Woodsmoke
General Information about Woodsmoke
The hex color #140D0E, often referred to as Woodsmoke, is a very dark, muted shade. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 7.84% red, 5.1% green, and 5.49% blue. This low percentage of each primary color results in its deep, near-black appearance. Woodsmoke belongs to the family of grayscale colors, leaning towards the darker end of the spectrum. Its primary characteristic is its subtle, almost imperceptible, warm undertone, derived from the slightly higher red component compared to green and blue. This color evokes feelings of sophistication, mystery, and reserve. It is frequently associated with high-end design, modern aesthetics, and environments where a sense of understated elegance is desired. Its versatility allows it to be used as a background, accent, or dominant color, depending on the application and the desired effect.
The color #140D0E, also known as Woodsmoke, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark nature. Its low luminance results in extremely poor contrast against standard light backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to discern text or interface elements. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) require a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Woodsmoke fails to meet these standards when paired with typical whites or light grays. To improve accessibility, consider using Woodsmoke sparingly, primarily as a decorative accent. When it is used for text or interactive elements, ensure a sufficiently light color, such as white or a very pale yellow, is used as the foreground color to achieve an adequate contrast ratio. Tools are available online to check color contrast ratios to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. A thorough assessment is essential to provide an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #282324
A slightly lighter shade of gray that provides a similar dark aesthetic but offers improved contrast against light backgrounds.
- #2c2d30
A dark charcoal color with a hint of blue, which can add visual interest while maintaining a dark and sophisticated look.
- #2b2120
A dark brown that's similar to woodsmoke but can offer a richer, warmer tone, still maintaining a dark color.
Applications
Website Background
Woodsmoke can be used as a background color for website sections intended to convey a sense of sophistication and understated elegance. Employ it for headers, footers, or sidebars where a subtle, dark backdrop is desired. Pair it with lighter text colors, such as off-white or pale gray, to ensure readability. Additionally, consider using Woodsmoke for graphical elements like icons or borders, where its dark hue can provide a subtle contrast against lighter elements on the page. Ensure sufficient spacing and padding to maintain visual clarity and prevent the dark background from overwhelming the content.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Woodsmoke can be employed as an accent wall color or for furniture pieces to introduce a touch of modern minimalism. The color's muted tone makes it suitable for creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. Coordinate with lighter, warmer colors such as cream, beige, or light wood tones to prevent the space from feeling too dark and enclosed. Woodsmoke can also be used for smaller decorative items, like vases or picture frames, to subtly tie together a room's color scheme.
Fashion Color Palette
In fashion, woodsmoke can be utilized as a base color for creating a sophisticated and edgy look. As an apparel choice, it can be used as the color for a jacket, pants or dress. As an accent, it can be used for jewelry or shoes. Pair with light colored accessories or clothing to create contrast.