Blue Charcoal
General Information about Blue Charcoal
The color #051018, also known as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue with minimal saturation, making it appear almost black. It belongs to the family of cool colors and evokes feelings of sophistication, depth, and tranquility. Due to its darkness, it is often used to create a sense of mystery or elegance. In color theory, this color is considered a neutral tone, which means it can be paired with a wide variety of other colors to create different effects. Because of its extremely dark value, it needs to be used carefully in design to ensure sufficient contrast with lighter elements. It also works really well in flat design.
The color #051018, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This dark shade will likely fail these contrast tests with most text colors other than the lightest ones. Therefore, designers must carefully consider the text color used in conjunction with this background to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Using a color contrast checker is highly recommended to verify adequate contrast. It's also advisable to provide alternative color schemes for users with visual impairments, allowing them to customize the display to their needs. For foreground elements, ensure they are significantly lighter and larger, or implement enhanced visual cues to aid visibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web design, Blue Charcoal can be used as a background color for website headers or footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It's particularly effective when paired with contrasting light-colored text and minimalistic design elements. Consider using it for sections where you want to draw the user's attention without being overly bright or distracting. It provides a subdued, professional look suitable for corporate websites or portfolios. Ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements for readability, especially for essential navigation or content.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can serve as an accent wall color to add a touch of elegance and drama to a room. It works well in bedrooms or living rooms where a calming and sophisticated atmosphere is desired. Combine it with lighter furniture and decor elements to balance the darkness and prevent the space from feeling too closed-in. Metallic accents like gold or silver can complement the color and add a luxurious feel. The color works particularly well for modern and minimalist aesthetics.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Blue Charcoal can be used in clothing design for creating sophisticated and understated looks. This color is suitable for outerwear, such as coats or jackets, or for formal wear like suits or dresses. When using this color in fashion, pair it with lighter colors such as white or cream to create a balanced and visually appealing outfit. Accessorize with metallic details such as silver or gunmetal to add a modern edge. The color provides a versatile base for creating a range of looks, from casual to formal.