Ebony
General Information about #0A0A1E
The hexadecimal color #0A0A1E, often referred to as Ebony, is a very dark, muted shade falling within the black color group. It's composed of 3.92% red, 3.92% green, and 11.76% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as RGB(10, 10, 30). In the world of color theory, #0A0A1E does not have a strong saturation or hue, leading to its neutrality and dark appearance. Colors like this are often used to create a sense of sophistication, mystery, or depth. Due to its extremely low lightness value, using this color effectively requires careful consideration of contrast and surrounding colors to ensure readability and visual appeal. It can be used as a background color, but only with light, saturated foreground colors.
The hex color #0A0A1E, also known as Ebony, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. Its dark nature results in a very low contrast ratio against standard white text, failing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use this color sparingly, primarily for decorative elements or backgrounds where text is not overlaid. When text is necessary, pairing it with very light colors such as #FFFFFF (white) or shades of yellow or orange becomes essential to meet minimum contrast requirements. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine compliant color combinations. Designers and developers should prioritize readability and inclusivity, considering users with visual impairments who might struggle to distinguish content against such a dark background. Therefore, thoroughly testing and carefully selecting accompanying colors is vital to provide an accessible experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of gray can offer better contrast and readability while still providing a dark and sophisticated look.
A dark blue can evoke a similar mood while offering slightly improved contrast ratios compared to pure black or very dark grays.
A charcoal gray offers a less intense dark shade that is still muted and sophisticated while providing more versatility for text and other design elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ebony (#0A0A1E) can serve as a sophisticated background color for sections needing a touch of elegance or mystery. It pairs well with gold or cream-colored text for headers and calls to action. Utilizing it in a dark mode design can reduce eye strain and offer a visually appealing alternative to traditional light themes. For interactive elements, consider the accessibility of text and provide sufficient contrast. Consider using it in landing pages that wants to convey luxury and exclusivity.
Interior Design
Within the realm of interior design, #0A0A1E can set a dramatic and moody tone in spaces such as home theaters, studies, or accent walls. It complements metallic textures like copper or bronze, and its depth provides a striking contrast to lighter furniture or artwork. The use of ambient lighting is crucial to prevent the space from feeling too closed in. Carefully selecting art and decorative elements can enhance the luxurious feel of a room using this color.
Fashion
In fashion, Ebony (#0A0A1E) exudes timelessness and sophistication. Use it in clothing for formal wear or as a grounding element in more casual outfits. It works well for accessories like handbags, belts, or shoes. Combine with other dark colors such as dark blue or dark red to achieve a goth look, or combine with light colors such as beige and light grey to achieve a luxurious, sophisticated look. It can also be used in sport clothing, where it can be combined with bright, neon-like colors.