Aztec
General Information about #161C1E
The hexadecimal color code #161C1E represents a dark, muted shade of gray-brown, often referred to as 'Aztec'. In the RGB color model, it consists of 8.63% red, 10.98% green, and 11.76% blue. This color falls within the cool spectrum, lending a sense of understated elegance and sophistication. It is commonly used to evoke feelings of depth, stability, and quiet confidence. Due to its low brightness, it is primarily used in applications where it is paired with lighter contrasting colors to ensure readability and visual clarity. In design, this color is often chosen for its subtle richness and ability to blend seamlessly into various palettes, providing a solid neutral base for more vibrant elements.
The hex color #161C1E, also known as Aztec, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. Its dark nature results in poor contrast against standard white backgrounds, making text and other visual elements difficult to discern for users, especially those with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to pair this color with much lighter shades to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG guidelines (ideally 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Using it for purely decorative purposes where information isn't conveyed is permissible, but its usage should be carefully considered in user interfaces. Alternatives such as slightly lighter grays or incorporating it as a subtle shadow can help mitigate these issues, ensuring a more inclusive and user-friendly design. It is not recommended to use this color for essential visual elements like links or buttons without providing clear visual cues and sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, #161C1E can serve as a sophisticated background for sections intended to evoke a sense of depth and luxury. For instance, it is suitable for headers or footers on websites promoting high-end products or services. It can also be employed as a background for testimonial sections or in areas where you want to visually separate content blocks. When used sparingly and paired with contrasting text, it contributes to an elegant and professional aesthetic, enhancing the overall user experience without compromising legibility. Its subtle nature makes it a good fit for minimalist designs.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #161C1E can be used to create a calming and intimate atmosphere in spaces like home theaters or studies. It works well as an accent wall color, especially when complemented by lighter neutral tones for the rest of the room. To introduce depth to the room, combine the color with metallic or wooden textures. This color also works as part of a larger palette of dark colors to create a luxurious, moody aesthetic.
Fashion Design
#161C1E is a great choice to use in fashion design for creating sophisticated and understated garments or accessories. It can be used as the primary color in elegant dresses or pants. The color will create a foundation that can be accented with metallic accessories. This color also works well as a grounding tone for more extravagant garments. For example, a jacket in this color can tame a loud dress, and bring the look together in a cohesive aesthetic.