Black Russian
General Information about Black Russian (#08031A)
The hex color #08031A, also known as Black Russian, is a very dark, slightly muted shade of purple-black. It belongs to the black color family. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 1.18% green, and 10.2% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 69.13% cyan, 88.43% magenta, 0% yellow, and 89.8% black. This hex color is often associated with elegance, mystery, and sophistication. Colors like this are best used as background or accent elements. The name 'Black Russian' may be inspired by the cocktail of the same name, implying richness and depth.
The hex color #08031A, also known as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance results in very poor contrast against typical light-colored backgrounds, which is critical for readability and usability. Text displayed in this color on a white or light gray background would be difficult, if not impossible, for users with visual impairments to read. It fails WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements for both normal and large text sizes. Therefore, it's imperative to avoid using #08031A for text or essential user interface elements without providing a much lighter foreground color to ensure sufficient contrast. Using a tool to check color contrast ratios is highly recommended during design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #18132a
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved, though still limited, contrast.
- #100b1e
A darker shade of grey, which is a classic and versatile color. It provides a more neutral and subtle alternative.
- #000000
This hex color is a darker shade, making it more suitable for use as a background color, paired with a light foreground color.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #08031A can be used sparingly as a background accent in limited areas where contrast is not critical, such as decorative dividers or non-interactive graphical elements. Because of its darkness, avoid using it for text or interactive elements without ensuring very high contrast with the foreground color. Use it in combination with a very light or bright color to provide a modern and elegant contrast. Furthermore, you can combine it with grey nuances.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Black Russian can be incorporated as an element of sophistication and mystery. It's suitable for creating a dramatic accent wall in a home theater or study. It can also be used in smaller doses in decorative items or furniture to add depth to a room's color palette. Paired with metallic or lighter fabrics, the color provides contrast.
Fashion Color
In fashion, #08031A can serve as a sleek and stylish color choice for evening wear or accessories. It projects a sense of elegance and sophistication. Use it for garments such as dresses, blazers or trousers, or in accessories such as handbags or scarves. The color works well with both matte and shiny textures.