What Color is Black Coral
Black Coral is a muted, desaturated blue-gray that mimics the enigmatic depths of the open sea. It acts as a sophisticated, understated, and versatile alternative to traditional neutrals, providing more character than gray without the heaviness of pure black.
What color is opposite Black Coral?
The opposite color to Black Coral is Pine Cone (#6e6053).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Blue
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #6E6053
- Brightness: 95/255
- Saturation: 24%
Colors That Pair Well With Black Coral
Complementary
Pair with Pine Cone for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Bronco for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Black Coral History
In the history of art, this specific range of desaturated blues gained prominence during the Tonalism movement of the late 19th century, where artists like James Abbott McNeill Whistler used low-chroma palettes to evoke mood and atmosphere. These shades were often achieved by mixing carbon black with small amounts of ultramarine or Prussian blue pigments.
During the mid-20th century, this color family became a staple in modernist architecture, specifically within the International Style, to ground glass and steel structures. Today, the hex code #54626F is frequently utilized in corporate identity design to bridge the gap between heritage reliability and contemporary tech aesthetics.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Black Coral is associated with stability and quiet intelligence. Unlike vibrant blues that stimulate the mind, this desaturated version lowers the pulse rate and fosters a sense of calm and introspection, making it ideal for environments requiring deep focus.
Because it sits in the 'shadow' spectrum of the blue family, it carries an emotional weight of security and protection. Culturally, it avoids the funereal connotations of true black, instead offering a sense of timelessness and maturity that suggests the viewer is in the presence of something enduring and wise.
In Nature
This hue is most accurately represented in the skeletal structures of Antipatharia, the deep-sea organisms known as black corals, which appear dark and glassy beneath the waves. It is also found in the slate deposits of coastal cliffs and the winter plumage of the Great Blue Heron. In the mineral world, the oxidized surface of galena often displays this specific, brooding blue-gray sheen.
How To Use Black Coral
From a senior designer's perspective, Black Coral serves as an elite background color for digital interfaces, particularly for luxury brands. It provides a high-contrast foundation for gold, copper, or cream typography while maintaining excellent readability and meeting modern accessibility standards for low-light environments.
In interior design, I recommend using this shade for minimalist cabinetry or accent walls to create depth. It pairs exceptionally well with natural wood tones like walnut or white oak, as the cool undertones of the paint provide a balance to the organic warmth of the timber.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Abyssal Depth
A moody, aquatic-inspired palette that explores the transitions of deep water.
Modern Executive
A professional and clean selection for high-end branding and editorial design.
Twilight Shoreline
A balanced mix of cool ocean tones and the warm glow of a setting sun.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #54626F;
color: rgb(84, 98, 111);
background-color: #54626F;
border: 3px solid #54626F;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #54626F66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #54626F 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Black Coral
Visualize and buy custom cushions made in this exact shade.
Made to order. Ships in 3-5 business days.
Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Black Coral?
Explore color palettes containing Black Coral and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Blue colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Black Coral
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Black Coral?
What colors go with Black Coral?
Is Black Coral accessible for text?
How do I use Black Coral in CSS?
You can use Black Coral in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.black-coral {
background-color: #54626F;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.