Zeus
General Information
The hex color #23211E, also known as Zeus, is a dark, muted shade of brown. It belongs to the family of dark neutral colors, often associated with sophistication, stability, and elegance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.73% red, 12.94% green, and 11.76% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 6% magenta, 14% yellow, and 86% black. The hue of this color is approximately 45 degrees, meaning it leans slightly towards the yellow-orange spectrum. This makes it a warm neutral, suitable for creating a cozy or inviting atmosphere. Its relative darkness makes it suitable to use as a background to lighter colours in layouts, which will create a good level of contrast.
The hex color #23211E, also known as Zeus, presents specific accessibility considerations for web development. Given its dark nature, sufficient contrast with foreground elements is crucial. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using a light color such as white or a pale yellow as a text color is required to guarantee readability. If the Zeus color is used for interactive elements like buttons, ensuring a distinct visual focus indicator is important for keyboard navigation. Also, consider providing alternative text descriptions for images using this color to ensure accessibility for users with visual impairments. Using color alone to convey information should be avoided; always supplement color cues with text or other visual indicators.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333333
A slightly lighter neutral color, offering a touch more brightness while maintaining a similar sophisticated feel.
- #362f2d
A warm, earthy brown that provides a softer, more approachable alternative.
- #2e2e2e
A dark charcoal grey that maintains a sense of depth but is more readable as a background colour.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #23211E can be used to create a sophisticated and elegant website. It works well as a background color for headers or footers, especially when paired with lighter text and accent colors. The dark hue can also be used to create contrast and highlight specific sections of a page. This would be a good choice for websites for financial companies, luxury items, or law offices. Its muted tone provides a non-distracting backdrop for content, promoting a focused user experience. To enhance user engagement, incorporate subtle animations or hover effects, and also this is an excellent base colour for a dark mode.
Interior Design
In interior design, #23211E is suitable for creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It can be used as a wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when complemented by warm lighting and soft textures. This color can also be applied to furniture or decor items, such as sofas or rugs, to add depth and dimension to a space. For example, Zeus is a solid choice for a feature wall, and can be highlighted by artwork with lighter colors. To avoid a monotonous look, consider incorporating pops of color through accessories or artwork.
Fashion
In fashion, #23211E can be used to design clothing or accessories. This dark color is suitable for creating a sophisticated and elegant look, particularly for evening wear or formal attire. The color looks particularly well on velvet and satin. It can also be paired with metallic accents, such as gold or silver, to add a touch of glamour. This is an excellent choice for designing comfortable outerwear pieces like a wool coat, because it is able to hide signs of wear and dirt more easily than lighter colored materials. It can also be used as the base colour for printed designs or embroidered elements.