Cinder
General Information
The hex color #130615, often referred to as 'Cinder', is a very dark, muted shade of purple. It resides in the low end of the luminance spectrum, making it appear almost black to the human eye. Composed of 7.45% red, 2.35% green, and 8.24% blue, it has a subtle bias towards the blue end of the spectrum which gives it a slight purplish undertone. Colors like Cinder are often described as being sophisticated, mysterious, or even somber, depending on their context and application. Because of its darkness, it's not generally well-suited as a primary color but serves as an excellent accent or background color when used thoughtfully. This hue belongs to a family of colors that are typically used to create a sense of depth and richness in designs.
The hex color #130615, also known as Cinder, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its very low luminance value of approximately 0.008 makes it difficult to distinguish from pure black. When used as text, it requires extremely light foreground colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is needed for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Using this color for interactive elements or essential visual cues is strongly discouraged due to its poor visibility. Designers should consider significantly lighter shades or alternative color palettes to ensure content is accessible to all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Careful evaluation and testing are crucial when incorporating such a dark color into any design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #261328
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the dark aesthetic while improving contrast against light backgrounds.
- #333333
A dark gray that provides better readability and accessibility compared to Cinder.
- #1a0033
A dark purple, which offers a similar dark tone but introduces a subtle color variation for visual interest.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Cinder can be used sparingly for decorative elements or backgrounds where contrast is not critical, such as subtle patterns or dividers. However, it should never be used for text or interactive elements without ensuring sufficient contrast with a light foreground color. For example, it can be a background color for non-essential image containers or decorative panels. Its somber and muted tone can evoke feelings of sophistication and mystery, making it suitable for themes related to luxury or nighttime settings if used judiciously.
Fashion
In fashion, Cinder can represent a deep, mysterious tone often associated with elegance and formality. It can be used as a base color for garments, particularly evening wear, or as an accent color in accessories like belts or shoes. Combining Cinder with lighter, contrasting colors or metallic accents can create striking visual effects. This dark hue can also be integrated into makeup palettes, appearing in eyeshadows or eyeliners to create a dramatic or smoky eye look. Cinder's depth makes it a versatile color for adding a touch of sophistication to various fashion applications.
Interior Design
Within interior design, Cinder, or #130615, can bring a sense of depth and intimacy to a space. While using it as a primary wall color might make a room feel too dark, it excels as an accent color. Consider using it on feature walls, in upholstery for furniture, or in decorative accessories like cushions and throws. Paired with lighter, warmer colors like creams, beiges, or soft golds, Cinder can create a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic. Metallic accents like brass or copper can also complement Cinder, enhancing its richness. It is especially effective in creating cozy, intimate settings like home theaters or reading nooks.