Black Bean
General Information
The hexadecimal color code #04170D, often referred to as "Black Bean," is a dark shade of green with subtle earthy undertones. It is composed of 1.57% red, 9.02% green, and 5.1% blue. In the RGB color space, #04170D has the numerical representation (4, 23, 13). In terms of perception, this color tends to evoke feelings of nature, depth, and groundedness. Due to its very low luminance, it falls into the category of very dark colors. The color is not one of the standard web safe colors. This color is often used to represent elegance and subtly, and requires other surrounding colors to make it more vivid.
The color #04170D, also known as Black Bean, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low luminance (very dark) means it offers minimal contrast against typical light backgrounds, such as white or light gray. This lack of contrast makes text and other visual elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring content is perceivable. To meet accessibility standards, #04170D should be paired with much lighter colors to achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the color combination meets these guidelines, promoting inclusivity and usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #14271d
A slightly lighter shade of green provides better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #222222
A dark grey offers a neutral alternative that can work well with various design styles and provide better legibility than #04170D.
- #36453B
A dark olive green provides a subtle touch of color while ensuring readability and accessibility.
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, #04170D can be employed sparingly for decorative elements such as borders or subtle background accents. However, it should be avoided for text or interactive elements due to accessibility concerns regarding contrast. When used, it's best paired with very light colors or used in conjunction with other visual cues to ensure usability.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, #04170D can serve as a grounding color for accent walls or furniture pieces in rooms designed to evoke a sense of nature or tranquility. Its depth and richness can complement natural materials like wood and stone. However, it's important to balance the darkness with ample lighting and lighter accent colors to prevent the space from feeling too somber or small. The color is best used in rooms with natural light, or in combination with other lighter contrasting materials.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #04170D can be used as a base color for clothing items such as trousers, skirts, or jackets. It can be paired with lighter colors for contrast, or with similar dark shades for a monochrome look. It also works well as an accent color in accessories such as belts or shoes. Its versatility allows for both casual and formal styling.