#171B1B Hex Color
Sophisticated near-black for modern dark interfaces
This near-black shade offers a sophisticated alternative to pure black. Because it is highly desaturated, it provides a stable, neutral base for dark mode interfaces without the harshness of absolute black. With a contrast ratio of 17.4:1 against white text, it maintains excellent readability for body copy. The hex code for this dim, moody gray is #171b1b, making it ideal for minimalist UI backgrounds.
Questions about #171b1b
What is #171b1b in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #171b1b is rgb(23, 27, 27), in HSL hsl(180, 8%, 10%) and in CMYK 15%, 0%, 0%, 89%.
Is #171b1b a better choice than pure black for text backgrounds?
Yes, #171b1b is significantly easier on the eyes than pure black because it reduces high-contrast eye strain in low-light environments. Using this near-black shade allows for better visual depth while maintaining the clean, professional look that dark mode requires for interfaces.
What colors pair well with #171b1b in a palette?
Because #171b1b is a neutral, desaturated base, it works best when paired with soft, desaturated tones like dusty blue or muted terracotta for accents. Avoid overly vibrant, neon colors, as they can clash with the deep, muted intensity of this background shade.
Is #171b1b readable on white or black?
#171b1b 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.