Karaka
General Information about #18160C
The hexadecimal color code #18160C represents a very dark, muted shade of brown. It is often referred to as "Karaka", derived from the name of a tree found in New Zealand that bears dark berries. In the RGB color model, #18160C is composed of 9.41% red, 8.63% green, and 4.71% blue. When converted to the CMYK color model, its values are 0% cyan, 8% magenta, 50% yellow, and 90.59% black. This indicates that the color is largely composed of yellow and black, resulting in its dark brown appearance. The color has a low luminance, which makes it suitable for use as a background with lighter text.
The hex color #18160C, also known as Karaka, presents several accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value of approximately 2.1 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against both white and black backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. This color likely fails to meet these standards, especially for smaller text sizes. To improve accessibility, consider using lighter shades for text or interactive elements when paired with #18160C or use it as a background color with very light foreground text. Testing with accessibility tools is crucial to verify compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #28261c
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar earthy tone.
- #d3bca0
A desaturated beige that can complement #18160C without clashing and offers better readability as a background color.
- #404040
A warm gray tone provides a neutral background to make text more readable.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #18160C can be utilized to create a sophisticated and grounded atmosphere. It is well-suited for backgrounds in website sections conveying history, heritage, or nature-related themes. Its dark hue pairs effectively with lighter typography to establish visual hierarchy. Consider using it sparingly for impactful accents, borders, or to highlight interactive elements against a light-colored canvas. It is suitable for websites relating to outdoors, such as hiking or camping.
Interior Design
In interior design, #18160C brings a sense of warmth and comfort. As an accent wall color, it can add depth and contrast to a room when balanced with lighter, complementary colors. It is also suitable for furniture, especially in materials like leather or wood, creating a luxurious and cozy aesthetic. Combine it with natural textures such as linen and wool to enhance the room's inviting ambiance. It will work well with plants.
Fashion
#18160C evokes a sense of earthiness and heritage, making it suitable for classic and vintage styles. In fashion, it would best suit fall and winter palettes. The dark color can be paired with warm beige, muted greens and other earthy tones to make a statement. It is perfect for outerwear and accessories. This color is suitable for materials such as leather, wool and canvas.