Gondola

General Information about #281516

The hexadecimal color code #281516 represents a dark shade of brown, often referred to as 'Gondola'. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it is composed of 16.08% red, 8.24% green, and 8.63% blue. In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 49% magenta, 46% yellow, and 84% black. This indicates that the color is largely composed of black with a significant amount of magenta and yellow to create the brownish hue. The low percentage of red, green and blue components leads to a low lightness value. Gondola is a very dark, muted color, suggesting earthiness, sophistication, and a touch of vintage charm. It is not a vibrant color and is often used to provide contrast to lighter, brighter colors.

The hex color #281516, also known as Gondola, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 3% means that text or interactive elements using this color as a background or foreground are likely to have poor contrast against other colors. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. For normal text (14pt bold/18pt regular or larger), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text (18pt bold/24pt regular or larger), a contrast ratio of 3:1 is required. Given the darkness of #281516, it would necessitate very light text to meet these contrast ratios. Therefore, when using Gondola, careful consideration must be given to the choice of foreground colors to ensure accessibility for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Tools like contrast checkers should be employed to verify compliance with accessibility standards.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design Accent

  In web design, #281516 can be used sparingly as an accent color to evoke a sense of luxury, warmth, or earthiness. It works particularly well for backgrounds in small sections like footers or headers, but requires careful selection of foreground text colors (e.g., light creams or golds) to ensure readability and accessibility. Additionally, this color can be incorporated into website elements such as buttons or icons to add depth and sophistication, particularly in designs aiming for a vintage or rustic aesthetic. However, overusing this color can lead to a visually heavy or inaccessible website experience. Ensure it is balanced with lighter, more neutral colors to create an engaging and user-friendly interface.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, #281516 can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Consider using it as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom to add depth and warmth. Paired with lighter colors like creams, beiges, or soft grays, it can create a balanced and inviting space. This color also works well for furniture pieces like sofas or armchairs, especially in materials like leather or velvet. Accessorize with metallic accents, such as gold or copper, to enhance the luxurious feel. Avoid using this color in small, poorly lit rooms, as it can make the space feel even smaller and darker. Proper lighting is crucial when incorporating darker shades into interior design to maintain a welcoming environment.

• Beauty and Cosmetics

  In the beauty industry, this color translates well into lipsticks, nail polishes, and eyeshadows, offering a rich and sophisticated look. For lipsticks, it can create a bold and dramatic statement, while in nail polish, it provides an elegant and timeless appeal. As an eyeshadow, it's perfect for creating a smoky eye look, adding depth and intensity to the eyes. When incorporating this color in makeup, consider skin tone and overall style. It works particularly well with warm undertones and can be paired with golden or bronze accents for a glamorous effect. Balance the look with lighter shades to avoid overwhelming the face.

Complementary color

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