#231F20 Hex Color
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Abaddon Black is a near-black neutral with a heavy, muted quality that feels more grounded than pure black. This hex code #231f20 performs best as a dominant base for dark mode interfaces or high-end branding. Because it offers a 16.3:1 contrast ratio against white text, it remains perfectly readable for long-form content. Pair it with soft, desaturated metallics to avoid a harsh, jarring visual effect.
About Abaddon Black
Ash settled over a cold grate
What does abaddon black mean?
People often read this near-black as shadow, mourning, formality, or the empty space around things. Its near-total lack of light and color feels heavy and closed, like a room with the blinds drawn.
Where you see abaddon black
- cast iron skillets
- asphalt after rain
- vinyl records
- chalkboards
- soot on a fireplace grate
- printer toner
What it works for
It works as a dark background that lets brighter colors stand out, and as large surfaces in moody rooms.
What colors go with abaddon black?
Bone White #f1e1b0The pale warm white reads clearly against this depth without turning clinical.Dusty Rose #b56f76A muted pink softens the heavy dark and adds worn, gentle warmth.Ochre #cc7722Earthy yellow reads like lamplight against soot, warming without brightening.Sage Green #9caf88The muted green keeps things natural where a pure white would feel harsh.Terracotta #e2725bBaked clay brings heat to a color that holds almost none.
Questions about Abaddon Black
What is the hex code for Abaddon Black?
Abaddon Black is #231f20. In RGB that is rgb(35, 31, 32), in HSL hsl(345, 6%, 13%) and in CMYK 0%, 11%, 9%, 86%.
Why is Abaddon Black #231f20 better than pure black for UI design?
Abaddon Black provides a softer, more sophisticated look than pure black, which can often appear too harsh on high-resolution screens. It reduces eye strain in dark mode interfaces while maintaining a professional, high-contrast appearance that keeps long-form text readable.
Is Abaddon Black readable on white or black?
Abaddon Black has a 16.30:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.28:1 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.