Black Russian
General Information about #120318
#120318, also known as Black Russian, is a very dark, almost black, shade of purple. It is composed of 7.1% red, 1.2% green, and 9.4% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (18, 3, 24). The color is often associated with elegance and mystery, and its deep hue can evoke feelings of sophistication. Due to its low luminance, it is not ideal for use as a primary text color on light backgrounds, as it can be difficult to read. Black Russian can be used to create dramatic effects when combined with lighter colors, particularly in graphic design and digital art.
The hex color #120318, also known as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value results in very poor contrast against almost any background. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's strongly advised against using #120318 for text or important graphical elements without a very light background color. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using this color, careful consideration must be given to its impact on users with disabilities, and alternative, more accessible color choices should be explored whenever possible. Adequate testing with accessibility tools is essential to validate the usability of any design incorporating #120318.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #220828
A slightly lighter shade that provides a touch more visibility while maintaining a dark aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark grey alternative that offers better contrast compared to pure black, improving readability.
- #231329
A dark purple with a bit more luminance. It can be considered as an alternative to the original, maintaining a degree of similarity, while increasing the visual acuity.
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, #120318 can be used sparingly for background accents or decorative elements where high contrast is not required. It might find a place in creating a dark or mysterious theme. Given its dark nature, it is suitable to use in combination with lighter colors for the typography and other elements. Be careful to create the correct visual acuity to improve the experience of the user. It should be avoided for critical text or interactive elements due to its poor contrast ratio. Also, it is important to test on different screen sizes to prevent unexpected outcomes.
Fashion and Beauty
In fashion, #120318 can represent sophistication and elegance. It is a dark color that can be used for dresses, suits, or accessories. As a very dark color it combines well with brighter, more expressive colors or as a background for shiny materials. Also, #120318 is used in the beauty sector, for example for nail polish. Also in this case it can be considered as an alternative to pure black or combined with lighter colors to make visual contrast.
Interiour Design
This color can be applied in the interiour design to create modern and elegant spaces. It can serve as a basis for several items, such as pillows, curtains and wall color. The important part is to mix this color with brighter elements and other colors to prevent that the space gets a claustrophobic impression. In general it can create a space for relaxation and to create a modern impression.