Forest Green
General Information about Forest Green
The color #00871f, commonly known as forest green, is a dark shade of green that resembles the color of trees and foliage in a forest. It has a strong association with nature, growth, and tranquility. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0% red, 52.9% green, and 12.2% blue. In the CMYK color model, used in printing, it comprises 100% cyan, 0% magenta, 76.9% yellow, and 47.1% black. Forest green is often used in design to convey a sense of calmness, stability, and connection to the environment. It can be used in branding, websites, and interior design to create a natural and grounding aesthetic.
The hex color #00871f, also known as forest green, presents some accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value of approximately 10% means that text rendered in this color may not provide sufficient contrast against a white or light-colored background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Therefore, when using #00871f for text, it's crucial to pair it with a very light color, such as white or a pale yellow, to meet these contrast requirements. For graphical elements and user interface components, a contrast ratio of 3:1 is generally acceptable. Tools like contrast checkers can assist in verifying that the chosen color combinations meet the necessary accessibility standards, ensuring a more inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3cb371
A lighter shade of green that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds, making it suitable for text and user interface elements.
- #90ee90
A more muted green that can be used as a background color, providing a calm and natural feel without being too overpowering.
- #228b22
A dark green alternative that is close to forest green but offers a slightly better contrast ratio when used on lighter backgrounds.
Applications
Website Design for Nature-Related Businesses
In web design, forest green can be utilized to evoke a sense of nature, tranquility, and growth. It's especially suitable for websites related to environmental organizations, organic food stores, or outdoor adventure companies. As a primary color, it can establish a brand identity centered around sustainability and health. Forest green can also serve as an accent color to highlight calls to action or emphasize important information. However, designers should carefully consider its accessibility by ensuring sufficient contrast with text and background colors, using tools to verify compliance with WCAG guidelines.
Interior Design for Calming Spaces
In interior design, forest green is a versatile color that can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It can be used as a wall color in bedrooms or living rooms to promote relaxation and connection with nature. Complementary colors like warm yellows or earthy browns can be incorporated through furniture and accessories to enhance the overall aesthetic. Forest green is also suitable for accent pieces, such as throw pillows, curtains, or rugs, to add a touch of elegance and organic feel to any space. Consider the lighting of the room to determine the best shade and intensity of forest green.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, forest green provides a grounded and sophisticated look, often associated with a classic and timeless style. It's commonly used in outerwear such as coats or jackets, and pairs well with neutral colors like beige, brown, and gray, offering versatility and understated elegance. Forest green can also feature as an accent color in accessories like scarves, hats, or bags, bringing depth and a touch of nature to any outfit. When considering fabrics, materials like velvet, wool, and corduroy complement forest green's rich and luxurious feel, suitable for both casual and formal occasions.