Crowshead
General Information about Crowshead (#15130E)
The hexadecimal color code #15130E, also known as Crowshead, represents a very dark shade of brown. It is composed of 8.24% red, 7.45% green, and 5.49% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:21, G:19, B:14. The CMYK representation is C:0, M:0.10, Y:0.33, K:0.92. This color is often associated with earthy tones, maturity, and a sense of grounding. Its subdued nature makes it suitable for applications requiring a subtle, understated aesthetic. It's a color that evokes feelings of stability, history, and quiet sophistication. The sRGB value of this color is 21, 19, 14 and the XYZ value is 0.605, 0.649, 0.508. Its hue value is 45 degrees, its saturation is 33.3% and its lightness value is 6.9%.
The color #15130E, a deep, muted brown, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text applications. Its low lightness value results in very poor contrast against both white and black backgrounds. Using this color for text without careful consideration of contrast ratios can render content illegible for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. #15130E struggles to meet these standards with most common background colors. To enhance accessibility, it's imperative to pair it with very light shades like off-white or pale yellow to achieve sufficient contrast. Alternatively, avoid using it for text altogether and reserve it for decorative elements where legibility is not critical. When used in interactive elements, sufficient visual cues beyond color alone are necessary to ensure usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter brown that provides better contrast.
A dark gray that is more neutral and easier to pair with other colors for accessibility.
This shade is close in tone to Crowshead but offers slightly higher luminosity, improving visibility, especially against darker backgrounds. It helps maintain a similar aesthetic while enhancing readability, making it a more versatile choice for text elements and user interface components.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Crowshead can be effectively used for background elements, such as website headers or footers, to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It pairs well with lighter, contrasting colors for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and usability. For example, a website for a luxury brand could use Crowshead as a subtle background color, complemented by gold or cream-colored text. Furthermore, in data visualization, Crowshead can be used sparingly to highlight specific data points or create visual hierarchies within charts and graphs. Its dark hue allows it to stand out without overwhelming the overall design, making it a valuable tool for enhancing user engagement and comprehension.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, Crowshead can be utilized to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. It works well as an accent color on walls, furniture, or decorative elements. Paired with warm lighting and natural textures like wood and leather, Crowshead enhances the sense of comfort and relaxation. In fashion, Crowshead can be incorporated into clothing designs to add a touch of understated elegance. It is often used in accessories like belts, shoes, or handbags to complement brighter, more vibrant colors. Additionally, Crowshead can serve as a grounding color in patterns and prints, providing a sense of balance and sophistication to any outfit.
Branding
For branding, the shade is often used to convey a sense of heritage, reliability, and understated luxury. It's particularly effective for brands targeting a sophisticated audience seeking timeless designs. Using this color in a logo is not advisable. Brands in the coffee, chocolate, or leather goods industries might find it useful because it evokes natural and earthy qualities. When combined with gold or copper accents, Crowshead can communicate premium quality and exclusivity, making it ideal for high-end products and services. The best applications are in web banners and physical marketing materials.