#17181D Hex Color
A sophisticated moody charcoal for dark interfaces

This near-black charcoal provides a stable foundation for modern dark mode interfaces. Because white text creates excellent 17.7:1 contrast against this shade, it works as a highly readable, moody alternative to absolute black. Designers often pair this color with muted neon accents for a sophisticated look. The hex code for this neutral, professional background is #17181d.
Questions about #17181d
What is #17181d in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #17181d is rgb(23, 24, 29), in HSL hsl(230, 12%, 10%) and in CMYK 21%, 17%, 0%, 89%.
Is #17181d a better choice than absolute black for UI design?
Yes, #17181d is generally preferred over absolute black because it reduces eye strain while maintaining high readability against white text. It provides a softer, more sophisticated depth that feels less harsh on screens, making it a staple for modern dark mode aesthetics.
What colors pair well with #17181d?
This charcoal pairs exceptionally well with muted neon accents, which pop visually against its deep, neutral background. You can also ground the color using cool gray for a monochromatic palette or introduce muted gold for a luxurious, high-end feel.
Is #17181d readable on white or black?
#17181d has a 17.72:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.18:1 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.