Black Forest
General Information
The hex color #071A06, often referred to as Black Forest, is a very dark shade of green, almost black. It evokes feelings of deep woods, shadows, and natural mystery. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.75% red, 10.2% green, and 2.35% blue. The corresponding CMYK values are 0.73, 0.00, 0.77, and 0.90. This color is best suited for applications where a subtle, understated, and almost hidden color is desired. In terms of color theory, due to its extreme darkness, it's important to consider contrast and readability when using this color in design. Its dark nature can be a striking choice if paired with light and vibrant complementary colors. The sRGB value is 7, 26, 6 and the CIE-L*ab value is L*3.2426, a* -4.7829, b*1.2014.
The color #071A06, also known as Black Forest, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low lightness value makes it difficult to perceive, especially for users with visual impairments. When used as a background, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text, as specified by WCAG guidelines. It's crucial to avoid using this color for essential UI elements or text without careful consideration of contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate the color's suitability for accessibility. Moreover, consider providing alternative color schemes to accommodate users with different visual preferences and needs. Proper implementation of ARIA attributes can further enhance accessibility by providing semantic information to assistive technologies, mitigating some of the perceptual issues associated with this dark shade.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of green provides better contrast and readability while maintaining a natural, earthy tone.
A dark gray can offer a more neutral and accessible background option, especially when paired with lighter text or elements.
A muted olive green that provides greater visual contrast and is easily perceived.
Applications
Website Design
In web design, Black Forest (#071A06) can be employed sparingly as an accent color to evoke a sense of nature, mystery, or exclusivity. It's best suited for backgrounds in hero sections or call-to-action buttons when paired with high-contrast text. Due to its darkness, avoid using it for large blocks of text or critical interactive elements to maintain readability and accessibility. When using it as a background, ensure that sufficient spacing and padding are used to enhance the legibility of the text and other design elements. Use it in combination with lighter, complementary colors to create a visually appealing and balanced design.
Interior Design
In interior design, Black Forest can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere when used on walls or furniture. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone. This deep shade of green can be used to create a forest-like effect in a room when combined with other shades of green and brown. Consider using this color in rooms with ample natural light to avoid making the space feel too dark. Use lighter colors for trim and accents to create a visually balanced and inviting space.
Beauty and Fashion
This dark green could be used as a dramatic eyeshadow to create a smoky eye effect, paired with neutral lip colors. Alternatively, it could be incorporated into nail art designs, perhaps as a base color for a nature-themed design or to add depth to a geometric pattern. In fashion, this color would be beautiful as a velvet evening dress and paired with gold jewelry.