Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal (#050E15)
The hexadecimal color code #050E15, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue. It's composed of 2% red, 5.5% green, and 8.2% blue. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it is represented as rgb(5, 14, 21). In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color model, it is composed of 76% cyan, 33% magenta, 0% yellow, and 92% black. This indicates that it's primarily composed of cyan and black pigments. Blue Charcoal resides in the dark end of the color spectrum, providing a sense of depth, sophistication, and subtlety. Its low brightness makes it suitable for backgrounds or accents when paired with lighter, contrasting colors.
The color #050E15, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely low luminance. Its dark nature results in very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds, making text and other elements rendered in this color nearly illegible for users with normal vision. For individuals with low vision or color blindness, the challenges are further compounded. To ensure accessibility, it's imperative to use this color sparingly and always pair it with a very light foreground color to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, specifically a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Avoid using this color for critical information or interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast. Consider alternatives if contrast requirements cannot be met.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a232e
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic but offers improved contrast against light backgrounds.
- #333333
A dark gray that provides better readability while still conveying a sense of sophistication.
- #0a192f
A dark blue which is close to the original color but with some small improvements to the brightness for readability improvements.
Applications
Website Backgrounds and UI Elements
Blue Charcoal (#050E15) can be used for website headers or footers to create a sophisticated and modern feel. Its dark hue provides a solid base for contrasting text and graphics. In UI design, it's suitable for sidebars or navigation menus, offering a muted backdrop that doesn't distract from the main content. The color is also fitting for data visualization, especially for background elements or subtle gridlines, ensuring the data remains the focal point. However, avoid using it for primary text or crucial interactive elements due to accessibility concerns related to low contrast, especially on web sites.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can be a versatile color for evening wear or formal attire. Its understated elegance makes it a good alternative to black, offering depth and sophistication. It can also be incorporated into accessories such as scarves or handbags, adding a touch of refinement to any outfit. Because of its neutral base, it pairs well with bright, bold colors as well as more muted, earthy tones. It is a popular choice for garments which should convey trust, and seriousness.
Interior Design
This shade is fitting for accent walls or furniture in modern or minimalist spaces. It provides a calming and grounding presence, creating a sense of tranquility. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or copper for a luxurious touch. Blue Charcoal also works well in home offices or study areas, creating a focused and professional environment. To avoid a gloomy atmosphere, be sure to balance it with ample natural light and lighter-colored accessories. Combining it with wood elements can also greatly improve the overall feel.