Gondola
General Information about #221616
The hex color #221616, also known as Gondola, is a dark, muted shade of brown. It belongs to the family of earth tones and is characterized by its low saturation and dark value. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.33% red, 8.63% green, and 8.63% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 35.29% magenta, 35.29% yellow, and 86.67% black. This color is often associated with feelings of sophistication, earthiness, and understated elegance. It has a relatively low luminance, contributing to its subtle and calming effect. The color is named after the gondolas of Venice, likely reflecting the dark, often varnished wood used in their construction.
The hex color #221616, also known as Gondola, presents accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. Its dark nature results in low contrast against typical light backgrounds, potentially making text and interactive elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use this color sparingly and pair it with significantly lighter colors. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text as per WCAG guidelines. Consider using contrast checker tools to verify the accessibility of color combinations. Furthermore, avoid using #221616 as the sole indicator for interactive elements; always provide additional cues like underlines or icons to ensure usability for all users, including those with color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #33292a
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the dark, muted feel while offering better contrast.
- #444444
A neutral gray that provides a safe and accessible alternative for text and backgrounds.
- #36241a
A dark brown that provides a similar aesthetic but with potentially higher contrast depending on the context.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #221616 can serve as a sophisticated background color for sections intended to evoke a sense of luxury or mystery. It pairs well with gold or cream accents. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. As a text color, it should be reserved for decorative headings or used against very light backgrounds to maintain accessibility. It is suitable for themes where a dark, muted palette is desired. This color is useful for a website that wants to evoke a feeling of seriousness, elegance, or classic style.
Interior Design
#221616 can be employed in interior design as an accent wall color in rooms where a cozy and intimate atmosphere is desired, such as a home theater or study. It can also be used for furniture upholstery, particularly in leather or velvet, to add a touch of opulence. It's important to balance the darkness of this color with lighter elements like light-colored walls or accessories to prevent the space from feeling too small or confined. This color works very well in a room that is filled with light.
Fashion
In fashion, #221616 can be utilized for clothing items like jackets, trousers, or dresses to create a stylish and understated look. It's often used in materials like leather, suede, or wool. Because it acts almost as a neutral tone, it can be combined with many other colors. It works well with brighter shades, such as red or blue, or other neutrals, such as white or gray. It can be a good choice for footwear. Its deep tone ensures that is less likely to show dirt or wear.