Black Forest
General Information About #0C1703
The hex color #0C1703, often referred to as Black Forest, is a very dark shade of green with negligible saturation and a very low luminance. It resides near the black end of the color spectrum, making it a challenging color to work with due to its limited visibility. In the RGB color model, it consists of 4.71% red, 8.24% green, and 1.18% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 43% cyan, 0% magenta, 86% yellow, and 92% black. This color evokes feelings of mystery, darkness, and nature, reminiscent of dense forests or hidden valleys. Because the green component is higher than the red and blue, the human eye still perceives it as a very dark green.
The hex color #0C1703, also known as Black Forest, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.009 makes it difficult to read text or distinguish elements against even moderately dark backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, this color fails all contrast ratio tests for normal text, large text, and graphical elements when paired with black. When pairing it with white the contrast ratio is 23.14:1 and passes all contrast ratio tests. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to avoid using #0C1703 as a primary text or interactive element color. If it must be used, implement high contrast ratios exceeding 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for larger text by pairing it with very light colors. Provide alternative visual cues, such as borders or icons, to enhance distinguishability for users with low vision or color blindness. Thoroughly test color combinations with accessibility evaluation tools to validate compliance with WCAG standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a2307
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a dark, forest-like feel.
- #33401a
A muted green that offers improved readability compared to pure black while still evoking a natural ambiance.
- #102010
This alternative provides a slightly brighter green tone that will improve accessibility without changing the vibe of the original color.
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, Black Forest can be used sparingly for decorative elements or backgrounds to evoke a sense of mystery, nature, or exclusivity. Due to its poor accessibility, it should not be used for primary text or interactive elements. Consider using it for subtle accents, borders, or as a background for images. Ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements by using very light text or graphical elements. Black Forest can also be incorporated into website themes related to forestry, nature reserves, or luxury brands seeking a dark and sophisticated aesthetic.
Interior Design Accents
In interior design, Black Forest can be used to create a dramatic and intimate atmosphere. It works well as an accent color in rooms with natural light, such as a study or home library. Consider using it for furniture, wall art, or as a base color for textured wallpaper. It can be paired with lighter woods, metallic accents, and natural fabrics to balance its darkness and create a sophisticated, nature-inspired aesthetic. It could be used as the background wall in a home cinema, in order to achieve an immersive dark enviroment.
Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, this color can be incorporated into high-end clothing lines, especially for evening wear or accessories. Imagine a luxurious velvet dress in this shade, accented with gold or silver jewelry. It could also be used for leather goods like handbags or belts, providing a touch of understated elegance. Given its dark nature, it is best used for statement pieces rather than everyday wear, unless paired with brighter colors to create contrast.