Black Bean
General Information about Black Bean
The color #041814, commonly known as Black Bean, is a very dark shade of green, almost black, characterized by its low saturation and luminance. It resides in the dark end of the color spectrum, and is often used to convey a sense of sophistication, mystery, or elegance. Due to its muted nature, it can serve as a subtle and unobtrusive background, allowing other elements in a design to stand out. Black Bean is used in branding, web design, and interior decoration. The hex code #041814 is composed of 1.6% red, 9.4% green, and 7.8% blue. In the RGB color model, these values combine to create the dark, earthy tone associated with the color. This makes it a unique shade that evokes nature and subtle elegance.
The hex color #041814, also known as Black Bean, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. Its extremely dark nature means that text or interactive elements rendered in this color require very light foreground colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Web developers should carefully evaluate the chosen foreground color to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Using contrast checking tools during design and development is crucial. Moreover, providing alternative color schemes or allowing users to customize colors can improve accessibility for individuals with specific visual needs. Ignoring these considerations could result in content that is difficult or impossible for some users to perceive, leading to a poor user experience and non-compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of green-black, offering improved readability against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A dark olive green that provides better contrast than pure black bean, suitable for backgrounds and text.
Similar dark tone with improved accessibility with lighter text
Applications
Website Background
In web design, Black Bean can serve as a sophisticated background color for websites aiming for a dark and elegant theme. It can be used to create a sense of depth and luxury, especially when paired with gold or cream accents. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements, which might necessitate using lighter shades of green or other complementary colors for buttons and links. It is often combined with sans-serif font for clear and modern design, as well as used in web designs for a corporate business or financial establishment.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #041814 can be used as an accent color in small doses, such as for painting a feature wall or selecting furniture pieces. Its deep, muted tone brings a sense of grounded sophistication to a room. Complementary colors like mustard yellow or rust orange can be used to create a visually striking contrast and to prevent the space from feeling too dark or monotonous. This color would pair nicely with wood or stone features, as well as metallic accents.
Fashion Apparel
Within the fashion industry, the Black Bean hue can be a striking choice for apparel, conveying sophistication and understated elegance. When used in fabrics like velvet or silk, it accentuates their rich texture and luster. It's commonly seen in evening wear, accessories like leather bags, and footwear. This color works well when paired with metallic jewelry or brighter accent colors in scarves or other accessories. The color adds a subtle tone to an outfit without being overtly garish.