Black Russian
General Information about #160317
The hexadecimal color #160317, also known as Black Russian, is a very dark shade of purple. It is composed of 8.63% red, 1.18% green, and 9.02% blue. In the RGB color space, it has the numerical values of R:22, G:3, B:23. In the CMYK color space, it is composed of 4.3% cyan, 86.96% magenta, 0% yellow, and 90.98% black. The color is often associated with sophistication, mystery, and elegance, because of its dark and deep shade. Black Russian is rarely found in nature, which contributes to its association with man-made creations. Black Russian is not commonly used by itself and is generally used in combination with brighter colors.
The color #160317, a deep, dark shade, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to see text or elements rendered in this color against a standard white background, or even moderately light backgrounds. This fails to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) requirements for contrast ratio, particularly Success Criterion 1.4.3 (Contrast Minimum). To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair #160317 with very light colors that provide a high contrast ratio. Using tools to measure contrast ratios is highly recommended. Furthermore, avoid using #160317 for essential UI elements, such as buttons or links, unless sufficient contrast is guaranteed. Providing alternative color schemes or user controls to adjust the color palette can further enhance accessibility for users with visual impairments. When used decoratively, consider its impact on users with photosensitivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #280829
A slightly lighter shade of purple can provide a similar aesthetic while improving visibility.
- #333333
A deep gray can be used as a more neutral alternative, offering better contrast with lighter text.
- #1f0020
Another alternative is a dark purple, for those seeking the aesthetic with improved readability.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #160317 can be used sparingly as an accent color for backgrounds or borders, primarily when a dark and mysterious aesthetic is desired. It should never be used for primary text or interactive elements without a very light foreground color to ensure readability. It can be used in combination with lighter shades of purple or gray to create depth. Also, it is suitable for use in loading screens, and it is not recommended for graphs or charts as it is a difficult color to distinguish.
Fashion & Accessories
In fashion, #160317 can be used for evening wear or accessories to create a sophisticated and elegant look. It pairs well with silver or gold accents. When used as the main color in a dark theme, it can be used to add depth and is well suited for a gothic look. It can be used for velvet, leather or other materials. This color should be applied with caution as it can be seen as depressing if it is used incorrectly, or on its own.
Interior Design
In interior design, #160317 can be used as a wall color in small spaces to make them feel intimate and dramatic. It is ideally suited for creating a gothic look. It combines very well with silver accents, and it can be used for couches, pillows, and carpets. Furthermore, #160317 is used for home theaters to improve the viewing experience by reducing light reflection. It is suitable for dark themed rooms.