Coffee Bean
General Information
The hex color #280D0C, often referred to as Coffee Bean, is a dark, muted shade of brown. It belongs to the family of earthy tones and evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and naturalness. This color is created by combining a small amount of red with even smaller amounts of green and blue, resulting in its distinctive hue. Its primary use lies in designs aiming to convey a sense of grounding, stability, or organic quality. Understanding the properties of #280D0C, such as its low luminance and relatively low saturation, is crucial for its effective application in various design contexts.
The color #280D0C, also known as Coffee Bean, presents accessibility challenges due to its low luminance and contrast. When used as text, it requires a very light background to meet WCAG standards for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using this color for crucial interface elements may exclude users with visual impairments. Careful consideration of color combinations and providing alternative high-contrast themes are essential to ensure inclusive design. Tools like contrast checkers can help designers evaluate and adjust color pairings to improve accessibility for all users, making web content more usable and equitable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #42210b
A slightly lighter brown provides better contrast and remains in a similar color family.
- #1a0807
A darker shade enhances the coffee bean feel while ensuring sufficient contrast against light backgrounds.
- #333333
This alternative offers a more neutral, muted tone, making it more versatile for backgrounds and elements that need to recede.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Coffee Bean (#280D0C) can serve as an accent color for websites related to coffee shops, chocolate brands, or rustic themes. It evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and earthiness. It should be used sparingly for text or backgrounds to ensure readability and accessibility. Consider pairing it with lighter neutrals or creams to create a balanced and inviting user experience, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the site without compromising usability.
Interior Design Element
In interior design, Coffee Bean can be applied to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It can be used for walls, furniture, or decorative accents in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies. Paired with warm lighting and natural textures like wood or linen, it enhances the sense of comfort and relaxation. However, using it excessively can darken the space, so it's best to balance it with lighter colors and ample natural light.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Coffee Bean can be used for clothing items like sweaters, trousers, or outerwear, particularly in autumn and winter collections. It conveys a sense of understated elegance and sophistication. It can be paired with other earthy tones, such as olive green or mustard yellow, for a harmonious and stylish look. As a neutral base, it allows brighter or more vibrant accessories to stand out, creating a balanced and versatile ensemble.