Te Papa Green
General Information about Te Papa Green
The hex color #1F353E, often referred to as Te Papa Green, is a deep, muted shade of green with subtle undertones of blue. It belongs to the family of dark, cool-toned colors, evoking a sense of tranquility, sophistication, and natural harmony. The color's name suggests a connection to the natural world, possibly referencing the landscape of New Zealand's Te Papa museum area. In the RGB color model, #1F353E is composed of 12.2% red, 21.7% green, and 24.3% blue. This specific combination results in a color that is neither overtly vibrant nor intensely saturated, making it a versatile option for various design applications. Its hexadecimal value provides a standardized way to represent the color across different platforms and devices, ensuring consistency in its appearance. Due to its dark nature, it is often used sparingly as a background accent color, or as part of a broader, complementary palette.
The hex color #1F353E, also known as Te Papa Green, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance value of 0.03 makes it a dark color, requiring careful consideration of contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between text and background is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. When using #1F353E as a background, light text colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of gray are essential to ensure adequate contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet WCAG AA standards. For WCAG AAA, even higher contrast ratios are needed (7:1 for normal text, 4.5:1 for large text). Avoid pairing #1F353E with other dark colors, as this will likely result in insufficient contrast and make the content inaccessible. Testing with accessibility tools or contrast checkers is highly recommended to validate the color combinations before deployment.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #304a52
A slightly lighter shade of green that maintains a similar aesthetic while providing improved contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible for a wider range of users.
- #4a5559
A desaturated gray that offers a neutral alternative for backgrounds or elements where contrast is a primary concern, ensuring readability without sacrificing a muted color palette.
- #3e606c
A lighter, more vibrant green that offers better visibility and can be used to draw attention to specific elements while maintaining a connection to the original Te Papa Green.
Applications
Website Design
In web design, Te Papa Green (#1F353E) can serve as a sophisticated background color for website headers or footers, lending a touch of understated elegance. It pairs well with neutral colors like light gray or beige for the main content area, creating a balanced and professional aesthetic. Avoid using it extensively for body text due to its low contrast, but it can be effective for decorative elements, such as icons or subtle background patterns.
Interior Design
In interior design, #1F353E can be used as an accent wall color in a study or library, creating a calming and focused atmosphere. It complements natural wood tones and metallic accents beautifully. It can also be used for upholstery on furniture, such as sofas or armchairs, adding a touch of sophistication to the space. To avoid the room feeling too dark, balance it with lighter colors on the walls and plenty of natural light.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Te Papa Green can be incorporated into clothing designs as a subtle and versatile color. It works well for outerwear, such as jackets or coats, and can be paired with both casual and formal attire. It can also be used as an accent color in accessories, such as scarves or hats, adding a touch of understated elegance to an outfit. Due to its dark tone, it is often best suited for fall and winter wardrobes.