Complementary
Maximum contrast — logos, CTAs, bold pairs
← Back to Cool GraysOpen in Generator → Advanced contrast checker → Simulate in checker →
Cool Grays
Black Wash
Psychology
This understated black can evoke feelings of quiet contemplation, subtlety, and a gentle sense of mystery rather than stark finality.
History & Origin
Similar muted blacks have been used in ink washes and charcoal drawings for centuries, valued for their ability to create depth and shadow without harshness.
Combinations
Harmonious pairings from this color. Click any swatch to copy.
Values & Conversions
Copy any format — sRGB, print, and perceptual OKLCH.
CSS
Accessibility
WCAG 2.2 contrast for the pairings designers use most.
Recommended
Readable body text at this size.
19.56:1AAA
Use white text for body copy, labels, and controls.
✓ Small text✓ Large text
All pairings
Aa
White on color
19.56:1AAA
Aa
Black on color
1.07:1Fail
Aa
Color on white
19.56:1AAA
Aa
Color on black
1.07:1Fail
Variations
Shades, tints, and tones in 10% steps — built for real UI states.
Darker steps for hover, shadow, and pressed states.
Design token scale
50–950 ramp for systems workColor vision
How this color reads under common forms of color vision deficiency.
Similar colors
Perceptually closest named colors in the library.