Blue Charcoal
General Information about #050A16
The hex color code #050A16 represents a very dark shade of blue, often referred to as Blue Charcoal. It is composed of 2% red, 4% green, and 9% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to (5, 10, 22). This color is generally associated with feelings of sophistication, mystery, and depth. Due to its low luminance, it is often used as a background color or in situations where a subtle, understated presence is desired. When used in design, it is important to pair this color with lighter, contrasting elements to ensure readability and visual clarity, especially for text and interactive components.
The hex color #050A16, often referred to as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. With such a dark shade, it becomes crucial to use appropriately light text colors to ensure readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text, according to WCAG guidelines. This color might be suitable for backgrounds in specific design contexts, but only if paired with high-contrast elements. Careful consideration is needed to avoid causing visual strain for users, especially those with visual impairments. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is highly advised to validate color combinations and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Using lighter shades of gray, white, or even carefully chosen accent colors can improve readability and overall user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #121826
A slightly lighter variant that maintains the dark, cool tone but offers better contrast when used as a background.
- #000829
A deeper, richer blue that provides a similar aesthetic with potentially improved contrast depending on the application.
- #222222
A dark gray tone that serves as a neutral background without being too visually striking, good for readability.
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web design, Blue Charcoal can serve as a sophisticated background color for website headers or footers, creating a sense of depth and professionalism. It is particularly effective when paired with contrasting bright text or accent colors to ensure readability and visual appeal. This color can also be used for interactive elements like buttons, but requires careful consideration of hover states to maintain accessibility and prevent visual fatigue. Consider using it for UI elements where a subtle, dark background is desired to highlight content.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. It works well as a wall color, especially when complemented by lighter furniture and accent pieces to brighten the space. The color provides a neutral backdrop that allows other design elements to stand out. It also works well for creating accent walls, paired with brighter colors for contrast.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, Blue Charcoal is often used as a versatile and elegant color for creating structured garments such as suits, dresses, or outerwear. Its subdued tone makes it ideal for pieces that are intended to be timeless and easily coordinated with other colors and accessories. It is often chosen because it serves as a stylish and subtle alternative to basic black. Furthermore, designers may also incorporate it into active wear.