Graphite
General Information about #221408
The hex color #221408, often referred to as Graphite, is a very dark, muted shade of brown. It's composed of 13.33% red, 7.84% green, and 3.14% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to R:34, G:20, B:8. The color's darkness gives it a strong sense of weight and stability, making it suitable for designs that aim to convey seriousness or groundedness. Graphite is often associated with natural elements, such as earth, wood, or stone, and can evoke feelings of warmth and sophistication. In the world of color theory, #221408 sits in the brown family, known for their calming and reassuring qualities. Its low saturation keeps it from being vibrant, making it a subtle, rather than eye-catching, choice. Its CMYK value is C:0, M:0.41, Y:0.76, K:0.87.
The hex color #221408, a deep and muted shade of brown, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value means it offers very little contrast against lighter backgrounds, which is crucial for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is essential for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. A small text in #221408 on a white background, for example, would likely fail WCAG's contrast ratio requirements. To improve accessibility, consider using #221408 sparingly, primarily for decorative elements or areas where text legibility is not paramount. When using it for text or interactive elements, pair it with a very light color such as #FFFFFF or #F0F0F0 to ensure adequate contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help you verify compliance with accessibility standards and choose appropriate color combinations.
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Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design and Branding
Graphite, with its dark and grounded nature, is ideal for website headers and footers where a sense of understated sophistication is desired. In user interface design, it can serve as a subtle background for panels or cards, allowing content to take center stage. For branding, it lends an air of maturity and reliability, particularly suitable for companies in finance, consulting, or technology. It could work well as background color for data visualizations where the primary information is displayed using brighter more colorful elements.
Interior Design
Graphite evokes feelings of earthiness and natural elegance, making it a superb choice for accent walls, furniture finishes, or even textile patterns in interior decor. It can be combined with lighter shades of cream, beige, or off-white to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Accents of copper, brass, or gold can enhance the richness of the graphite tone. Consider using it for cushions, throws, or rugs to add depth and warmth to a space.
Fashion
In fashion, Graphite serves as a versatile neutral that can be styled in countless ways. For apparel, it's a timeless option for outerwear, trousers, or skirts. As an accent color, it works beautifully for belts, bags, or shoes. Graphite is a color that complements both warm and cool complexions and can be combined with vibrant hues for a pop of color or paired with other neutrals for a minimalist aesthetic. Its understated elegance makes it a staple in any wardrobe.