Zeus
General Information about #261E1C
The hex color #261E1C, often referred to as 'Zeus', is a dark, muted shade of brown. It resides in the realm of understated elegance and earthy tones. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 15.29% red, 11.76% green, and 11.0% blue. Its subdued nature lends itself well to applications requiring a touch of sophistication without being overly bold. Colors like these are often associated with stability, grounding, and a sense of timelessness. It avoids the flamboyance of brighter colors, offering a more reserved and refined aesthetic. It's a color that works well as a background or accent, depending on the desired effect and surrounding colors. Its subtle characteristics make it a versatile color for various design purposes.
The color #261E1C, also known as Zeus, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. When used as text, it requires a very light background color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, adhering to WCAG guidelines. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. When using this color for interactive elements, ensure that hover and focus states are clearly distinguishable, possibly through color changes or added visual cues. Avoid pairing it with other dark colors, as this would further reduce visibility. Thoughtful consideration should be given to users with visual impairments, ensuring that information conveyed through color is also available through other means, such as text labels or patterns. Testing with accessibility evaluation tools is highly recommended to validate contrast ratios and overall usability for a diverse audience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade that improves contrast while maintaining a similar dark, earthy tone.
A neutral gray that can serve as a more accessible alternative for text or backgrounds.
A shade lighter than #261E1C but still in the brown family for a similar visual effect with improved readability.
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #261E1C can be utilized as a background color for website headers or footers to create a sophisticated, muted aesthetic. It pairs well with lighter text colors like off-white or light gray to ensure readability. Furthermore, this color can be employed for creating subtle dividers or borders within a website layout, adding depth without being overly distracting. When used sparingly, it can provide a sense of elegance and seriousness to the overall design. However, it's crucial to verify the contrast ratio, especially when used for text elements, to comply with accessibility guidelines and provide an optimal user experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, #261E1C can be used to create a grounding and sophisticated atmosphere in spaces like living rooms or studies. It works well as an accent wall color, especially when combined with lighter, warmer neutrals for balance. This color can also be incorporated into furniture pieces, such as leather sofas or wooden tables, to add a touch of understated elegance. The key is to use it in moderation, allowing it to complement other elements in the room and contribute to a cohesive, inviting environment. Metallic accents, like gold or bronze, can further enhance the richness of this color.
Fashion
In fashion, #261E1C is a versatile color choice for creating classic and timeless looks. It's an excellent option for outerwear, such as trench coats or leather jackets, providing a sophisticated and understated appeal. This color also works well for accessories like belts, bags, and shoes, offering a neutral base that can be paired with bolder colors or patterns. When used in clothing, it can be styled for both casual and formal occasions, making it a practical and elegant addition to any wardrobe. Consider combining it with textures like wool, leather, or silk to add depth and visual interest.