Oil
General Information About #221E18 (Oil)
The hex color #221E18, often referred to as "Oil", is a very dark shade of brown, almost black. It belongs to the earth tone family and evokes feelings of warmth, groundedness, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.33% red, 11.76% green, and 9.41% blue. The color's subdued nature makes it a versatile choice for various applications where a subtle, understated elegance is desired. It is less saturated, which contributes to its calming and grounding effect. Dark brown colors like #221E18 are often associated with nature, stability, and reliability, making them popular in branding and design contexts aiming to convey these qualities. Because of its dark appearance, it is generally not suitable for large text blocks.
The hex color #221E18, a very dark, muted brown, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low contrast against lighter backgrounds, which are the most common for text and interactive elements on websites. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. Using #221E18 for text on a white or light background fails to meet the minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. To improve accessibility, consider pairing this color with much lighter shades or using it sparingly for purely decorative elements. Employing contrast checker tools can help ensure compliance with accessibility standards and provide a better user experience for everyone. If #221E18 is used on dark backgrounds, using lighter colors for text is mandatory.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #332F29
A slightly lighter brown that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to provide better contrast with lighter text.
- #28241E
A dark beige, almost brown, that allows more contrast to #FAFAFA
Applications
Earthy Web Design Background
In web design, #221E18 can be used as a background color for sections that require a subtle, earthy feel. For instance, a website for a coffee shop or a natural product brand might use this color for headers or footers to evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity. However, careful consideration must be given to the text color used on top of it to ensure readability and accessibility. Lighter shades of beige or cream would complement it well. Also, be careful with the amount of content on such backgrounds to reduce eye strain.
Sophisticated Interior Accent
In interior design, #221E18 can serve as a sophisticated accent color. It works well for painting a single wall in a living room or bedroom to create a focal point. The color pairs nicely with lighter, more neutral tones such as off-white or light gray, creating a balanced and inviting space. It's often used in combination with textures like wood or leather to enhance the sense of warmth and luxury. The color should be well lit with lamps, and other light sources to make the room feel less small.
Fashion Accessories
The color can be used in fashion for accessories like belts or shoes. It can complement other colors such as white, beige and grey. For a monochrome look, it can also be combined with darker clothing, but it requires more creativity to be appealing to the eye.