Cod Gray
General Information about #0A0508 (Cod Gray)
#0A0508, also known as Cod Gray, is a very dark, almost black, shade of gray. It's composed of 3.92% red, 1.96% green, and 3.14% blue. In the RGB color space, it has values of R:10, G:5, B:8. Its hexadecimal representation is #0A0508. This color has a very low luminance, making it appear nearly black to the human eye. Colors like this are often used to create a sense of depth, mystery, or sophistication in design. Due to its darkness, it is crucial to consider contrast ratios when using this color in web design or other applications where readability is important. It is often used as a background color or as a subtle accent, and is usually paired with very light or bright colors to create a visually appealing and accessible design.
The hex color #0A0508, also known as Cod Gray, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.006 makes it difficult to distinguish from black or near-black backgrounds. This results in poor contrast, which is a critical factor for readability and usability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast ratios are essential for ensuring that text and interactive elements are perceivable. For standard text (smaller than 18pt bold or 24pt regular), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text, a ratio of 3:1 is acceptable. #0A0508 falls far short of these recommendations. To improve accessibility, it is necessary to pair #0A0508 with much lighter colors to achieve an adequate contrast ratio. Alternatively, consider using a different color palette altogether that offers better contrast by default. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate and adjust color combinations to meet accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #222222
A slightly lighter gray that provides better contrast against dark backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark charcoal color with a bit more luminance, improving readability and accessibility on various screens.
- #0a0809
A very dark desaturated blue hue that offers some tonal variation while still being very dark.
Applications
Subtle Background Accents
In web design, #0A0508 is suitable for creating a very dark or almost black background for specific design elements where the intent is to have a subtle, near-invisible demarcation. It can be used for dividers, borders, or in minimalist designs where the focus is on other brighter elements. However, caution must be exercised to ensure sufficient contrast for any text or interactive elements placed on this background. Consider using it sparingly and only when paired with very light text or accents to maintain accessibility.
Understated Evening Wear
In fashion, #0A0508 represents a deep, mysterious tone that can be used in garments to evoke a sense of understated elegance or sophistication. It works well in creating silhouettes and can be combined with lighter shades to add depth and contrast. This color can be used in evening wear, where the focus is on texture and form rather than bright color. Its almost black appearance offers a versatile alternative to traditional black, allowing for a softer, nuanced look.
Dramatic Interior Accents
In interior design, #0A0508 may be employed to create accent walls or as a base color for furniture in spaces where a dramatic, dark, and intimate atmosphere is desired, such as home theaters or studies. When used in larger quantities, it's important to balance it with lighter colors and textures to prevent the space from feeling too heavy or oppressive. Metallic accents or light wood tones can provide a pleasing contrast, creating a sense of depth and visual interest.