Vulcan
General Information about #18181D
The hexadecimal color #18181D, often referred to as "Vulcan," is a very dark, desaturated shade of blue-gray. It belongs to the family of near-black colors and possesses a low luminance value, making it appear almost black to the human eye. In the RGB color model, #18181D is composed of 9.41% red, 9.41% green, and 11.37% blue. Its primary characteristics include its subtlety and understated nature, lending itself to applications where a dark, neutral tone is desired. Because of its proximity to black, it's frequently used to create shadows or darker gradients. The color's name, "Vulcan," hints at its association with the Roman god of fire and metalworking, possibly reflecting its connection to dark, metallic tones. It is often seen as a modern and sleek color.
The hex color #18181D, also known as Vulcan, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Its low luminance value of approximately 4.4 cd/m² falls far short of the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommended contrast ratios. For normal text (size 14 points or 18 pixels and below), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required against its background. For large text (14 points bold or larger, or 18 points or 24 pixels and larger), the minimum contrast ratio is 3:1. Given the darkness of #18181D, pairing it with lighter colors is essential to ensure readability and usability for individuals with visual impairments. Without sufficient contrast, users may struggle to distinguish text from the background, leading to a degraded user experience. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate color combinations and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Therefore, web developers should carefully consider the color pairings and provide alternative color schemes if necessary to meet accessibility requirements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #28282e
A slightly lighter shade of gray can provide improved contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #202028
A desaturated dark blue can evoke a similar mood but offer better differentiation in certain contexts.
- #1f1f24
A very dark grey can be used to create a similar dark mood, while offering slight more visibility.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, Vulcan (#18181D) can be employed as a background color for website sections where a dark and subdued ambiance is desired. This is often seen in portfolios, gaming websites, or creative agency sites aiming for a modern and sophisticated feel. However, careful attention must be paid to text color choices to ensure sufficient contrast. For example, pairing #18181D with a light color like #FFFFFF (white) or #E0E0E0 (light gray) for text elements can create a visually appealing and accessible design. Furthermore, it works well with neon colors to create contrast effects.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion and design, #18181D can be used as a primary color for clothing items to project a sense of sophistication. The dark color can be combined with silver or gold accessories to enhance the sense of luxury. It can also be used as an accent color in patterns and textures, contrasting with lighter fabrics to create visually interesting garments.
Interior Design
In interior design, the Vulcan hex color can be used to create dark and moody ambiances for rooms like home cinema. To avoid too dark designs, it should be paired with light furniture or light spots to create a balanced and cozy atmosphere.