True black (#000000) is one of my favorite colors. When I first started building color palettes, I would always include true black (#000000) and true white (#ffffff) with the brand colors. Soon I learned if I found alternatives to the two colors at either end of the spectrum, I could make my palette even better suited for my brand. Here are some alternatives to true black for your next color palette.
What is a Hex Code?
A hex code is a unique six digit number that correlates to a color on the color spectrum. They are usually preceded with the hashtag symbol. So, #000000 signifies pure black, and #ffffff signifies pure white.
Knowing the hex code of the colors of your brand will help ensure consistency across all of your creations, and make it easier to pull in or search for colors no matter what program you are using.
Consider downloading my free Web Brand Toolkit Canva Template to help organize your hex codes and other important brand assets.
RGB
Web colors are created using the RGB color model. Colors are created based on different amounts of red, green, and blue mixed together with varying amounts of black and white.
Shades vs. Tints
A tint is when varying levels of white are added to a color. A shade is when varying levels of black are added to a color.
Dark Gray – #313638
Hex code: #313638
Red: 19.2% – Green: 21.2% – Blue 22%
Sample Palettes for #313638
Dark Green – #012622
Hex Code: #012622
Red: .4% – Green: 14.9% – Blue: 13.3%
Sample Palettes for #012622
Dark Lilac – #342E37
Hex Code: #342E37
Red: 20.4% – Green: 18% – Blue 21.6%
Sample Palettes for #342E37
Dark Red – #2F0601
Hex Code: #2F0601
Red: 18.4% – Green: 2.4% – Blue: .4%
Sample Palettes for #2F0601
Dark Blue – #0A2342
Hex Code: #0A2342
Red: 3.9% – Green: 13.7% – Blue: 25.9%
Sample Palettes for #0A2342
Dark Plum – #482C3D
Hex Code: #482C3D
Red: 28.2% – Green: 17.3% – Blue: 23.9%
Sample Palettes for #482C3D
Deep Brown – #28190E
Hex Code: #28190E
Red: 15.7% – Green: 9.8% – Blue 5.5%
Sample Palettes for #28190E
Which One is Your Favorite?
Whether you go with true black or with a darker shade of another color, your palette is sure to be beautiful. The fun thing about building a color palette is that the possibilities are endless.
Let me know what your favorite colors on the darker side of the spectrum are in the comments!
As always, thanks for reading Domains and Champagne!
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