Midnight
General Information about #081A34
The hexadecimal color code #081A34 represents a very dark shade of blue, often described as 'Midnight'. It is composed of 3.14% red, 10.2% green, and 20.39% blue. In the RGB color space, it is defined by the values R:8, G:26, and B:52. In the CMYK color space, its composition is 84.62% cyan, 50% magenta, 0% yellow, and 79.61% black. This implies that the color is primarily formed by cyan and magenta inks with a substantial amount of black to achieve its darkness. The color is considered a dark shade, and its inherent darkness has implications for its use in design, particularly with respect to accessibility and contrast ratios. Understanding its composition helps designers leverage its properties effectively in various applications.
The color #081A34, a very dark midnight blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its extremely low luminance necessitates very light text colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text, as per WCAG guidelines. Using this color as a background mandates careful selection of foreground colors. White and very light shades of yellow or green are potential options, but thorough testing with various vision levels is crucial. Furthermore, avoid using this color for interactive elements without clear visual cues, as users with visual impairments might struggle to identify them. Consider providing alternative themes or color palettes to accommodate diverse user needs and preferences, ensuring inclusive access to your content.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast ratios while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A dark gray that provides a neutral background option with improved readability compared to very dark blues.
A dark teal, offering a hint of green, can be paired with lighter accent colors for better visual separation.
Applications
Website Background
In web design, #081A34 can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or sidebars, especially when aiming for a dark mode aesthetic. When paired with lighter typography and contrasting design elements, it brings a sense of depth and elegance. Careful consideration is needed to ensure sufficient color contrast ratios are met for readability and accessibility, making it suitable for design elements requiring user interaction.
Luxury Branding
In the realm of fashion and product design, Midnight, or #081A34, is used to convey a sense of luxury and exclusivity. It's often employed for packaging high-end products or creating apparel that exudes sophistication. The color's depth lends itself well to minimalist designs, where its richness can truly stand out and create a lasting impression. It also works great in marketing materials.
Interior Design Accent
Midnight (#081A34) can be utilized in interior design to create a calming and enveloping atmosphere in bedrooms or home theaters. When balanced with warm lighting and lighter accents, it enhances the room's cozy feel without making it feel overly dark or oppressive. Accents and light-colored decor are key to maximizing the effect.