Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown
Cocoa brown, represented by the hex code #261A23, is a dark, muted shade of brown reminiscent of rich, dark chocolate. It is created by combining red, green, and blue light in specific proportions, resulting in a color that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and sophistication. Cocoa brown falls into the brown color family, which is known for its connection to nature, earth, and stability. In color psychology, browns are often associated with reliability, support, and a sense of being grounded. Cocoa brown, in particular, can add a touch of luxury and refinement to designs, while maintaining a sense of approachability and ease.
The hex color #261a23, a deep cocoa brown, presents some accessibility considerations, particularly in text and user interface design. Due to its low luminance, it requires careful pairing with contrasting colors to ensure readability. For text, a light color such as white or a pale yellow would provide sufficient contrast to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal text (4.5:1 contrast ratio). Larger text sizes may allow for slightly darker contrasting colors. When using this color as a background, it is crucial to use lighter foreground elements. In interactive elements, ensure that hover, focus, and active states are clearly distinguishable, using contrasting colors or visual cues. The use of this color in data visualizations should be limited, as it can be difficult to differentiate from other dark shades. Careful consideration and testing with accessibility tools are recommended to ensure inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter brown with a touch more red, offering better visibility and warmth.
A neutral dark gray that provides better contrast and is more versatile in various design contexts.
A dark burgundy shade that retains some of the richness of cocoa brown, but with enhanced visibility and contrast.
Applications
Website Design
Cocoa brown brings a sense of warmth and groundedness to website designs. It's particularly effective in creating a sophisticated, inviting atmosphere for brands in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Use it for background accents or subtle design elements to evoke feelings of comfort and indulgence. It can be combined with lighter neutral tones like beige or cream to create a balanced palette. In website design, cocoa brown can contribute to a more intimate and sophisticated user experience, provided it is used judiciously with sufficient contrast to maintain accessibility.
Fashion
Cocoa brown embodies richness and warmth, making it a popular choice for luxurious fashion items. Think of leather goods, suede jackets, or velvet accents. This color exudes sophistication and pairs well with lighter tones such as cream or gold for an elegant ensemble. When incorporated into clothing, cocoa brown can add a touch of earthiness while maintaining a high-end aesthetic. As an accent color, it brings depth and interest to outfits. It's often used to complement textures and bring out the richness of other colors.
Interior Design
Cocoa brown provides a sense of warmth and earthiness to interior spaces, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It is often used in living rooms and bedrooms to evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation. It can serve as a grounding color for furniture, walls, or accent pieces. When paired with natural materials like wood and stone, cocoa brown enhances the organic feel of a space. Lighter tones like beige and cream can be used to balance the richness of the color and prevent the room from feeling too dark. Cocoa brown is effective in establishing a sophisticated, yet approachable interior design scheme.