Oil
General Information about #261D18 (Oil)
The hex color #261D18, often referred to as 'Oil,' is a very dark shade of brown. It is composed of 15.3% red, 11.4% green, and 9.4% blue. In the RGB color space, it's close to black due to the low values of each component. The color is best described as a muted, earthy tone, evoking feelings of richness, warmth, and groundedness. In terms of light and shadow, #261D18 leans heavily towards the shadow side, offering minimal luminance. This makes it suitable for creating contrast when paired with brighter colors. The color is often associated with natural materials, lending a sense of organic authenticity to designs.
The hex color #261D18, also known as Oil, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Its low luminance value of 3.61 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This dark shade will likely fail these requirements when paired with many common background colors, necessitating careful consideration of color pairings. To enhance accessibility, it is recommended to use #261D18 sparingly and always ensure a high contrast ratio. Consider using lighter shades of gray or off-white for background colors, or if #261D18 is a background, use very light text. Testing with accessibility tools like contrast checkers is crucial to ensure compliance and provide an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds and Accents
In web design, #261D18 can be utilized as a subtle background color for sections intended to convey seriousness or sophistication, such as legal disclaimers or terms of service. Its dark nature also makes it a candidate for dark mode interfaces, provided that the foreground text is appropriately light to ensure readability. Additionally, it can be used sparingly for decorative elements like borders or dividers to add depth without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. The key is to balance its richness with sufficient contrast for optimal user experience.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, #261D18 emulates the color of dark wood or aged leather, making it suitable for accent walls in studies or libraries. It can create a sense of warmth and enclosure, contributing to a cozy and intimate atmosphere. When paired with lighter-colored furniture and strategic lighting, it can evoke a sense of refined elegance. This color also works well for smaller decorative elements, like picture frames or lamp bases, adding a touch of understated luxury.
Fashion Apparel and Accessories
In fashion, #261D18 translates to garments with a luxurious and understated aesthetic. Think of tailored trousers, wool coats, or leather accessories that exude sophistication. It pairs exceptionally well with lighter neutrals like cream or beige, creating a balanced and elegant ensemble. This color can also be used in footwear or handbags for a subtle statement piece. The color is ideal when you want to portray a sense of luxury and maturity in your outfit.