Black Forest

General Information

The hex color #0C1700, often referred to as Black Forest, is a very dark shade of green, almost indistinguishable from pure black to the untrained eye. It belongs to the green color family, but its low luminance and saturation result in a muted and somber tone. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.71% red, 8.63% green, and 0% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 45.37% cyan, 0% magenta, 100% yellow, and 91.37% black. This color is often associated with nature, specifically dense forests and shadowy landscapes, evoking feelings of mystery, depth, and tranquility. Due to its darkness, it's crucial to use it thoughtfully in design, pairing it with lighter colors to ensure readability and contrast.

The color #0C1700, also known as Black Forest, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its extremely low luminance. With such a dark hue, it is imperative to use light-colored text on a #0C1700 background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text, and 3:1 for larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). When using this color, avoid pairing it with other dark colors. Ensure interactive elements have clear visual cues beyond just color, such as underlines for links or distinct borders for buttons. Providing alternative high-contrast themes or allowing users to customize colors can greatly improve accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. Careful consideration and testing with accessibility evaluation tools are essential to ensure usability for all users.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Backgrounds

  In web design, Black Forest (#0C1700) can serve as a sophisticated background color for websites aiming for a natural or mysterious aesthetic. It is especially effective for themes related to forestry, nature reserves, or luxury brands. However, due to its dark nature, it's crucial to pair it with light-colored text and elements to ensure readability and accessibility. Consider using it sparingly, perhaps for headers or footers, to avoid overwhelming the user. Employing it as a subtle accent color can add depth and elegance to the overall design, creating a visually appealing and user-friendly experience.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, #0C1700 can be used to create a sense of depth and intimacy in a room. As a deep, forest-like color, it works well in spaces designed for relaxation, such as libraries or studies. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or accent pieces to evoke a sense of nature and tranquility. When using this color in interior spaces, it is important to balance it with lighter colors and textures to prevent the room from feeling too dark or oppressive. Natural materials like wood and stone can complement this color beautifully, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

• Fashion Design

  In fashion, Black Forest can be utilized as a grounding color in outfits, particularly for evening wear or sophisticated casual ensembles. It serves as an excellent alternative to black, providing a slightly softer and more natural feel. It works well with earthy tones and metallic accents, creating a luxurious and refined look. Consider using it for dresses, skirts, or outerwear, and pair it with lighter-colored tops or accessories to create a balanced and visually appealing outfit. Its versatility makes it a suitable choice for various occasions, from formal events to everyday wear.

Complementary color

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