Oil
General Information about #281B15
The hexadecimal color #281B15, often referred to as "Oil," is a dark, muted shade of brown. It is composed of 16.1% red, 10.6% green, and 8.2% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to R:40, G:27, B:21. The CMYK values are C:0, M:0.33, Y:0.48, K:0.84. This color leans towards the warmer side of the spectrum, reminiscent of dark wood or rich soil. Its subdued nature makes it suitable for applications requiring subtlety and understated elegance. In terms of perception, the color Oil may evoke feelings of earthiness, stability, and quiet confidence. Its low saturation suggests a timeless and classic appeal. The color can act as a neutral backdrop, allowing other elements to take center stage.
The hex color #281B15, also known as Oil, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low lightness value. With such a dark hue, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when used with text or interactive elements. A light-colored text is essential to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio, aiming for a minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When incorporating this color into designs, consider providing alternative high-contrast themes or options to accommodate users with visual impairments. Using color alone to convey important information should be avoided, and other cues like labels or icons should be added to ensure inclusivity. Testing with accessibility tools and getting feedback from users is highly recommended.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #38271f
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the warm, earthy feel while improving readability.
- #40322e
A desaturated brown that offers a more neutral and versatile option for backgrounds or borders.
- #42342f
This alternative offers a high contrast when paired with white text, ensuring readability and accessibility for a wide range of users, as well as meets color contrast ratios as defined by WCAG.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, #281B15 can be used as a background color for sections intended to evoke a sense of sophistication and earthiness. It can be paired with lighter, contrasting text colors for readability. The color also makes a good fit as the primary color for navigation bars or footer sections.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #281B15 can be used for accent walls or furniture pieces to add depth and warmth to a room. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and leather, as well as metallic accents like gold or brass. It brings a very cozy and sophisticated atmosphere to living areas and libraries.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #281B15 can be used for clothing items such as jackets or trousers. It is a great alternative to black, offering a softer and more approachable look. This color works really well in autumn and winter collections and can be combined well with neutral tones.