Cinder
General Information about #160515
#160515, also known as Cinder, is a very dark, muted shade that evokes feelings of sophistication and mystery. It belongs to the black color family, characterized by its extremely low lightness value, making it appear almost black. The color's hex code represents a combination of red (16), green (05), and blue (15), indicating a slight dominance of red over blue and very little green. This color is often associated with elegance, darkness, and a sense of understated luxury. In branding and design, Cinder can be used to create a sophisticated and mysterious aesthetic, often paired with metallic accents or bright, contrasting colors to create visual interest and depth. Due to its high darkness it is rarely used as the main color for designs, but is rather used as an accent or background color.
The color #160515, also known as Cinder, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance, with very little reflected light, results in a very dark appearance. This poses a substantial contrast issue when paired with lighter colors, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to discern text or elements displayed in this color against a lighter background. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use #160515 sparingly, and only with very light or bright colors that offer a high contrast ratio. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text, as per WCAG guidelines. It's also important to consider users with color vision deficiencies, who may struggle to differentiate #160515 from other dark shades. Providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or labels, can further enhance accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #281427
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark, muted aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark gray that offers improved readability against light backgrounds compared to the deep Cinder shade.
- #220a21
This color offers similar darkness to cinder, but has a touch of purple that gives more visibility on interfaces.
Applications
Dark UI Themes
In web design, #160515 can be used sparingly for background elements in dark-themed websites or applications to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It's essential to ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements. For example, using very light fonts and accent colors is important. The color can serve as a foundation for highlighting brighter UI elements and creating a modern aesthetic. Due to its dark nature, this color could be used to create a night mode theme for an application. In this way the application will reduce eye strain during usage in environments with low light.
High Fashion
In fashion, #160515 embodies a sense of understated elegance and mystery. It can be used as a base color for garments like dresses, skirts, or trousers, creating a sleek and sophisticated look. This color works particularly well in textured fabrics like velvet or brocade, adding depth and visual interest. Accessorizing with contrasting colors like gold, silver, or vibrant jewel tones can elevate the outfit and create a striking visual impact. In addition, it is a great color for shoes or bags.
Interior Design
In interior design, #160515 can be used to create a dramatic and intimate atmosphere in spaces such as bedrooms or home theaters. It can be applied to walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, providing a backdrop for lighter and brighter accents. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, it's crucial to incorporate ample lighting, both natural and artificial. Accenting with metallics, such as gold or copper, can add warmth and luxury to the design. Light colored furniture and decor will also make the space feel inviting.