Black Russian
General Information about #17001B
#17001B, also known as Black Russian, is a very dark, desaturated shade of purple. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.02% red, 0% green, and 10.59% blue. In the HSV (or HSB) color space, it has a hue of 291 degrees, a saturation of 100%, and a brightness of 11%. This color is often associated with mystery, elegance, and sophistication. Due to its darkness, it is generally used sparingly and paired with lighter colors to create contrast and visual interest. Its hexadecimal representation, #17001B, is commonly used in web design and digital applications to specify this particular shade of dark purple. The color is similar to other dark shades such as eggplant and charcoal, but possesses its unique characteristics.
The color #17001B, a very dark shade of purple, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its extremely low lightness value means that it requires very light foreground colors to achieve sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is needed for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of #17001B, careful selection of foreground colors is crucial. White or very pale yellows are often the best choices. Using this color as a background for large areas of text should be avoided unless paired with appropriate contrast. Also, consider users with low vision or color blindness who may struggle to differentiate elements using this color in subtle ways. Provide alternative visual cues like borders or icons to enhance usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #280030
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved contrast while maintaining a similar dark, mysterious feel.
- #333333
A dark grey that can serve as a more neutral alternative, suitable for backgrounds or elements where subtlety is desired.
- #211305
A dark brown to offer a warmer and softer contrast than the purple.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #17001B can be used for creating a sophisticated and mysterious ambiance. It works well for backgrounds of sections that need to stand out, such as headers or footers on a website. When combined with gold or silver accents, it can convey luxury and exclusivity. Also, it can be part of a dark themed UI, to set a relaxing mood for the user. When using this dark color, make sure to test the readability with lighter fonts. Use this color sparingly to create elegant and sophisticated designs.
Fashion
In fashion, #17001B can be incorporated into evening wear or accessories to add a touch of drama and sophistication. It can be paired with lighter colors like blush pink or champagne to create a balanced and elegant look. The deep, dark hue adds an air of mystery and can be used to create bold and memorable statements. It can be used as velvet or silk for evening dresses or as elegant handbags.
Interior Design
In interior design, #17001B can be used as an accent color to add depth and richness to a space. It works well on walls in a room with natural light, or as a color for furniture or decorative accents. It can be paired with metallic elements to enhance its luxurious feel. The deep, dark shade brings a sense of elegance and can transform a room into an area of luxury and relaxation. Combine it with off-white or grey colors.