Nero
About Hex Color #120A00
The color #120A00, also known as Nero, is a very dark, almost black, shade of color. It is composed of a small amount of red (12/255), an even smaller amount of green (10/255), and no blue (0/255). This composition results in a color that is perceived as very close to black. Due to its extremely low luminance, it is often used to convey a sense of mystery, sophistication, or drama. In color theory, Nero belongs to the achromatic family, as it has very little saturation and hue. The color name 'Nero' is derived from the Italian word for black, reflecting its dark nature. Colors like this are used in design and art to create contrast, shadows, or to convey a sense of depth. In digital representation, #120A00 is a hexadecimal code used to specify this particular shade of black in various applications, including web design and graphic design.
The hex color #120A00, also known as Nero, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance, stemming from its composition of very small amounts of red and green and a complete absence of blue, results in minimal contrast against virtually any background. Consequently, using #120A00 as text color on a white or light-colored background will render the text illegible for most users. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to avoid using #120A00 for text or interactive elements without providing a very high contrast ratio, ideally meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA or AAA standards. This typically involves pairing it with a very light color, such as white or a pale yellow, to achieve a sufficient contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #120A00 as a background color, ensure that all foreground elements, including text, icons, and interactive components, have adequate contrast. Failure to do so can exclude users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of black that offers a bit more contrast than pure black, making it easier to read text on a white background.
A dark gray that provides better readability and accessibility compared to near-black shades like #120A00.
Use almost black as a neutral background color for websites.
Applications
Web Design Accent Color
In web design, #120A00 can be used sparingly as a background color for specific sections to create a sense of depth or sophistication. However, due to its darkness, it's essential to use it in conjunction with very light text or elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It's best suited for accent elements rather than large areas of the screen. It can also be incorporated into website logos and branding to convey a sense of elegance or mystery, provided that the overall color scheme is carefully balanced to maintain visual clarity.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #120A00 can be used to create a dramatic and sophisticated atmosphere. It's often used for accent walls, furniture, or accessories to add depth and contrast to a room. However, it's important to balance it with lighter colors and ample lighting to prevent the space from feeling too dark or claustrophobic. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver to create a luxurious feel, or with natural materials like wood and stone to add warmth and texture.
Dark makeup
#120A00 can be incorporated into makeup looks for creating dramatic and sultry effects. It can be used as an eyeliner or eyeshadow color to define the eyes and add depth to the look. However, it is important to balance it with lighter colors on the rest of the face to prevent the overall look from appearing too heavy or overwhelming. Furthermore it works when you create darker effects for movie characters.