We continue our series of articles Anatomy of Colors which consider the usage of all the colors in web design.Today’s part is devoted to the darkest side of the color spectrum, it’s a black color.
Each of us was played with paints in childhood. Remember that experiment with different colors when you realized that the more colors you mix, the darker color you’d get? In the end, it turns into dirty brown or black.
Is black a color or a lack of color? Maybe it’s an overabundance of color? If you ask, the scientists will tell you that black absorbs all the colors of the visual spectrum. Today’s study of black color will show you how black color can affect our lives. So, let’s start.
Black is real sensation, even if it is produced by entire absence of light. The sensation of black is distinctly different from the lack of all sensations.
- Hermann von Helmholtz
Meaning of Black Color
Black does not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum. It absorbs all frequencies of light. Black color is often considered as the lack of light color. Sometimes, it’s also can be described as “achromatic”, or lack of color shades, which in practice is an individual color.
In contrast with brightness, which is impressive in any combination of colors and stimulates all three types of color-sensitive visual receptors, black do not reflect the light.
As mentioned above about the children’s experiments, if you mix a certain proportion of the three primary pigments, the outcome shade will reflect so little light that it appears black. This is contradictory, but still true description of black.
Advantages Of Black Color
Black is a strict and formal color. It’s also respected and powerful. This color might cause strong emotions, but at the same time it can be overwhelming. A black color makes the room visually smaller. Even the illuminated room will look dark if there are a lot of black subjects.
Women like to wear black clothes, because it makes them look slimmer and gives a feeling of sophistication and style. It’s used to express elegance with a fragment of mystery. I do believe that every woman has a little black dress in her wardrobe. Black color is harmonious, so it is easy to combine with other colors. It is a symbol of classical and office style.
Other colors look vivid compared to black. It impresses us physically and emotionally. But, as in all things, there are some cons in black.
It can be used both in good and bad ways. Black can make us feel invisible when we need it. It can cause a feeling of mysticism. However, black color can be dark and dull. It’s the embodiment of emptiness, it may cause fear and alienation as picks up all the other colors of our lives. Boo! 
Choosing Black
Black is associated with many things. It’s conservative and goes well with other colors. Black is a serious, powerful, elegant color, but it is also often regarded as the color of despair and loneliness.
It gives the impression of a difference and it’s perfect for high quality products, such as perfumes, expensive wines, luxury cars, mobile devices and electronics. Due to its universality and contrast, black is a favorite choice of color in advertising.
Cultural Considerations
In many cultures black is the color of mourning. It’s considered as the color of death. People don’t like black on weddings, so only those who are against this marriage can wear black.
In China it’s the color for boys, as well as a symbol of nobility and honor in Japan. In the movie, negative characters often wear black clothes, and good – white ones. White angel and black devil, as symbols of the endless struggle between good and evil. Black is one of the primary colors for Halloween along with orange.
However, black not always looks negative especially these days. Think of Batman, The Dark Knight, Hero of the night or a classic black tuxedo of James Bond, which exudes style, sophistication and mystery. Even the Spanish people defender Zorro dressed in a black cape and mask.
Types of Black in Design
Dark shades such as dark brown sometimes mistaken for black. As the perfect technical color, black is often helps in the planning of complex or high-end youth market because of its association with the mystique and style.
The overabundance of black is not always good, because it might be inhibitory. At the same time, a black background improves vision and depth, unfortunately, reduces readability. Black is a very effective for portfolio site, because it makes light colors visually bright and outstanding.
You may think that the black is just black and nothing more. But, actually, there are various shades and combinations thereof.
Showcase of Black Website Examples
These designers have decided to use black as a base for their brand and it has paid off. As you may have already noticed, the black goes well with all the shades. Many of these sites have added other colors into the design to reduce the sharpness of black and create a more friendly and personal approach to your site. Here are some examples of awesome usage of black color in web design.
Afterwords
Black color is inevitable. It’s around us. Instead of avoiding it, maybe it’s time to accept it and learn to look at it in a more positive light. Do the dirty work for yourself!
Is black your favourite color? Do you have a fear of using black in the design or everyday life? Tell us about it. If you come across other sites that use black color, share the links with us.
Enjoy!
Awesome article! Thanks for sharing useful info
I love using black in my design work,it works great on photography templates and adds a sence of calm if used right
Some great examples here…I would have to agree with Ian, black works brilliantly with photography templates.
Some nice sites,i love the red on the citan.mercedes template,it really stands out and just adds that sence of color.