Blue Charcoal
General Information
The hexadecimal color code #051115, commonly referred to as Blue Charcoal, is a dark, desaturated shade of blue. It's composed of 1.96% red, 6.67% green, and 8.24% blue. In the RGB color space, it has values of R:5, G:17, and B:21. The CMYK representation is C:76, M:19, Y:0, K:92, indicating a high concentration of cyan and black. This color leans heavily towards the black end of the spectrum, creating a deep, muted tone reminiscent of charcoal with a subtle blue undertone. Its dark nature makes it suitable for backgrounds or accents where a subdued and sophisticated feel is desired. Blue Charcoal evokes a sense of calmness and stability, often associated with professionalism and elegance.
The hex color #051115, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its very dark nature. Its extremely low luminance results in poor contrast against most background colors, especially white or light shades. This can cause readability issues for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for text and interactive elements to be easily perceivable. To ensure accessibility, this color should be paired with much lighter text or interface elements, and designers should use contrast checking tools to verify compliance with accessibility standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended to meet WCAG AA guidelines. Using this color sparingly and carefully considering its context can help mitigate potential accessibility issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a242f
A slightly lighter shade provides better contrast while retaining the dark, sophisticated feel.
- #263238
This color offers a touch more brightness, improving readability when used for text or interface elements.
- #0a192f
A softer color that adds warmth and depth, a good alternative for background usage.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Blue Charcoal (#051115) can be used in website backgrounds to create a sophisticated and modern aesthetic. Its dark tone provides a sense of depth and professionalism, making it suitable for corporate or portfolio websites. When used as a background, it's crucial to pair it with light-colored text and elements to ensure readability and accessibility. The color evokes a sense of calm and reliability, which can enhance the user experience and create a positive impression. It is also ideal for creating a night mode theme.
Interior Design
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be used to paint walls or select furniture pieces. It introduces a touch of elegance and sophistication to living spaces, particularly when combined with metallic accents and warm lighting. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, creating a harmonious and balanced environment. This color can transform a room into a cozy and inviting space, perfect for relaxation and contemplation. To avoid a somber atmosphere, it is important to balance it with lighter elements.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Blue Charcoal can be a base color for outfits, whether in clothing or accessories. It is seen as a versatile and classic color, especially for formal and professional settings. Because of its ability to make bright colors stand out, it is often used with bright patterns and contrasts. This helps create a striking and visually appealing image in the fashion world. It is often associated with professionalism and formality.