#161B1E Hex Color
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#161b1e is a near-black, achromatic grey that provides a grounded alternative to harsh pure black. This hex code works as an ideal background for dark mode interfaces because white text maintains exceptional contrast against it. Use it as a dominant base or a soft header shade for minimal designs. Because it is so desaturated, it pairs best with vibrant accent colors or muted, earthy tones.
Questions about #161b1e
What is #161b1e in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #161b1e is rgb(22, 27, 30), in HSL hsl(203, 15%, 10%) and in CMYK 27%, 10%, 0%, 88%. Browse more shades of black with names and hex codes.
Is #161b1e a better choice than pure black for website backgrounds?
Yes, #161b1e is significantly easier on the eyes than pure black (#000000) because it reduces harsh contrast strain while maintaining excellent readability. This softer, near-black charcoal creates a more sophisticated, premium aesthetic for dark mode interfaces and reading-heavy layouts.
Which accent colors pair best with the #161b1e grey?
This neutral shade pairs beautifully with high-chroma, vibrant accents like electric blue or warm amber to create visual pop against the darkness. For a more subtle, professional look, combine it with muted sage or soft metallic tones that retain a refined, balanced appearance.
Is #161b1e readable on white or black?
#161b1e has a 17.36:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.20:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works for body text and on black it is too faint for text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.