Dark Fern
General Information about #035408
The hexadecimal color code #035408 represents a very dark shade of green, often referred to as Dark Fern. It is composed of 1.18% red, 32.94% green, and 3.14% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 3 red, 84 green, and 8 blue. The color has a hue angle of 123.6 degrees, a saturation of 93.22%, and a lightness of 17.06%. Dark Fern is frequently associated with nature, specifically forests and foliage, due to its resemblance to the color of ferns. It can evoke feelings of calmness, tranquility, and stability. However, its darkness means it must be used carefully in design to ensure sufficient contrast with other elements.
The color #035408, also known as Dark Fern, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of 3 and contrast ratio of 1.27:1 against white fails to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for text and non-text contrast. This means that text rendered in this color on a white background (or vice versa) would be difficult to read for many users, including those with low vision or color blindness. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to either lighten the color significantly or use it with a very light background color, or to increase its contrast ratio to at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This could involve exploring alternative color combinations or using color contrast analysis tools to ensure sufficient readability for a wider audience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3cb371
A lighter shade of green offers improved readability and contrast against light backgrounds, making it more accessible.
- #8fbc8f
A muted, desaturated green provides a more subtle and calming aesthetic while maintaining better contrast than Dark Fern.
- #228b22
A darker, but still accessible, forest green offers a similar natural feel while enhancing text legibility.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Dark Fern (#035408) can be employed sparingly as an accent color to evoke a sense of nature, tranquility, or sophistication. It can be used for subtle background elements, borders, or icons, but its limited contrast makes it unsuitable for large blocks of text or crucial interactive elements. When utilizing it, ensure adequate contrast with surrounding elements and provide alternative visual cues for users with visual impairments, such as using icons or labels alongside the color.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Dark Fern can be incorporated to bring a touch of the outdoors inside, creating a calming and grounded atmosphere. It could be used for wall paint in a study or reading room, or as an accent color in furniture or decor. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, and complements lighter, brighter colors to prevent the space from feeling too dark or enclosed. The deep green promotes relaxation and focus, making it suitable for spaces intended for rest or concentration.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, Dark Fern can be used as an elegant and earthy tone for garments and accessories, especially for fall and winter seasons. It evokes a sense of natural sophistication and can be paired with neutral colors like beige, brown, or gray for a balanced look. It works well for outerwear, such as jackets or coats, or as an accent color in scarves or handbags. It is often associated with a classic, timeless style, lending itself well to garments made from natural fibers like wool or cotton.