Vulcan
General Information about #18141C
The hex color #18141C, often referred to as 'Vulcan,' is a very dark, muted shade of gray. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.41% red, 7.84% green, and 11% blue. Its primary characteristic is its low saturation and luminosity, placing it firmly within the realm of dark neutrals. Colors like this are common in modern design because they can provide a stable, unobtrusive background. This allows foreground elements to be more visible and draw more attention. The color is often perceived as sophisticated, understated, and even slightly mysterious due to its depth. It is not a vibrant or energetic color, but rather one that exudes calmness and stability. Because of its darkness, it absorbs a significant amount of light.
The color #18141C, also known as Vulcan, presents certain accessibility challenges due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. A contrast checker tool is essential to verify compliance. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, consider providing a clear visual cue (such as a border or a change in brightness/saturation on hover) to aid users with visual impairments. Also, avoid using #18141C as the sole indicator for conveying information, such as in error messages or status indicators, as colorblind users might miss it. Always provide alternative text or visual cues to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design - Dark Theme
In web design, Vulcan (#18141C) can be effectively employed to create a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, especially for websites targeting a tech-savvy audience. As a background for code snippets or terminal-like interfaces, it enhances readability and reduces eye strain. When combined with a vibrant accent color like electric blue or neon green, it creates a visually striking contrast that draws attention to key elements. However, it's important to carefully consider text contrast to ensure readability and accessibility, especially for users with visual impairments. Dark themes are increasingly popular, and #18141C offers a solid foundation for this design approach.
Interior Design - Modern Luxury
In interior design, #18141C can be used as a base color for walls, furniture, or accent pieces to create a sense of understated luxury and sophistication. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or copper, and can be used to create a dramatic backdrop for artwork or statement furniture pieces. To prevent the space from feeling too dark or oppressive, it's important to balance it with lighter colors and textures, such as light wood floors, cream-colored upholstery, or natural light. This color can also be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in bedrooms or home theaters.
Fashion - Minimalist Style
In fashion, Vulcan (#18141C) can be used as a versatile neutral for creating chic and minimalist outfits. It works well as a base color for dresses, pants, or jackets, and can be easily paired with other colors and textures to create different looks. For example, a #18141C dress can be dressed up with statement jewelry and heels for a night out, or dressed down with sneakers and a denim jacket for a casual daytime look. It also looks great when combined with brighter colors like red or yellow for a pop of contrast. In menswear, #18141C can be used for suits, sweaters, or outerwear, and paired with classic accessories like leather belts and boots.