Woodsmoke
General Information about Woodsmoke (#0A0C14)
The color #0A0C14, often referred to as Woodsmoke, is a very dark shade of gray. Its hexadecimal representation indicates a low presence of red, green, and blue, resulting in a near-black appearance. In the RGB color model, it consists of 10 red, 12 green, and 20 blue components. Its darkness gives it a sense of depth and formality, making it suitable for applications where subtlety and sophistication are desired. In the CMYK color model, it requires high percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to reproduce accurately. The color's low lightness value means it absorbs a significant amount of light, making it appear muted in bright conditions. Woodsmoke falls within the cool spectrum of colors, lending it a calming effect and contributing to its appeal for use in minimalist or modern designs.
The hex color #0A0C14, also known as Woodsmoke, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Due to its very low luminance, it provides insufficient contrast against typical light backgrounds, potentially violating WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Woodsmoke falls far short of these recommendations when paired with white or light gray. To improve accessibility, consider using lighter shades of gray or colors from a different palette that offer better contrast. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can help evaluate the contrast ratio between text and background colors. For users with low vision or color blindness, poor contrast can make content illegible, causing a frustrating experience. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize sufficient contrast to ensure an inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a dark aesthetic but improves visibility.
A dark grey that offers better contrast against white backgrounds.
A very dark blue alternative that is similar to Woodsmoke and can still serve as a neutral base, while potentially providing more contrast.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Woodsmoke (#0A0C14) can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or footers, providing a sense of depth and luxury. It pairs well with gold or cream accents for a high-end feel. It can also be used for interactive elements such as hover states or button backgrounds to create subtle visual cues. However, it should be used sparingly for text because of accessibility concerns. The color evokes feelings of stability and elegance, making it suitable for brands that want to project an image of trust and sophistication. For example, a financial institution or a luxury brand may use Woodsmoke to communicate reliability and exclusivity.
Interior Design
In interior design, Woodsmoke serves as an anchor in modern spaces, grounding airy color palettes with its depth and neutrality. Think accent walls in living rooms or studies that exude a sense of calm and focus. The color harmonizes beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the organic textures with its muted tone. It's also a choice for furniture upholstery, such as sofas or armchairs, allowing vibrant cushions and throws to pop with personality. Furthermore, in minimalist bedrooms, it's a gentle choice for bed linen, creating a cocooning environment that promotes restful sleep. The dark hue is a sophisticated alternative to stark white, bringing a touch of warmth without sacrificing the clean lines of modern design.
Fashion
In fashion, Woodsmoke offers a versatile base for creating refined and understated looks, lending itself well to both formal and casual wear. Think tailored trousers paired with a crisp white shirt for a sophisticated office ensemble, or a cozy oversized sweater matched with denim for a relaxed weekend outfit. The hue also serves as a chic alternative to black, softening severe silhouettes while maintaining a sense of elegance. Accessorize with metallic accents, like gold or silver jewelry, to elevate the understated palette. Moreover, in footwear, Woodsmoke leather boots or heels add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, seamlessly transitioning from day to night. The color's muted depth allows textures to shine, making it a perfect canvas for showcasing luxurious fabrics like velvet or cashmere.