Blue Charcoal
General Information
The hex color #050c15, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It resides in the dark end of the color spectrum and exhibits minimal saturation. The RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values are R:5, G:12, B:21, indicating that it contains very little red, a bit more green, and a moderate amount of blue. Its primary characteristic is its low luminance, making it suitable for applications where a subtle and understated color is desired. In terms of color theory, it conveys a sense of sophistication, calm, and stability. It is often used as a background color to provide contrast and highlight other elements, particularly when paired with lighter colors. Its use is prevalent in designs aiming for a sleek, modern, or professional aesthetic.
The hex color #050c15, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its very low luminance of approximately 0.007 means that text or interactive elements using this color as a background are likely to fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. Specifically, it is crucial to use foreground text or elements with a significantly lighter color to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, careful consideration and testing are essential when implementing this color to maintain an inclusive user experience. For improved accessibility, pairing #050c15 with lighter shades of gray or colors from the yellow spectrum can enhance visibility and reduce eye strain.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a232e
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the dark, cool tone but provides a bit more visibility.
- #a7b0b7
A muted gray that works well in combination with #050c15 as a neutral background or text color.
- #0a1a2a
This color provides a higher contrast against light text, making it more accessible for users with visual impairments.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Blue Charcoal (#050c15) can be used sparingly to create a sophisticated and calming aesthetic. It's suitable for website headers, navigation bars, or footers to establish a professional feel. However, due to its darkness, it should be paired with light-colored text and elements to ensure readability and accessibility. Consider using it in combination with a brighter accent color to draw attention to key elements and create visual interest. This color works well for websites targeting businesses seeking a serious, trustworthy image, such as financial institutions or consulting firms. It helps project stability and reliability when implemented carefully.
Interior Design
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be applied to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in bedrooms or home theaters. It works well as a wall color, especially when balanced with lighter furniture and accents. It can also be used for upholstery or carpets to add depth and sophistication to a room. To avoid making the space feel too dark, consider incorporating plenty of natural light and reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or metallic decor. It can also be used as an accent wall to highlight certain areas of a room, such as a fireplace or a gallery wall.
Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, this color offers a versatile base for creating elegant and modern outfits. It works well for creating minimalist designs, where it can be paired with either neutral or vibrant colors. It can be used in different materials, such as suits, dresses or accessories. Because of it's dark hue, it can be easily combined with silver or gold to create a luxurious and eye-catching design.