Black Bean
General Information
The hex color #051614, also known as Black Bean, is a very dark, muted shade of green. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2% red, 9% green, and 8% blue. This translates to a subtle, earthy tone that leans heavily towards black. Given its low saturation and value, #051614 is best suited for use as a background color or an accent color in designs that require a dark, understated aesthetic. The color has a quiet presence, making it a good choice for applications where the focus should remain on the content rather than the color itself. Its neutrality also makes it versatile, allowing it to pair well with a variety of other colors, depending on the desired effect.
The hex color #051614, also known as Black Bean, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, which is crucial for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using #051614 for text or interactive elements on a typical white or light-colored background will likely fail these contrast tests, making content inaccessible to users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider pairing #051614 with much lighter colors or using it sparingly for decorative elements rather than essential content. Providing alternative high-contrast themes for websites can also enhance the user experience for individuals with diverse visual needs. Careful consideration of color contrast is essential for creating inclusive and user-friendly designs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #152624
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a dark aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark gray that offers improved readability against light backgrounds.
- #0a201e
A dark greenish tone that can serve as an alternative to pure black, offering a touch more visual interest while remaining relatively dark and subtle.
Applications
Dark Mode IDE Theme
As a background color for displaying code snippets in a dark mode environment, Black Bean offers a visually comfortable experience. Its muted tone reduces eye strain during long coding sessions. When used in conjunction with syntax highlighting featuring bright, contrasting colors, it creates a coding environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the dark background allows for better visibility of code elements, enhancing the overall coding efficiency and user satisfaction. It can also be used as a panel color to contain widgets or code.
Luxury Branding
Black Bean can be utilized in branding to convey a sense of sophistication and mystery, especially in sectors such as high-end technology, consulting, or exclusive product lines. Its subtle depth provides a distinctive visual identity, setting it apart from the ordinary. This color works well in logos, packaging, and marketing materials, creating an aura of exclusivity and allure. By combining it with metallic accents like gold or silver, the brand can amplify its luxury appeal and communicate a premium message to its target audience, making it an effective tool for visual communication.
Minimalist Website Design
In website design, Black Bean can be employed to create a sleek and modern appearance, particularly for portfolios, personal blogs, or business websites seeking a minimalist aesthetic. Its understated elegance provides a professional backdrop that emphasizes the content rather than distracting from it. Using it for headers, footers, or sidebars can effectively frame the central content, guiding the user's focus and enhancing the overall user experience. Its low-key nature helps make the information stand out, ensuring that key details are promptly noticed by the audience.