Black Russian
General Information about #140317
The hex color #140317, often referred to as 'Black Russian,' is a very dark, desaturated purple color. It falls within the range of very dark shades and is characterized by its low luminosity. In the RGB color model, it's composed of 8.24% red, 1.18% green, and 8.63% blue. This combination results in a color that is perceived as being nearly black with a subtle purplish undertone. Because of its muted nature, #140317 can evoke feelings of mystery, sophistication, and depth. It is often used in designs aiming for a premium or luxurious feel. Its use is limited by its very dark nature; care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast for any text or visual elements used with this color. The color is not part of the web-safe color palette.
The hex color #140317, also known as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it unsuitable for text or interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability, especially for users with visual impairments. Using #140317 as a background color with light text is highly discouraged due to its poor contrast ratio, potentially causing eye strain and making content illegible for many individuals. For elements using #140317, a much brighter foreground color is needed to achieve a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Developers should use contrast checkers to ensure their color choices meet accessibility standards to provide an inclusive user experience. Avoid using it for crucial graphical elements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #28132b
A slightly lighter shade of dark purple that offers a bit more visibility while retaining a similar aesthetic.
- #222222
A very dark gray that provides a more neutral base for text while staying within a dark color scheme.
- #0a0a2a
Another good alternative is this very dark blue/black color that gives a similar feeling.
Applications
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Black Russian (#140317) can be used sparingly as an accent color to create a sense of depth and drama in a room. It pairs well with lighter, more neutral colors like creams, whites, or light grays to prevent the space from feeling too dark and oppressive. Consider using it on a single accent wall or in small decorative elements like vases or picture frames to add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space. It is especially effective in rooms with ample natural light.
High-Contrast Web Sections
For web development, Black Russian can be employed as a background color for website sections that require high contrast to draw attention. For example, a call-to-action section could use #140317 as the background, paired with bright, contrasting text (like white or yellow) to make the button stand out. The color can also be used as a background for banners or headers, creating a visually impactful design. However, ensure the text color has sufficient contrast (4.5:1) to maintain accessibility.
Elegant Fashion Accents
Black Russian (#140317) can be utilized in fashion design as a sophisticated and mysterious color choice for evening wear or outerwear. It is especially effective in materials like velvet or satin, where its depth is enhanced by the fabric's texture. It can also be used as a base color, accented with metallic details such as gold or silver, to add a touch of glamour and elegance. It is best used for accent pieces, combined with lighter colors.