Green Waterloo
General Information about Green Waterloo
#12110B, also known as Green Waterloo, is a very dark, muted shade of green. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 7.1% red, 6.7% green, and 4.3% blue. In the CMYK color model, its composition is 0% cyan, 6% magenta, 40% yellow, and 93% black. This color leans heavily towards the black end of the spectrum, giving it a deep, almost charcoal-like appearance. It evokes a sense of earthiness and can be associated with nature, stability, and quiet sophistication. Due to its low luminance, it is often used as an accent color or as a background for lighter elements to create contrast. The color is considered a tertiary color as it lies between green and black. The color is not vibrant and creates a sense of calm and can work well in minimalistic designs or as part of a natural and earthy pallette.
The hex color #12110B presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its very low luminance. Its contrast ratio against white (#FFFFFF) is extremely poor, making text or graphical elements rendered in this color difficult, if not impossible, for many users to perceive, especially those with visual impairments. Individuals with low vision, color blindness, or cataracts would struggle to distinguish this color from a dark background. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) require a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text against its background. This color falls far short of meeting these standards. Therefore, using #12110B for text or important UI elements should be avoided. If this color is crucial for branding, consider using it sparingly and pairing it with very light backgrounds or employing techniques like color overlays with sufficient contrast to ensure readability and accessibility. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools and real users with disabilities is essential.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #34332c
A slightly lighter shade of green, #34332C, maintains a similar aesthetic while offering improved contrast against light backgrounds, making it a more accessible choice for text and user interface elements.
- #24231e
Using a desaturated shade like #24231E retains the muted, earthy tone but can be more easily paired with contrasting colors for better readability and visual clarity.
- #11120b
As a direct alternative the color #11120B, is an attempt to inverse the original, and may provide sufficient contrast for some use cases.
Applications
Interior Design
In interior design, #12110B can be used as an accent color in rooms with natural light, such as a study or library, to create a cozy and sophisticated ambiance. It works well on textured surfaces like velvet cushions or matte-painted walls, paired with lighter neutrals to prevent the space from feeling too dark. The color's grounding effect can enhance a sense of tranquility and focus. It could also be used on the lower half of a wall with a lighter color above.
Web Development
In web development, #12110B can serve as a background color for website sections intended to evoke a sense of sophistication or mystery. However, careful consideration must be given to contrast ratios for text and other elements placed on this background to ensure accessibility. For example, it could work in a hero section of an artistic website.
Fashion
In fashion, #12110B can be used as a base color for clothing items like coats or trousers, providing a versatile and understated backdrop for bolder accessories or statement pieces. Its neutral nature makes it suitable for both casual and formal wear, lending an air of sophistication and understated style. It works particularly well in textures like wool, corduroy, or leather, accentuating the depth of the color.