When it comes to design, the colour palette you choose plays a crucial role in conveying your brand's personality. One of the most popular colours we see used across design everywhere is our trusty black! And for good reason! Black symbolises many things, from power and authority, to elegance and sophistication, mystery and intrigue; it's the chameleon of colours in that it deserves a spot in most colour palettes!

And because of that, in one way or another, black is used in most designs and brands, so finding your brand's 'black shade' that compliments the other colours you have in your palette or on your website is something we recommend to all businesses!

While pure black (#000000) may be a popular choice, many alternative shades of black can be used to add depth to your website's colour palette while maintaining a unique brand identity.

In today's post, we'll explore some of our favourite alternatives to pure black and explore how they can enhance your website's aesthetic and what they symbolise.

Black Alternative 01: Coal #282828

Coal, a deep shade of grey, offers a sophisticated alternative to black. Its subtle tone creates a refined look while remaining versatile enough to complement a variety of brand aesthetics. With its cooler undertones, coal exudes a sense of modernity and professionalism. Consider incorporating this colour into your website design to achieve an elegant and sleek appearance.

Black Alternative 02: Night Forest #0B210E

For a touch of nature-inspired allure, consider using Night Forest, a rich, dark green hue. This colour brings a sense of tranquillity and harmony to your website, making it particularly suitable for brands associated with health, wellness, and eco-consciousness. Night Forest can evoke a refreshing atmosphere, immersing your visitors in an inviting online experience.

Black Alternative 03: Nocturnal Plum #120925:

With its deep purple tone, Nocturnal Plum offers a captivating alternative to black. This colour exudes a sense of mystery and sophistication, making it perfect for brands that want to convey a luxurious and timeless vibe. Nocturnal Plum pairs well with gold or silver accents, creating an elegant, high-end aesthetic that captivates your audience.

Black Alternative 04: Burnt Mocha #1F1206

If you're looking for a warmer alternative to black, Burnt Mocha is a compelling choice. This rich, dark brown hue adds a touch of earthiness and warmth to your website's colour scheme. Burnt Mocha is versatile and can be used to create both contemporary and rustic designs, making it suitable for a wide range of industries, from fashion to home decor.

Black Alternative 05: Midnight Sea #092230:

For a dash of sophistication and intrigue, Midnight Sea, a deep navy blue shade, is an excellent alternative to black. This colour conveys a sense of luxury and creativity, making it ideal for brands related to art, entertainment, or unconventional industries. Midnight Sea adds a touch of drama to your website design, captivating visitors with its mysterious allure.

Black Alternative 06: Cocoa Spice #282622:

Cocoa Spice offers a cosy and inviting alternative to black. This warm brown shade evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia, making it particularly suitable for brands associated with natural and organic products. Cocoa Spice can help create a welcoming atmosphere on your website, fostering a connection with your audience and encouraging them to explore further.

Why you should avoid using true black

Black on white, specifically true black (#000000) text on a white background (and vice versa), can sometimes be hard to read, particularly for individuals with visual impairments or certain reading difficulties. While the high contrast between black and white can initially seem sharp and clear, it may pose challenges in terms of legibility and eye strain over extended periods.

One reason for this difficulty is a condition known as "contrast sensitivity loss," which affects people with visual impairments, especially those with low vision or contrast sensitivity impairments. True black on white can appear too stark and intense, causing the letters to blend together or appear distorted, leading to reduced readability.

To address this, designers and accessibility guidelines often recommend using slightly off-black shades, just like the ones we've provided above, which offer a softer contrast against a white background. These alternatives can enhance legibility, reduce eye strain, and improve accessibility for a broader range of users.

And there we have it!

Exploring alternative colours to black presents an exciting opportunity to infuse your website design with depth, warmth, and originality. By carefully curating more personalised hues like the ones we've listed above, you can create a brand that feels more, well, you!