Black Russian
General Information about #190117
The hex color #190117, often referred to as "Black Russian," is a very dark shade of purple, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It belongs to the family of purple hues but sits at the extreme low end of the lightness spectrum. This color is created by combining a small amount of red and blue light, with virtually no green light, resulting in its deep, muted tone. In color theory, #190117 evokes feelings of mystery, sophistication, and understated elegance. Its darkness can also suggest a sense of depth and seriousness. Due to its low luminosity, it is not commonly used as a primary color in design but rather as an accent or background color to add depth and richness. It is a color used to give the impression of something luxurious.
The color #190117, a very dark shade of purple, poses significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Due to its low luminance, it offers minimal contrast against most background colors, including white. This lack of contrast makes it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize the importance of sufficient color contrast ratios to ensure readability. To meet accessibility standards, it is crucial to pair #190117 with much lighter colors that provide a high contrast ratio. Tools are available to check contrast ratios and suggest accessible color combinations. Consider using this color sparingly, primarily for decorative elements where readability is not critical, and always ensure that text using this color has adequate contrast for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #280325
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark, muted tone.
- #333333
A dark gray that offers improved readability compared to the very dark purple.
- #800020
A deep burgundy alternative, providing a warmer feel and potentially better contrast depending on the background.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #190117 can be utilized for creating a sophisticated and mysterious atmosphere. It's suitable for backgrounds in sections where a subtle, understated look is desired. However, it should be used cautiously with text, ensuring sufficient contrast with lighter text colors. This color might be applied to website headers, footers, or as a background for graphical elements to add depth and richness to the overall design. Always consider the user experience and accessibility when implementing such a dark shade.
Interior Design
In interior design, #190117 can serve as an accent color in a room, such as for a feature wall or decorative items. It pairs well with lighter, neutral colors like beige or light gray to create a balanced and elegant space. The color's depth adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, making it suitable for creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Be careful to balance the darkness with enough light in the room.
Fashion
In fashion, #190117 can be used for creating elegant and understated looks, especially in evening wear or accessories. It's a versatile color that can be paired with both bright and muted tones, making it suitable for various styles. A dress or suit in this color can project an image of sophistication and mystery. The dark tone means it should be used carefully in large amounts to prevent the overall look from being too sombre.