Oil
General Information about #221B1C
The hex color code #221B1C represents a very dark shade of brown, often described as 'Oil'. It's composed of 13.33% red, 10.59% green, and 11% blue. In the RGB color space, it translates to (34, 27, 28). This color falls within the cool end of the spectrum, conveying a sense of sophistication, depth, and grounding. Due to its low luminance, #221B1C is generally not suitable for primary text colors, as it can be difficult to read against lighter backgrounds. It is often used sparingly as an accent color or as a background for lighter text to create a high-contrast effect. In various cultures, dark browns are associated with earthiness, stability, and reliability, making it a popular choice for branding and design elements aiming to convey these qualities.
The color #221B1C, a very dark shade of brown, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance results in poor contrast against most background colors, especially white. This can make text and other elements using this color difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to perceive. Web developers should avoid using #221B1C for text or important interactive elements unless paired with a very light background color, ensuring a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, ideally a ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Careful consideration of color pairings and providing alternative visual cues is crucial to ensure an inclusive user experience. Using tools to check color contrast ratios is highly recommended before deploying content with this color. Furthermore, consider users who rely on screen readers, ensuring proper semantic HTML and ARIA attributes are in place.
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Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #221B1C can be utilized for creating a sophisticated and grounding atmosphere. It can serve as a background color for sections intended to convey stability and trustworthiness, such as in financial or legal websites. When used sparingly for text elements, it should be paired with a very light background to ensure readability. Furthermore, this color works well for subtle borders or dividers, adding depth without being overly distracting. Careful consideration of contrast ratios is crucial when using this color on websites.
Interior Design
In interior design, #221B1C acts as a grounding element, often paired with lighter, warmer tones to create balance. It can be used for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms to add depth and sophistication. It's also suitable for furniture pieces like sofas or cabinets, conveying a sense of luxury and stability. When using this color in interior spaces, consider the lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark, and incorporate reflective materials to enhance brightness.
Fashion
In fashion, #221B1C provides a versatile and timeless base for building outfits. It can be used for essential wardrobe pieces such as trousers, skirts, or blazers, offering a sophisticated and understated elegance. This color pairs well with a wide range of other colors, from vibrant jewel tones to softer pastels, making it easy to create both classic and contemporary looks. Consider incorporating textures such as leather or suede to add visual interest to outfits featuring this color.