Black Russian
General Information about #0A0119
The hexadecimal color code #0A0119, often referred to as 'Black Russian,' represents a very dark shade of purple, almost appearing black. In the RGB color model, it consists of 3.92% red, 0.39% green, and 9.8% blue. This color is characterized by its low saturation and lightness, making it a subtle yet impactful choice for designs aiming for sophistication and depth. The color belongs to the dark purple color palette. It's often used to evoke feelings of mystery, luxury, and elegance. Its primary application lies in creating a backdrop or accent color that allows other brighter elements to stand out. Its low brightness means it should be carefully considered in contexts where readability and contrast are important, especially in user interface design and web development.
The color #0A0119, also known as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its extremely low lightness value results in very poor contrast against standard light backgrounds, making it difficult for users, especially those with visual impairments, to read text rendered in this color. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are essential for readability. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with a very light foreground color, achieving a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, avoid using this color for crucial interactive elements, such as buttons or links, without providing clear visual cues and sufficient contrast. When using this color as a background, make sure all interactive elements conform to contrast standards. Proper testing with accessibility evaluation tools is highly recommended to validate compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a0230
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark and mysterious feel.
- #2e0854
A dark purple that offers a touch more visibility and complements various design styles.
- #36454f
A dark blue-gray that can be used as a neutral alternative while providing improved contrast.
Applications
Web Design - Night Theme
In web design, Black Russian (#0A0119) can be used sparingly to create a sophisticated and mysterious atmosphere. It's suitable for website headers, footers, or background accents to add depth and richness. When using this color, ensure that any text or interactive elements placed on it have sufficient contrast to meet accessibility standards. For example, pair it with a light, contrasting color for text and consider using hover effects to highlight interactive elements. It is a great color for creating a night theme on a website or application.
Interior Design - Accent Color
In interior design, Black Russian can be used to create a luxurious and intimate setting. It can be applied to accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories to add a touch of elegance and drama. When incorporating this color, balance it with lighter elements and textures to prevent the space from feeling too dark or enclosed. Consider using metallic accents such as gold or silver to enhance its richness and sophistication. Use lighter colors for the floor and ceiling to balance out the deep hue.
Fashion - Evening Wear
In fashion, #0A0119 can serve as an impactful base color for garments, especially for evening wear or statement pieces. Its richness adds depth to textiles and enhances the overall aesthetic. However, care must be taken in styling to prevent an overly somber appearance. Pairing this color with brighter or contrasting accessories, such as bold jewelry or vibrant scarves, is recommended to create a more balanced and dynamic look. The addition of lighter fabrics or textures can also soften the impact of the dark hue and make it more versatile for different occasions.