Black Olive
General Information
The hex color #222716, often referred to as Black Olive, is a dark, muted shade of green-brown. It resides within the cool end of the color spectrum, exhibiting a subtle blend of earthiness and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.33% red, 15.29% green, and 8.63% blue. This composition gives it a somewhat desaturated appearance, preventing it from being a vibrant or eye-catching color. Black Olive is often associated with nature, stability, and understated elegance. It is a versatile color that can be incorporated into a variety of design projects, offering a sense of depth and refinement. Its relative darkness also makes it suitable for creating contrast and providing a grounding element within a color palette.
The hex color #222716, also known as Black Olive, presents specific accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Its low luminance value of approximately 4.7 means it has poor contrast against typical light backgrounds like white (#FFFFFF). According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #222716 on a white background will likely fail these contrast requirements. Therefore, web developers must pair this color carefully with much lighter shades or use it sparingly for purely decorative purposes. Testing the color combination with accessibility tools is essential to ensure compliance and provide an inclusive user experience. For text, consider using a much lighter color, such as #FFFFFF, to improve readability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333822
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic but offers improved contrast against light backgrounds.
- #444444
A desaturated brown that provides a neutral and accessible alternative for backgrounds or borders.
- #444933
A lighter green tone that provides better contrast, while keeping a nature oriented design.
Applications
Website Design
In web design, the hex color #222716 can be effectively used to create a sophisticated and understated aesthetic. Due to its dark nature, it's best suited for background elements, borders, or subtle accents rather than primary text. When incorporated into a website's color scheme, #222716 can evoke a sense of elegance and professionalism, making it ideal for businesses in the luxury, finance, or technology sectors. It can also be paired with lighter, contrasting colors to highlight key information and maintain readability. Using it in website footers or as a dark mode background can add depth and visual interest to the user interface, if the contrast is sufficient.
Interior Design
In interior design, #222716 can serve as a grounding color, lending a sense of stability and earthiness to a space. It works exceptionally well in accent walls, furniture upholstery, or as a complementary color for natural wood tones. Consider using it in studies, libraries, or living rooms to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Pair it with warmer, lighter colors such as beige, cream, or muted golds to balance its darkness and prevent the room from feeling too somber. Natural lighting also plays a crucial role when using such a dark color; ensure the space is well-lit to avoid a closed-in effect. It can also be used to create contrast by including furniture in white and other vibrant shades.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Black Olive (#222716) can be used in clothing design for creating timeless and elegant pieces. It is suitable for outwear like coats and jackets. Also great for accesories like belts and shoes. The color acts as neutral, working well with both vibrant and subtle colours. #222716 makes great contrast to lighter colours, such as beige, grey and even white.