Black Russian
General Information about #0C0420
#0C0420, also known as Black Russian, is a very dark, slightly desaturated shade of purple. It belongs to the black color family. In the RGB color model, it consists of 4.71% red, 1.57% green, and 12.55% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 62.52% cyan, 87.49% magenta, 0% yellow, and 87.45% black. This color is often associated with sophistication, mystery, and depth. The hexadecimal representation, #0C0420, provides a concise way to define this specific shade for digital use. It is important to note that due to its low lightness value, #0C0420 is not recommended for use as a foreground color on light backgrounds without careful consideration of contrast ratios, as it may pose accessibility issues for individuals with visual impairments.
The hex color #0C0420, also known as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance results in very poor contrast against virtually any background color. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. This dark shade will likely fail to meet these standards unless paired with a very light color. Therefore, when using #0C0420, careful consideration must be given to the foreground color and font size to maximize readability. Avoid using it for essential information or interactive elements without thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools and, if possible, user testing with individuals with low vision. Using a lighter tint or shade could mitigate these issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of black can provide better contrast while still maintaining a dark aesthetic.
A deep, dark grey provides better readability than pure black, especially on screens.
A dark purple can offer a similar aesthetic with potentially better contrast depending on the paired colors.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #0C0420 can be used sparingly for non-essential decorative elements or as a very dark background for artistic or stylistic purposes. When used as a background, ensure high contrast with foreground elements such as text and icons by using light colours like white, light grey or yellow. It can be suitable for creating a night-themed website or adding depth to a design. Due to its darkness, this color may work well with a theme for a gaming website or even a sleek modern design where there are no distractions and the focus remains on the content.
Interior Design
In interior design, #0C0420 can be applied as an accent color for walls or furniture in a dimly lit room to create a sense of drama and intimacy. This color works best in areas where the lighting is minimal, such as entertainment rooms. Combine it with reflective surfaces, such as metallics, to add depth. It is best to avoid this colour in an office setting.
Fashion
In fashion, #0C0420 can be used as a primary color for garments like evening dresses or formal wear where a dark, sophisticated look is desired. This color can be paired with metallic accessories or bright jewelry for contrast, bringing out the darkness of the attire. This color is typically used for formal clothing or when expressing a sense of power.