Acadia
General Information about Acadia (#1C1600)
The hex color code #1C1600 represents a very dark shade of brown, often referred to as Acadia. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 11% red, 9% green, and 0% blue. This translates to a predominantly earthy tone with a noticeable lack of vibrancy due to the low values across all three color channels. Its CMYK values are 0% cyan, 17% magenta, 100% yellow, and 89% black, indicating that it's created by mixing a significant amount of yellow and black pigment. Acadia is often associated with nature, earth, and antiquity, evoking feelings of warmth and stability. However, its darkness necessitates careful consideration of contrast when used in design.
The color #1C1600, also known as Acadia, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance value of 0.01 means it offers extremely poor contrast against a standard white background. Text rendered in this color would be virtually unreadable for most users, including those with normal vision. Individuals with low vision or color blindness would find it even more difficult, if not impossible, to discern. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to avoid using #1C1600 for text or interactive elements without employing a much lighter foreground color to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Using tools that evaluate color contrast is essential when considering such a dark shade.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #342d1e
A slightly lighter shade of brown that offers better readability while still maintaining a warm, earthy tone.
- #464138
A more desaturated brown that provides a more neutral background color option.
- #504434
This lighter color has much better contrast and it is easier to read text against white backgrounds.
Applications
Subtle Background Color in Web Design
Acadia (#1C1600) can be employed as a subtle background color in web design to evoke a sense of warmth, earthiness, or antiquity. However, due to its darkness, it should be used sparingly and with careful consideration of contrast. For instance, it could serve as a background for a narrow band at the top of a website or as a muted accent color in a design focused on natural themes, such as a site promoting sustainable products or organic food. High contrast text in white or a very light beige is advised.
Accent Color in Interior Design
In interior design, Acadia can be used as an accent color for walls or furniture to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It pairs well with lighter, more vibrant colors to prevent the space from feeling too dark or oppressive. Consider using it for a feature wall in a living room or as the color for throw pillows and blankets in a bedroom to add a touch of warmth. Natural materials like wood and stone complement the color beautifully.
Base Color for Fashion Outfit
In fashion, #1C1600 could be used as a base color for an elegant or rustic outfit. You can combine this color with earth tones or bright colors. Due to its dark nature, it is advised to combine it with lighter colors. For instance, a skirt in this color can be combined with an off-white blouse.