Dark Fern
General Information about Dark Fern (#104E0F)
The hexadecimal color #104E0F, also known as Dark Fern, is a dark shade of green. It is composed of 6.27% red, 30.59% green, and 5.88% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to (16, 78, 15). In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 79.49% cyan, 0% magenta, 81.76% yellow, and 69.41% black. Its dark nature gives it a subtle, understated presence, reminiscent of deep forests and natural landscapes. Dark Fern can evoke feelings of tranquility, nature, and sophistication, but its low lightness requires careful consideration for accessibility, particularly in digital applications where contrast is crucial for readability. The color's earthy tone makes it suitable for designs aiming to convey a sense of organic or natural appeal.
The color #104E0F, also known as Dark Fern, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Its low lightness value of approximately 12% results in very poor contrast against typical light backgrounds like white. 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. Dark Fern falls far short of these recommendations when paired with light backgrounds, making text difficult to read. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to use Dark Fern sparingly for text and only on very dark backgrounds to create sufficient contrast. Consider using lighter shades of green or employing a contrast checker tool to verify compliance with accessibility standards. Meaningful non-text content using this color should also be carefully evaluated for sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e8b57
A slightly lighter shade of green that offers improved contrast while maintaining a natural, earthy feel.
- #6b8e23
A desaturated green that provides a more muted and subtle appearance, suitable for backgrounds.
- #32cd32
A brighter green which provides better visibility. Can be used as a highlight color.
Applications
Website Design for Nature-themed Websites
Dark Fern can be effectively used in website designs aiming for a natural, earthy, or organic aesthetic. It can be incorporated into background elements, borders, or as an accent color to evoke a sense of nature and tranquility. However, careful consideration should be given to its use for text or interactive elements due to accessibility concerns. When used in conjunction with lighter, contrasting colors, Dark Fern can create a sophisticated and visually appealing design. For example, it can be used for the header section of a gardening website, paired with white text and imagery of plants.
Interior Design for Calming Spaces
In interior design, Dark Fern can be used to create a calming and grounding atmosphere. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or decorative accents to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Its dark and subtle nature makes it a good choice for creating a relaxing space in bedrooms, living rooms, or studies. When combined with natural materials like wood and stone, Dark Fern can enhance the sense of connection to nature, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation. Consider it for an accent wall in a minimalist living room.
Fashion and Apparel Design
In fashion, Dark Fern can be used as a versatile base color or accent to complement various styles. It works especially well with earthy and natural-toned outfits, offering a subtle yet sophisticated touch. Due to its darker shade, Dark Fern can be used in outerwear or more formal wear, exuding elegance and refinement. It combines beautifully with gold or bronze accessories.