, is a deep, dark shade of blue with a subtle hint of gray. It belongs to the family of blue colors but possesses a significantly muted and desaturated quality, contributing to its charcoal-like appearance. The color is composed of 2% red, 4% green, and 10% blue in the RGB color model. In the CMYK color model, used in printing, it consists of 95% cyan, 91% magenta, 0% yellow, and 90% black. Blue Charcoal's low luminance value makes it appear very dark to the human eye, lending it a sophisticated and calming feel. This color is often associated with depth, mystery, and elegance and finds applications in various fields, from web design to fashion.
The hex color #05091A, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely low luminance. Its dark nature means it provides very little contrast against most background colors, particularly white (#FFFFFF) or other light shades. This lack of contrast makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness, to distinguish text or interactive elements rendered in this color. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability. Blue Charcoal falls far short of these recommendations, necessitating careful consideration and the use of high-contrast alternatives to maintain an inclusive and accessible user experience. When using this color, ensure that all text is accompanied by a very light background, and that non-text elements have sufficient contrast against adjacent colors to be easily discernible.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #101424
A slightly lighter shade of dark blue that offers improved, though still limited, contrast. It maintains a similar aesthetic while providing a small boost in visibility, especially against lighter backgrounds.
- #333333
A dark gray that provides a more neutral and universally accessible alternative. It offers better contrast than Blue Charcoal, making it suitable for body text and other important user interface elements.
- #003333
A dark teal that provides a similar depth of color but with a hint of green, offering slightly better visibility and a more interesting visual appeal while remaining relatively subdued.
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web development, Blue Charcoal (#05091A) can be effectively used as a background color for website headers or footers, creating a sense of depth and sophistication. It can also serve as a subtle accent color for interactive elements, such as buttons or links, when paired with contrasting text colors to ensure readability. However, it should be used sparingly and with careful consideration for accessibility. The dark hue of Blue Charcoal makes it unsuitable for body text or large blocks of content, as it can strain the eyes and reduce readability. When using this color, it is crucial to prioritize contrast by pairing it with light or vibrant colors for text and interactive elements, ensuring a positive user experience.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, Blue Charcoal (#05091A) is a versatile and elegant color choice for creating sophisticated and understated garments. It can be used as the primary color for formal wear, such as suits and dresses, providing a timeless and classic look. Blue Charcoal also works well as an accent color for accessories, such as handbags and scarves, adding a touch of depth and richness to an outfit. Its dark and muted tone makes it a versatile choice that can be easily paired with a variety of other colors and textures, allowing for endless creative possibilities. This color lends itself well to both woven and knitted garments, exuding quality and understated luxury.
Interior Design Accents
In interior design, Blue Charcoal (#05091A) can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in various spaces. It can be applied to walls to add depth and create a cozy ambiance, especially in bedrooms or living rooms. It also works well as an accent color for furniture, textiles, and decor items, providing a touch of elegance and refinement. Blue Charcoal pairs beautifully with natural materials, such as wood and stone, as well as metallic accents, such as gold or silver. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for creating both modern and traditional interior design schemes, adding a touch of understated luxury and depth.