Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown (#281824)
The hexadecimal color code #281824, often referred to as Cocoa Brown, is a dark and muted shade that evokes feelings of warmth, earthiness, and sophistication. It is composed of 15.7% red, 9.4% green, and 14.1% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to (40, 24, 36). The HSL values are 317 degrees for hue, 25% for saturation, and 13% for lightness. Cocoa Brown is frequently associated with natural elements, such as soil, wood, and chocolate, making it a popular choice for designs that aim to convey a sense of groundedness and reliability. Its subtle nature makes it a versatile option for backgrounds, text, and accent colors, allowing for harmonious integration into various visual compositions. This color is part of the larger family of brown shades, each carrying unique emotional and aesthetic properties.
The hex color #281824, also known as Cocoa Brown, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning text and UI element contrast. Given its dark nature, it's crucial to pair it with light foreground colors to ensure readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text according to WCAG guidelines. When using #281824 as a background, consider using text colors like #FFFFFF (white) or very light shades of gray or beige. For interactive elements, ensure sufficient visual cues beyond color alone to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. Providing alternative styling options or themes can further enhance accessibility for a broader range of users, ensuring a more inclusive user experience. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools is recommended to validate contrast ratios and identify potential issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #33221e
A slightly lighter shade of brown that offers better contrast when used as a background color.
- #333333
A neutral gray that can be used for text or backgrounds, providing a more subtle and accessible option.
- #1a0d16
A darker brown tone, providing an alternative option for backgrounds or design elements that need a deep, earthy hue, while maintaining a degree of subtlety.
Applications
Web Design
Cocoa Brown, with its rich and warm undertones, offers a sophisticated and comforting feel. In web design, it can serve as a background color for websites aiming for a natural, earthy, or luxurious aesthetic. Imagine a website for artisan chocolates or a high-end coffee brand utilizing this color to evoke a sense of quality and indulgence. Furthermore, it can be employed in UI elements such as buttons or headers, paired with lighter text for contrast and readability. Its versatility extends to creating a cohesive brand identity, adding a touch of class and reliability to the overall visual experience.
Interior Design
In the realm of interior design, Cocoa Brown provides a sense of warmth and stability, making it an excellent choice for creating cozy and inviting spaces. It can be applied to walls in living rooms or bedrooms to establish a calming atmosphere, or used in furniture upholstery, such as sofas or armchairs, to add a touch of elegance. This color pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the overall feeling of connection with nature. Accents of lighter colors, such as cream or beige, can complement Cocoa Brown to brighten up the space and prevent it from feeling too dark or heavy.
Fashion
Cocoa Brown is a versatile and elegant choice for fashion, conveying sophistication and understated style. It works wonderfully for creating timeless pieces like coats, jackets, and trousers, offering a classic and refined look. This color complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a flattering option for various individuals. It pairs harmoniously with neutral tones like beige and cream, as well as bolder colors like deep reds or greens, allowing for diverse styling options. Whether used in casual wear or formal attire, Cocoa Brown lends an air of sophistication and warmth to any outfit.