Black Bean
General Information about #031515
The hex color #031515, often referred to as "Black Bean", is a very dark, muted shade of green. It is composed of 1.18% red, 8.24% green, and 8.24% blue. In the RGB color model, it is defined as RGB(3, 21, 21). This color has a very low saturation and brightness, making it appear almost black to the human eye. The CMYK representation of #031515 is C:0.86, M:0.00, Y:0.00, K:0.92. In the HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) model, #031515 has a hue angle of 180 degrees, a saturation of 77.8%, and a lightness of 4.7%. Due to its darkness, it can be challenging to work with in design, requiring careful consideration of contrast and accessibility.
The color #031515, also known as Black Bean, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.004 makes it difficult to distinguish from pure black. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Black Bean fails miserably in this regard when paired with most text colors, including white. Using this color for text or crucial UI elements will likely result in a poor user experience and exclude individuals with low vision or color blindness. Therefore, avoid using #031515 for interactive elements or text. If you must use it, ensure a very light color is used for text and has a contrast ratio that meets WCAG AA or AAA standards. Also consider adding further visual aids to improve usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #132525
A slightly lighter shade offers better contrast while maintaining a similar dark, muted tone.
- #0a2121
This alternative provides a bit more visibility without straying far from the original dark aesthetic.
- #222222
A dark grey that is more readable but can still convey a serious and subdued ambiance.
Applications
Subtle UI Backgrounds
In UI design, #031515 can serve as a background for elements where subtlety is key. For example, it can be used for sidebars or panels that should not distract the user from the main content. However, it's crucial to ensure that any text or interactive elements placed on this background have sufficient contrast to meet accessibility standards. For a modern and sophisticated look, this color could also be used in single-page websites to create a calm and engaging visual experience. Consider combining it with lighter shades of gray or teal accents to keep the design balanced and inviting.
Understated Fashion
In fashion, Black Bean can be an interesting alternative to pure black, offering a softer, more understated look. It's versatile enough to be used in both casual and formal wear. For example, a Black Bean dress or suit can be paired with brighter accessories to create a sophisticated and balanced ensemble. Also, this color is suitable for shoes or bags. It combines well with gold or silver jewelry. When using Black Bean in fashion, consider the texture of the fabric, as this can influence how the color appears under different lighting conditions.
Calming Interior Accents
In interior design, #031515 works well as an accent color in rooms where a calming atmosphere is desired. It can be used on walls, furniture, or decorative items. When using this color, balance it with lighter colors such as cream, beige, or light gray to prevent the space from feeling too dark or enclosed. Metallic accents, such as copper or brass, can also complement this shade, adding warmth and visual interest to the room. Consider using it in bedrooms or home offices to promote relaxation and focus.