The Colour Black in Web Design

Black is a colour which results from the absence or complete absorption of visible light. In fact, black isn’t on the colour wheel because it isn’t considered a colour.

Definition of the colour black

Black is the colour that does not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum. It absorbs all frequencies of light. Hence, black is often considered as the lack of all colours of light or an exhaustive combination of multiple colours of pigment.

Although black is sometimes described as “achromatic” or hueless, in practice, it can be considered a colour.

Why choose black?

Black is associated with many things. Considered the negation of colour, black is conservative and goes well with almost every colour. Black is serious, conventional, powerful and elegant. However, it is often seen as the colour of solitude and despair.

Black creates an impression of distinction and is well suited with high quality products, such as perfumes, wines, expensive luxurious cars, electronics and gadgets. Because of its versatility and its ability to establish contrast, black is a favourite colour choice in advertising.

In many cultures, black is the colour of mourning. Often seen as a colour of death, it is not favoured at weddings. Wearing black to a wedding is a sign of rebellion and taboo. The world’s cultures view black differently; it is the colour for little boys in China and associated with honour and symbol of nobility, age and experience in Japan.

Classically viewed as a negative colour in the early days of film, the bad guys would often be decked in black and the good guys dressed in white. As seen in the use of the black devil and the white angel in regards to the never-ending battle between good and evil. Because of its association with evil and the dark side, witches are often dressed in black. As such, black is one of the main colours of Halloween along with the colour orange.

The benefits of the colour black

Black is stern and formal. It is also authoritative and powerful. It’s a colour that can evoke strong emotions but it can also be overwhelming when used in excess. Dark colours make a room seem smaller, black being the epitome of darkness is no exception. Even a well lit room would seem dark when a lot of black is used.

Women love to wear black because of its slimming effect. Wearing black also gives women an air of sophistication and class. Used to convey elegance with a touch of mystery, every woman has a little black dress in her closet when she wants to pull out all the stops. On the other hand, black is also a very easy colour to match. And because of its sobriety, it is often the colour of formality and a classic colour for office wear.

Against black, other colours are able to stand out better and seem brighter than they would actually be on their own.

On its own, black also affects us both physically and mentally. As with everything, there are positives and negatives. Black can make us feel inconspicuous for days we want to blend in and not stand out. It evokes a sense of mystery and allows us to imagine a world of endless potential and possibility. However, black can also be bleak and dreary.

Black really is the absorption of all colours into nothingness and emptiness. This can make us feel fearful and drab because black sucked the colour out of our lives. Black indeed is a colour that can go both ways; good or bad.

Different shades of black in web design

Dark colours like charcoal gray and dark brown can sometimes stand in for black. An excellent technical colour, black assists in targeting a sophisticated high-end market or a youth market because of its association with style and mystery.

Too much black may not be a good thing, as it can be quite depressing. Although black backgrounds enhance perspective and depth, it also diminishes the readability of text. Black however is very effective for art and photography websites because it allows the other colours to stand out and display their vibrancy.

One might think that black is just black. However, that isn’t the case. Here are various shades of black in existence.

• Carbon black

  Carbon black is a dull and dirty black.
  
  

• Charcoal black

  Charcoal black is one of the darkest shades and closest to black itself.
  
  

• Ivory black

  Ivory black is a black with a touch of ivory shine and feel.
  
  

• Brown black

  Brown black is a slight mixture of brown with black, which is darker than dark brown.

Using black with other colours

Black goes well with everything! Well, almost everything. Be careful when using black with very dark colours. It can work, but if the colours are too similar, visibility will drop as the colours bleed into each other.

• Black with red

  The use of black with red is a classic and stylish colour scheme.
  
  

• Black with white

  Another classic colour scheme very often used is black and white. These two colours express two mutually exclusive sets of ideas and values elegantly. Think yin and yang; good and evil.
  
  

• Black with yellow

  Black is the darkest colour of all the colours in the spectrum. When used with light and bright colours like yellow, the contrast is at its greatest and the lighter colours really pop and stand out.
  
  

• Black with light blue

  Despite being a conservative combination, black and light blue produces an interesting and unique look.
  
  

• Black with green

  Luscious and naturally-pleasing green softens the intimidating and harsh black and creates a down-to-earth and calming feel.

SOURCE: Onextrapixel