Black Russian
General Information about #080417
The hex color code #080417, often referred to as "Black Russian," is a very dark, desaturated shade of blue-purple. It resides in the range of near-black colors, possessing minimal luminance and a low saturation level. In the RGB color model, #080417 is composed of 3.14% red, 1.57% green, and 8.9% blue. This composition explains its subtle bluish-purple undertone, even though it appears almost entirely black to the naked eye. The color is frequently used in designs where a sense of depth, mystery, or understated elegance is desired. Due to its darkness, it is imperative to use it judiciously, especially in applications involving text or critical visual elements, to ensure accessibility and readability.
The color #080417, also known as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely low luminance. With such a dark hue, it offers minimal contrast against most background colors, especially white or lighter shades. This lack of contrast makes it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to discern text or graphical elements rendered in this color. To ensure inclusivity, it is crucial to pair #080417 with very light foreground colors, adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Moreover, avoid using #080417 for essential visual information or interactive elements without sufficient visual cues or alternatives, such as descriptive labels or ARIA attributes, to provide context for screen reader users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #181427
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved, though still limited, contrast while maintaining a similar dark aesthetic.
- #282437
A dark grayish-purple that provides a subtle shift in color while remaining relatively dark.
- #000000
This darker shade offers less luminance and contrast if that is desired.
Applications
Dark UI Theme Background
In user interface design, #080417 can be employed as a background color for dark-themed applications or websites. Its deep, near-black shade can create a sophisticated and modern aesthetic. However, careful consideration must be given to the foreground elements. Light-colored text, such as white or light gray, is essential to ensure readability and prevent eye strain. It is often used in combination with vibrant accent colors to draw attention to key interactive elements and create a visually appealing and accessible user experience, this works because the main color is muted and dark.
High Fashion Designs
In fashion, #080417 can be used as a base color for creating edgy and sophisticated designs. It pairs well with bold, contrasting colors such as metallic silvers or vibrant reds to create striking visual effects. Think about a dark dress with bright accents to have all eyes on you, or a black russian suit with bright details. It can be incorporated into garments such as dresses, jackets, or trousers, as well as accessories like bags and shoes, to convey a sense of understated luxury and timeless elegance.
Accent Wall Color
For interior design, #080417 serves well as an accent wall color in a modern living space. The darkness can provide a grounding element that helps other colors pop and allows for a more relaxed environment. Using lighter colors in the furnishings or other decorations is ideal for this color.