Blackwater
Also known as: Black Dragon’s Cauldron, Black Orchid, Ball Gown, Coal Tipple
As a rich take on gray, Blackwater carries balanced and versatile energy that suits minimal interfaces and architecture. Its complement lands in gray territory, which makes for striking two-color pairings. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (7.27:1, passes WCAG AA).
Blackwater color codes
- HEX
- #545663
- RGB
- rgb(84, 86, 99)
- RGBA
- rgba(84, 86, 99, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(232, 8%, 36%)
- HSV
- hsv(232, 15%, 39%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(15%, 13%, 0%, 61%)
- LAB
- lab(36.7 1.4 -7.8)
- OKLCH
- oklch(45.6% 0.021 278.6)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning cool
subtle blue undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: dimgray#696969 · ΔE 9.8
- RAL 7015 — Slate grey#51565C · ΔE 4.7 · approximate
RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck — Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.
Where Blackwater works
- Web & UI: Use it directly for text on light surfaces; it clears AA contrast without adjustment.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land — front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: Works as a base layer or outerwear tone that lets brighter pieces do the talking.
- Branding: As a brand anchor it reads established and tactile; pair with a single vivid accent for energy.
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Blackwater
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Blackwater by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Contrast & accessibility
Aa — on white
contrast 7.27:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 2.89:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Blackwater background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Blackwater
Blackwater with its complement
Soft neighbors of Blackwater
Blackwater triad
Similar colors
- Venus Mist#5F606E · ΔE 3.8
- Smoky#605D6B · ΔE 4.0
- Isolation#494D55 · ΔE 4.7
- Freefall#565266 · ΔE 4.9
- Magnet#525054 · ΔE 5.2
- Cloak Grey#605E63 · ΔE 5.2
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Blackwater is closest to Masala.
Blackwater FAQs
What color is Blackwater?
Blackwater is a dark gray with the hex code #545663. In HSL terms it has a hue of 232°, 8% saturation, and 36% lightness.
What is the hex code for Blackwater?
The hex code for Blackwater is #545663. In RGB it's rgb(84, 86, 99), and in CMYK it's cmyk(15%, 13%, 0%, 61%).
What colors go well with Blackwater?
Blackwater pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony, and with brown accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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