5 modern alternatives to black that add more depth to your website

Black isn’t just black.

Relying blindly on #000000 in web design can quickly lead to a look that feels cheap or overloaded – especially in dark mode.

The good news?

There are elegant alternatives that bring more depth, more atmosphere, and – most importantly – a more premium feel to your website.

Here are our five favorites:

1. #121212 – The new dark mode standard

This shade has become the favorite of modern interfaces. Whether it’s Apple, Android, or YouTube – #121212 is the subtle superstar in the background. Why? Because it offers the best of both worlds: the depth of black, without the harshness.

• feels less glaring

• easier on the eyes in dark environments

• makes text and UI elements appear more natural

• creates elegant contrast without being too stark

• looks especially premium on OLED displays

The key: #121212 is dark enough to create real contrast – without the “black hole” effect that true black (#000000) often causes. It’s especially effective across large areas or as a background for content sections.

Our tip:

Pair #121212 with:

• light grays like #E0E0E0 or #F5F5F5 for readability

• soft accent colors like #00ADB5 (modern turquoise) or #FF6F61 (warm coral)

• clean white spaces to highlight key elements

• glassmorphism or neumorphism styles that really stand out on dark backgrounds

This creates a look that’s modern, subtle, and visually pleasant – perfect for premium brands, tech products, or stylish portfolios.

2. #1C1C1E – For high-end minimalism

A touch lighter than #121212 but just as modern – #1C1C1E is the secret weapon for those who love clean, elegant, and graphic design.

This tone instantly conveys a sense of design sophistication. It’s dark enough to provide strong contrast, yet not so harsh that it overwhelms the content. Brands that focus on aesthetics, luxury, or innovation often use #1C1C1E to reinforce their identity.

• looks especially refined when paired with white (#FFFFFF) or ivory (#FDFDFD)

• ideal for websites with large visuals or minimalist typography

• creates visual calm – perfect for portfolio sites, editorial layouts, or high-fashion brands

Our tip:

Use #1C1C1E as your primary background color in combination with:

• fine light gray lines (#DADADA) for UI elements

• subtle serif typography for a print-inspired look & feel

• accent areas in beige or gold tones (e.g. #C9B37E) for a luxurious touch

• generous whitespace to create balance and make your content stand out

If you want a website that doesn’t just look digital but feels like editorial design, #1C1C1E is your go-to.

3. #181818 – The “Netflix” solution

Who doesn’t recognize the signature Netflix look?

Dark, elegant, atmospheric – and by no means “just black.”

The background of many video-driven platforms is based on a tone like #181818:

A rich, deep gray that puts content front and center while providing a sense of visual calm.

• ideal for emotional websites, video content & storytelling

• works perfectly with bold CTA buttons (e.g. Netflix red: #E50914)

• makes colors, images, and thumbnails pop

• feels less rigid and tech-heavy than #000000 – more human, more cinematic

Our tip:

Use #181818 when your website:

• features a lot of video, cinematics, or testimonials

• aims to build an emotional brand world (e.g. in fashion, coaching, film, or events)

• should act as a stage for your content – not the UI itself

Pair it with:

• bold accent colors like red (#E50914), turquoise (#00FFE0), or electric blue (#005CFF)

• large-scale hero sections where your video or imagery can truly shine

• round or minimalist fonts that add personality to the look

#181818 is your stage – and your content is the star.

4. #0D0D0D – The Underdog

Less known – and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting:

#0D0D0D is extremely dark, almost black – but not quite.

This subtle nuance makes all the difference between something that feels flat and lifeless and something that feels deep and high-end.

• adds depth without the “black hole” effect that pure black (#000000) often creates

• pairs beautifully with light and shadow effects

• especially striking with soft shadows or neumorphism-style design

• great for elegant footers, modal overlays, hero slides, or even full landing pages

#0D0D0D is the perfect compromise for anyone seeking a dark aesthetic without harsh visuals. It feels soft, mystical, and calm – without sacrificing clarity.

Our tip:

Combine #0D0D0D with:

• subtle glow or glassmorphism effects – for a slightly futuristic vibe

• light UI elements like icons or input fields in #EAEAEA or #F1F1F1

• gentle gradients from #0D0D0D to #121212 to create even more depth

• soft animations to present your content with elegance

Ideal for brands that want to convey calm elegance, technological depth, or a touch of mystery – without coming across as loud or over-designed.

5. #222222 – The versatile dark gray

The all-rounder among dark tones:

#222222 may not be flashy – and that’s exactly what makes it so valuable.

It’s the quiet, clever alternative to harsh black. Unobtrusive. Professional. Timelessly modern.

• great for technical, clean websites and functional interfaces

• less visually aggressive than #000000 – making it feel calmer and more confident

• excellent readability when paired with light-colored text

• ideal for structural elements like navbars, card backgrounds, or UI containers

Whether you’re building a B2B website, a SaaS interface, or a developer portfolio – #222222 always fits. It adds structure without overpowering the rest of your design.

Our tip:

Use #222222 when you want to:

• convey technical expertise and clarity

• work with white or gray text (#FAFAFA, #CCCCCC)

• use a background that supports rather than dominates

• subtly highlight icons and lines

Pair it with accent colors like:

• Lime green (#C0FF00) for freshness and innovation

• Electric blue (#3385FF) for a modern, digital vibe

• Soft orange (#FFAA66) for warmth and approachability

#222222 is the dark counterpart to light neutrals – perfect for modern designs that let the content shine instead of relying on noise.

Final Thought: “Almost-black” is the new black

#000000 still has its place – but if you want your design to feel modern, refined, and balanced, subtle shades are the way to go.

In the era of dark modes, OLED screens, and UX-first design, working with depth and nuance is more relevant than ever.

Not sure which tones match your brand or need feedback on your color scheme?

Send us a message – we’ll help you create a website that feels modern, accessible, and beautifully designed.