offblack

Offblack is a term used in design, fashion, and color theory to describe deep dark hues that are not pure black. It denotes colors in the black family that carry subtle undertones of other colors—such as blue, brown, green, or purple—or that appear as very dark gray under certain lighting. Because it is not a standardized color with a single hex or CMYK value, offblack is defined by perception and context rather than fixed specifications.

Common undertones include blue-black, gray-black, and brownish-black. The feeling of offblack can vary with lighting, material, and viewing device, making it a flexible choice for palettes that require depth without the high contrast of true black.

In interior design and branding, offblack is used to soften contrasts and create a sophisticated, contemporary look. In typography and web design, near-black shades can improve legibility against white or light backgrounds while preserving a dark aesthetic. Designers should verify color contrast against accessibility standards, as very dark hues may affect readability on some displays.

Variations and related terms: Offblack is closely related to near-black, charcoal, jet black, and blue-black. In practice, designers choose specific hex, RGB, or CMYK values to achieve the desired undertone, testing under different lighting and materials.