Blue Charcoal
General Information about #051116
The hex color #051116, often referred to as Blue Charcoal, is a very dark shade of blue with subtle undertones of black and gray. It belongs to the family of cool colors and evokes feelings of calmness, sophistication, and depth. In the RGB color model, #051116 is composed of 2% red, 7% green, and 9% blue. The color is more inclined to the blue than the red, hence the name, and it creates a feeling of freshness when used for designs. This color is rarely used in graphic design, and is more often used in web design, especially as the background of a dark-themed website, or for websites that want to appear modern and elegant. It is quite similar to black, but the blue undertones are more obvious in the daylight. Overall, the color creates a neutral and sophisticated feeling that can be used for many types of designs, but it must be combined with a proper contrast, or the design will be difficult to use and read.
The hex color #051116, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely low luminance. With such a dark shade, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when used with text or interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text against its background to meet Level AA compliance. Given the darkness of #051116, a very light color, ideally white or a pale yellow, should be chosen for text to ensure readability. Failure to provide adequate contrast can result in a poor user experience, particularly for individuals with visual impairments. Furthermore, consider providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or borders, to enhance usability. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is recommended to validate the color contrast and overall accessibility of designs incorporating #051116.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Dark Website Theme
In web development, #051116 can serve as a sophisticated background for a dark-themed website, especially for portfolios or tech-focused sites. Its deep, muted tone provides a sleek, modern feel. To ensure usability, pair it with bright, contrasting text elements like white or light cyan for headings and body copy. Incorporate subtle animations or parallax scrolling to add depth and visual interest. Use this color sparingly for larger text elements that require a lot of attention from the user, and never use it for body text, unless paired with a very light color.
Accent Wall Color
In interior design, Blue Charcoal can be utilized to create a calming and elegant atmosphere. Consider using it as an accent wall color in a bedroom or study, paired with lighter, neutral tones like beige or cream for the remaining walls and furnishings. The deep blue undertones evoke a sense of tranquility, making it ideal for creating a relaxing environment. Add metallic accents, such as copper or gold, to introduce a touch of luxury and warmth, but be careful not to overdo it, as the color itself can be overwhelming.
Clothing design
In the fashion industry, this color can be used to design elegant and timeless clothing pieces. The deep, muted tone is ideal for creating sophisticated looks, and because it is quite close to black, it can be easily combined with other colors. It can be used for dresses, suits, or coats, and is suitable for both men and women. It is best combined with lighter colors or with neutral ones, but never with similar dark colors.