Black Olive
General Information about Black Olive (#222E18)
#222E18, commonly known as Black Olive, is a dark, muted shade of green that evokes a sense of nature, sophistication, and earthiness. It belongs to the green color family, but its darker tone sets it apart, making it a versatile choice for various design applications. In color theory, it is often associated with stability, growth, and harmony. This color has a subtle warmth, making it a suitable choice for creating inviting and comfortable environments. Black Olive can be effectively used as a background color, accent color, or as a primary hue in designs seeking a touch of understated elegance. Its hexadecimal code, #222E18, precisely defines its unique color composition in digital environments.
The hex color #222E18, often referred to as Black Olive, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance value means that it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. When using #222E18 as a background color, it's crucial to test the contrast ratio with the chosen text color using online contrast checkers. Failure to meet these contrast requirements can exclude users with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness. Consider increasing the font size or using a thicker font weight to improve readability. Pairing this color with lighter shades of green, yellow, or even near-white can improve accessibility. In cases where contrast cannot be adequately achieved, alternative color combinations should be explored to provide an inclusive experience for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #344024
A slightly lighter shade of green can offer a similar aesthetic while improving contrast.
- #444a34
A desaturated olive green provides a softer look and better readability against white text.
- #384828
This color provides a brighter alternative, ensuring improved contrast and readability compared to the darker black olive.
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web design, #222E18 can serve as an elegant background for sections that need to convey sophistication and natural harmony, such as headers or footers in websites focused on organic products or sustainable living. The color evokes a sense of earthiness and understated elegance. When using it as a background, it's essential to pair it with lighter text colors like #F0FFF0 or #FFFFFF to ensure sufficient contrast and readability. This ensures that the design is both visually appealing and accessible to all users.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #222E18 can be used as an accent color for walls or furniture in rooms aimed at creating a calming and nature-inspired atmosphere. It works particularly well in studies, libraries, or bedrooms where a sense of tranquility is desired. Complement this color with natural materials like wood and stone, and incorporate plants to enhance the connection with nature. Use lighter, contrasting colors for decorative elements to bring balance and visual interest to the space.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #222E18 can be used for garments that project a sense of understated elegance and connection to nature. Think of it as the base color for outdoor wear, jackets, or trousers that are meant to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings. It also makes a great accent color for accessories such as belts, bags, or hats. Combine this color with earthy tones like beige, brown, and ochre for a harmonious look, or pair it with brighter colors like mustard yellow or coral for a bolder and more striking statement.