Black is a color that absorbs all light in the visible spectrum. It is an achromatic color, literally a color without hue. Black is one of the most common and popular colors in design, fashion, and art because of its unique light absorbing properties. But black is more complex than it may seem. There are actually many different shades and tints of black that give it different visual qualities. In this article, we will explore the different shades of black, how they are created, and how they are used.
The Basics of Black
Pure black is the complete absence of light. To create a true black, all wavelengths of visible light must be absorbed. Most black colors are not actually completely black. Adding a small amount of other colors can affect the shade. Black sits opposite white on the color wheel. Tinting black with white will lighten the shade, while mixing with other colors darkens or changes the hue.
Shades of Black
There are many shades of black used in design. Here are some of the most common:
Jet Black
Jet black is a very dark, pure black. Of all black shades, jet black reflects the least amount of light. It is an intense black color and differs from standard black with its slight blue undertone. Jet black gets its name from the mineraloid jet. This material was often used in mourning jewelry in the Victorian era.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a black with a greyish tint. It is much softer than a true black. Charcoal gets its name from its resemblance to the charred wood material. It has a slightly warm undertone from the wood ash. Charcoal works well for softer black and grey scale designs.
Ebony
Ebony is a black with a greenish undertone. This deep dark shade is named after the deep black wood. It differs from standard black because of its subtle green/blue tint. Ebony was a popular color in Art Deco designs.
Onyx
Onyx is often used interchangeably with jet black. But technically Onyx is slightly lighter with a brown undertone. Onyx gets its name from the banded black and white stone. The color onyx differs from jet black because of its subtle dark brown warmth.
Licorice
Licorice is a black with a red or purple undertone. This black shade is named after the root that flavors licorice candy. Adding red or purple pigments to black creates this dark hue. Licorice black has an earthy feel.
| Shade | Description |
|---|---|
| Jet Black | Pure, intense black with a slight blue undertone |
| Charcoal | Black with a greyish tint and warm undertone |
| Ebony | Black with a subtle green/blue undertone |
| Onyx | Slightly lighter black with a subtle brown warmth |
| Licorice | Black with a red or purple undertone |
How Shades of Black Are Made
There are a few different ways to make the various shades of black:
Pigments
The most common way black shades are created is by adding specific pigments to the base black color. Pigments are powdered color particles suspended in a medium like paint or ink. Common pigments used to mix blacks include:
– Blue or green pigments like phthalocyanine or chromium oxide for ebony blacks
– Brown pigments like raw umber or sepia for onyx blacks
– Red or purple pigments like carbazole violet for licorice blacks
– Titanium dioxide white pigment to lighten blacks to charcoal
Dyes
Fabric dyeing uses soluble dyes to color fabrics like clothing. Dyes chemically bond to the fabric while pigments sit on the surface. Combining dyes is another way to produce different black shades.
Mixing
Mixing colored media is another technique. Mixing a small amount of a color like blue, brown, or purple with black paint, ink, dye, or pigment will produce the desired black shade.
Lighting
The appearance of black can also be altered with lighting techniques. Using certain types of lighting can accentuate subtle undertones in blacks. Cool blue lighting brings out the subtle blue shades, while warm light accentuates earthy undertones.
Uses of Different Black Shades
The various shades of black have many unique uses across design disciplines:
Graphic Design
In graphic design, small variations in black shades can make a big impact. Deep jet blacks work best for bold graphic elements. Charcoal black is perfect for softer designs or as a background color.
Logos
Black is a popular color for logos because of its versatility. Soft charcoal black logos project approachability while intense jet black logos signal power and luxury.
Fashion
Black is a staple color in fashion. But runway designers often incorporate different shades of black to add depth and interest. A charcoal grey black might contrast with a jet black garment.
Product Design
Industrial designers use black shades to convey different product personalities. A matte jet black signals professional elegance in tech products, while a softer black suggests approachability.
Interior Design
Interior designers carefully choose blacks to create different moods. A crisp jet black accent wall makes a dramatic statement, while an ebony black sofa appears more relaxed and natural.
Art
Painters blend custom blacks to create depth and interest. A work featuring intense, jet black contrasted with muted charcoals and grey blacks is striking.
Psychology of Black Shades
The different shades of black evoke psychological responses:
Bold Jet Black
Intense jet blacks feel powerful, elegant and sophisticated. Pure black signals luxury and authority.
Soft Charcoal Black
Charcoal black feels warmer, relaxed and approachable. Soft blacks suggest comfort and subtlety.
Cool Ebony Black
The cool green/blue undertone of ebony black feels calm and natural. Ebony shades work for organic and earthy designs.
Warm Onyx Black
With its brown undertone, Onyx black feels earthy and accessible. Its warmth gives it a vintage, timeless quality.
Vibrant Licorice Black
The subtly energetic purple/red undertone of licorice black feels mystical and visionary. It has an edgy, creative vibe.
Conclusion
Black is an incredibly versatile color with many shades and tints to explore. Small variations in black tones can create totally different visual effects. Whether you seek an intense jet black, or prefer a softer charcoal, the perfect black shade exists for your design needs. So don’t be afraid to experiment with light and pigments to customize your own perfect black. Subtle variations can make all the difference in the personality and mood your designs convey.
