El Paso
General Information about #201D03
The hex color code #201D03, also known as "El Paso", is a dark, muted shade of brown. It is composed of 12.55% red, 11.37% green, and 1.18% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (32, 29, 3). The HSL representation is (53, 89%, 7%), indicating a hue of 53 degrees (a yellowish-brown), a saturation of 89%, and a lightness of 7%. In the context of color theory, this color evokes feelings of earthiness, warmth, and potentially even a sense of antiquity. It is important to note that its low luminance value makes it unsuitable for text or important UI elements without careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure accessibility. The color code is mostly used in interior design and fashion for giving an antique feeling to the clothes or decoration.
The hex color #201D03, also known as El Paso, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its very low luminance value (approximately 0.01) results in extremely poor contrast against a standard white background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This color falls far short of these recommendations, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. Similarly, for UI elements and graphics, contrast ratios of 3:1 are recommended. Using #201D03 for such elements may render them inaccessible to a significant portion of users. Web developers must carefully consider these factors and provide sufficient contrast by pairing #201D03 with very light colors, or preferably avoiding it altogether for critical information or interactive elements. Alternative color combinations should be explored to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #302d13
A slightly lighter shade of brown that offers improved visibility while maintaining a similar earthy tone.
- #403d23
A muted olive green that provides better contrast and readability than the original color.
- #4a4733
A dark beige which will have better contrast but still is a bit close to the initial color.
Applications
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #201D03 can be used as an accent color to create a sense of depth and richness. It works well in small doses, such as for decorative trims, furniture details, or as part of a larger, more complex color palette. The color evokes a sense of earthiness and groundedness, so using it in combination with lighter, brighter colors like creams, golds or light greens can add warmth and sophistication to a room without making it feel too dark or heavy. It would be suitable to use this for the color of the furniture, or even for a wall, if there's enough natural light.
Subtle Web Design Element
In web design, although it is not accessibility-friendly as a text color, #201D03 can be employed for non-essential graphical elements or backgrounds where legibility is not paramount. For instance, it might be used as a subtle texture overlay on a website's header or footer, to add a touch of visual interest without compromising readability. The use of this color should be restricted to aesthetic elements to enhance the site’s visual appeal, but not distract from the content. Because of the dark color it should be paired with light color elements.
Fashion accesories
In fashion, El Paso color could be a stylish color for shoes. Although it is a dark color, it can be combined with brighter colors in summer, or with a more autumnal color palette when the weather is colder. It may also be a good color for leather bags, and other accessories such as scarfs. In general, this color can be used to give a classy and more sophisticated look to an attire. In the case of formal events or office outfits, it is highly recommended to combine this color with brighter colors, such as pearl.