Black Forest
General Information about #0A1902
The hex color #0A1902, also known as Black Forest, is a very dark shade of green, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It belongs to the broader family of green colors, but its extremely low luminance gives it a unique character. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.92% red, 9.8% green, and 0.78% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 60% cyan, 0% magenta, 92% yellow, and 90% black. This color is often associated with nature, forests, and the depths of the wilderness, lending it an aura of mystery and tranquility. Its darkness makes it suitable for creating a sense of depth, sophistication, or even a slightly somber mood. It's a color that can be used to ground designs and provide a stark contrast to brighter, more vibrant hues. Because it is so dark, care must be taken to ensure adequate contrast with other elements, particularly text, to maintain readability and accessibility.
The hex color #0A1902, also known as Black Forest, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value of approximately 0.009 makes it difficult to distinguish from true black, posing readability issues when used for text or essential UI elements. According to WCAG guidelines, this color fails all contrast ratio tests against white backgrounds, requiring careful consideration. To enhance accessibility, it is strongly advised to avoid using #0A1902 for text or interactive elements without a substantially lighter background color to ensure sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended to meet WCAG AA standards. For AAA compliance, these ratios should be 7:1 and 4.5:1 respectively. Using color contrast analysis tools is highly recommended to evaluate and validate the color combinations used in web design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1c300a
A slightly lighter shade of green that provides better contrast while maintaining a natural, earthy feel.
- #364e06
A dark olive green that offers improved visibility and is suitable for backgrounds or accents.
- #4f7926
A medium-dark green that is more easily readable and can be used for text with proper contrast.
Applications
Web Design and Branding
In web design, #0A1902 can be used sparingly as an accent color to evoke a sense of nature, mystery, or sophistication. It's particularly suitable for websites related to forestry, environmental conservation, or high-end products with an organic theme. Given its darkness, it should be paired with lighter colors to ensure readability and a balanced visual hierarchy. Using it for backgrounds requires careful consideration of contrast ratios for text and interactive elements. When used in logos, #0A1902 can convey a sense of stability, growth, and environmental consciousness, making it a fitting choice for companies focused on sustainability or natural products. In User Interface (UI) design, its application is limited due to accessibility concerns, but it can work well for non-essential graphic elements or brand-related accents.
Interior and Garden Design
In the realm of interior design, #0A1902 can be incorporated to create a cozy, natural, and grounded atmosphere. It works well as an accent wall color in spaces seeking a connection to nature, such as studies or living rooms. It can be combined with lighter, warmer tones like beige, cream, or light wood finishes to prevent the space from feeling too dark or oppressive. Furniture upholstery in #0A1902 can add a touch of elegance and sophistication, particularly when paired with metallic accents like gold or bronze. In garden design, this dark green shade can be used as a backdrop for brighter flowers and foliage, creating a visually appealing contrast that enhances the colors of the plants.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, #0A1902 can serve as a sophisticated and grounding color, often used for outerwear, accessories, or as a base for more vibrant accents. A dark green coat or jacket in this shade can convey a sense of understated elegance and connection to nature. It pairs well with neutral colors like beige, gray, and brown, as well as with bolder colors like burgundy, mustard, or teal. Accessories such as scarves, belts, and handbags in #0A1902 can add a touch of earthy sophistication to any outfit. When used in formal wear, it can provide a unique alternative to traditional black, especially when combined with metallic or jewel-toned accessories. In casual wear, it can create a rugged, outdoorsy look when paired with denim or earth-toned fabrics.