Vulcan
General Information
#131518, also known as Vulcan, is a very dark, almost black, shade of gray. It resides within the family of near-black colors, characterized by its low luminance and saturation. This color evokes a sense of sophistication, mystery, and modernity. Its primary use cases include backgrounds for websites, dark-themed interfaces, and accents in designs aiming for a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Due to its darkness, it's crucial to use it carefully in conjunction with lighter colors to ensure legibility and contrast. Understanding its properties and how it interacts with other colors is essential for effective and visually appealing design.
The hex color #131518, also known as Vulcan, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance results in very poor contrast against common background colors like white. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. #131518 falls far short of these recommendations when paired with lighter colors, potentially making content illegible for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, it is advisable to use #131518 sparingly, and only with very light text colors, ensuring that sufficient contrast is provided. Additionally, consider providing alternative color schemes or a user-adjustable contrast setting to accommodate a wider range of visual needs. Avoid using this color for critical information or interactive elements without careful consideration of its impact on usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #131518 can be used for creating a dark and modern aesthetic, such as for website backgrounds, headers, or footers. It should be paired with contrasting text colors (e.g., whites or light grays) to ensure readability. It can also be used for creating a nighttime mode option, appealing to users who prefer darker interfaces to reduce eye strain in low-light environments. However, it's crucial to use this color judiciously to avoid creating an overwhelmingly dark or inaccessible design, and ensuring that interactive elements are clearly visible and usable is key.
Interior Design
In interior design, #131518 can be used as an accent color or as a dominant color in a room to create a sophisticated and modern atmosphere. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver, and it can be used on walls, furniture, or accessories. However, it's important to balance the darkness of this color with lighter elements to prevent the room from feeling too small or oppressive. Natural light and bright pops of color can help to create a more inviting and balanced space when using this color.
Fashion
#131518 can be used in the fashion industry to design clothing, accessories, or entire outfits. It presents the advantage of being highly customizable, as it can be mixed with lighter or darker colors. It can be used to create a sleek and modern look, for instance, combining a #131518 dress with white or gold jewelry.