Oil
General Information about #261E1A
The hex color #261E1A, also known as "Oil," is a very dark, muted shade of brown. It belongs to the warm color family, characterized by its low saturation and luminance values. This color evokes feelings of earthiness, sophistication, and understated elegance. In color theory, #261E1A possesses a subtle richness due to its brown undertones, making it a versatile choice for various applications that require a sense of depth and maturity. The RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values of #261E1A are R: 38, G: 30, B: 26. The CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) values are C: 0.0, M: 0.21, Y: 0.32, K: 0.85. In the HSV/HSB (Hue, Saturation, Value/Brightness) color model, #261E1A has a hue of 19 degrees, a saturation of 0.32, and a value of 0.15.
The color #261E1A, a very dark, muted shade of brown, presents considerable accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance value means it provides insufficient contrast against typical light backgrounds (like white or light gray). This can make text and other visual elements difficult to read for users, especially those with visual impairments, color blindness, or who are simply viewing the content in bright sunlight. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair #261E1A with much lighter colors that meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. Aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended to ensure readability for a wide range of users. Alternatives to using this color for text include using it sparingly for purely decorative elements or providing a user-selectable high-contrast theme.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter brown offers better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A dark gray provides a neutral background with potentially better readability when paired with light text.
A dark Olive color, which provides a slightly different hue while still maintaining a similar dark appearance.
Applications
Subtle Background Accents in Web Design
In web design, #261E1A can be used sparingly for background elements or borders to add depth and a subtle, sophisticated touch. However, it's important to use it in conjunction with lighter, contrasting colors for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and accessibility. For example, it could serve as a background for a website's header or footer, paired with white or light gray text. Due to the limited visibility, you should not use it for body text or important User Interface elements. It is useful in conjunction with a broader, more vibrant color palette.
Warmth in Interior Design
In interior design, #261E1A can be utilized to create a cozy and grounding atmosphere. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or accent pieces to evoke feelings of warmth and security. When using this color, it is important to balance the space with lighter elements, such as light-colored textiles, artwork, or decorative items, to prevent the room from feeling too dark or claustrophobic. Natural materials like wood and stone can also complement #261E1A, adding texture and visual interest to the space.
Grounded Fashion Design
In fashion, #261E1A can be a grounding neutral tone, perfect for creating sophisticated and understated looks. It works well as a base color for outerwear, trousers, or accessories like bags and belts. When styling with this color, consider pairing it with brighter accent colors like mustard yellow, emerald green, or deep burgundy to add pops of visual interest and prevent the outfit from appearing too dull. Textures also play a key role – think leather, velvet, or chunky knits to add depth and dimension to the overall ensemble.