Black Russian
General Information about Black Russian (#16001B)
The hex color #16001B, often referred to as 'Black Russian', is a very dark shade of purple, almost appearing black to the untrained eye. It belongs to the purple color family, sitting at the extreme low end of the luminance scale. In the RGB color model, it consists of 8.63% red, 0% green, and 10.59% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 18.46% cyan, 100% magenta, 0% yellow, and 89.41% black. This color is frequently used in design to convey a sense of mystery, sophistication, or luxury. Due to its dark nature, it's crucial to consider accessibility guidelines when using it, particularly in user interfaces and websites.
The hex color #16001B, also known as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value (very dark) results in poor contrast against standard white backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability, especially for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Black Russian falls far short of these recommendations when paired with white. Therefore, it's imperative to use this color judiciously, primarily for decorative elements or backgrounds where text overlay is minimal and contrast isn't critical. When text is necessary, consider pairing it with a very light color to achieve an acceptable contrast ratio or using a text-shadow to lift the text from the background. Additionally, ensure that any interactive elements using this color have clear visual cues beyond color alone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Background
Black Russian can be employed as a sophisticated background color for websites or applications aiming for a dark and mysterious aesthetic. It works particularly well in the entertainment industry, such as for websites related to movies, games, or music with a gothic or noir theme. It adds depth and elegance when used sparingly for decorative elements, such as borders, dividers, or icons. However, its usage for text should be avoided, or paired with a very light contrasting color to ensure readability. The key is to balance its visual appeal with accessibility considerations, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Interior Design Accent
This color can be used to set a dramatic and luxurious tone in interior design. It would be well suited for accent walls in a modern living room, or as the primary color in a dimly lit home theater to create a more immersive experience. Combining it with gold or silver accents can further enhance its elegance and sophistication. Also in clothing, a dress in this color would look very sophisticated.
Packaging Design
Black Russian provides a dramatic touch to packaging design, especially for high-end products like perfumes, cosmetics, or premium spirits. Its dark and mysterious allure conveys luxury and exclusivity, making the product stand out on the shelf. This is suitable for brands that want to convey mystery and premium quality.