Black Russian
General Information about #080424
#080424, also known as Black Russian, is a deep, dark shade of purple, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It belongs to the family of very dark colors and is characterized by its low luminance and saturation. The color is composed of 3.14% red, 1.57% green, and 14.12% blue. In the RGB color model, its values are R:8, G:4, B:24. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 66.67% cyan, 83.33% magenta, 0% yellow, and 90.59% black. This color is often associated with sophistication, mystery, and elegance due to its depth and richness. In hex triplet notation, it is represented as #080424. Due to its dark nature, it can be challenging to use effectively in design without careful consideration of contrast and complementary colors.
The hex color #080424, often referred to as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its very dark hue results in extremely low contrast against virtually any text color, including white. This severely impacts readability for all users, but particularly those with visual impairments or color blindness. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast is crucial for ensuring content is perceivable. Using #080424 as a background or text color without careful consideration of contrast ratios will likely fail accessibility standards. To mitigate these issues, it's essential to pair #080424 with a very light text color and to ensure the contrast ratio meets the minimum requirement of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios and identify accessible color pairings. Avoid using this color for important textual information or interactive elements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #180a35
A slightly lighter shade of dark purple, offering a touch more visibility while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #28282b
A dark gray that provides better contrast for text while still conveying a sense of sophistication.
- #201e30
A desaturated dark blue that can be used as a gentler and more accessible choice for backgrounds.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #080424 can be used sparingly as an accent color or for decorative elements where readability isn't critical. It might be suitable for borders, subtle shadows, or graphical flourishes. However, it should never be used for primary text or interactive components due to its poor contrast. Combining it with carefully chosen, highly contrasting elements can create a sophisticated, modern look. The color is most effective as an subtle background to images with lighter elements in the foreground.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #080424 can be incorporated into a sophisticated and moody color scheme. It might be used for feature walls, accent furniture, or decorative accessories to add depth and drama to a space. To balance the darkness, pair it with lighter colors like cream, white, or gold. Metallic accents and textured materials can also enhance its richness and create a luxurious feel. Careful consideration of lighting is important to avoid making the space feel too enclosed or somber. The integration of softer elements can lift the atmosphere and add layers.
Fashion Color
Within fashion, Black Russian (#080424) can be a very elegant color choice for evening wear or formal attire. The depth of the colour adds a sophisticated element. It can also be used for accessories such as handbags or shoes to create a subtle statement. Given its dark colour, it is advised to select fabrics such as silk or velvet to make the colour more flattering and interesting. This can be offset with lighter elements such as gold jewellery or lighter coloured accents.