Blackwater
Also known as: Black Dragon’s Cauldron , Black Orchid , Ball Gown , Coal Tipple
Blackwater is what happens when gray turns rich and muted. The effect is balanced and versatile, made for 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).
Reference
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)
Analysis
Color intelligence
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Gamut
The full range of colors a device or space can show. sRGB is the common screen gamut; Display P3 is wider. A color outside a gamut cannot be shown accurately there and must be mapped inward.Full glossary entry →Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
Undertone
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neutral, leaning cool
subtle blue undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →- 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: a 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 for dividers, chart series, and 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
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Blackwater
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Harmonies
Color harmonies
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →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
Accessibility
Contrast & accessibility
Aa on white
contrast 7.27:1
AA pass AAA pass AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 2.89:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large fail
Best text color on a Blackwater background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Blackwater
Blackwater with its complement
Soft neighbors of Blackwater
Blackwater triad
Explore
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 .
FAQ
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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