Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown
The hex color #281D21, also known as Cocoa Brown, is a dark shade of brown. It is composed of 15.7% red, 11.4% green, and 12.9% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to R:40, G:29, B:33. The color is often associated with earthiness, warmth, and sophistication. It evokes a sense of comfort and reliability. In terms of color theory, #281D21 falls into the category of muted or subdued colors, making it suitable for backgrounds, accents, or elements where a subtle and understated tone is desired. It is frequently used in branding, design, and art to convey a sense of naturalness and quality. The color is close to black, therefore it is a great choice for formal themes.
The hex color #281D21, also known as Cocoa Brown, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low luminance value results in a low contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds. This can make text and other elements using this color difficult to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Web developers should carefully consider the foreground and background color combinations when using #281D21. It is highly recommended to use a color contrast checker to ensure that the contrast ratio meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Darker shades of gray or lighter shades can be used as foreground colors to improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3e3336
A slightly lighter brown that provides better contrast against white backgrounds.
- #1a1216
A darker brown for backgrounds or elements where high contrast is needed with light text.
- #333333
A neutral gray alternative that offers improved readability and accessibility compared to #281D21, particularly when used as a text color on a white background. It maintains a similar muted tone while ensuring better contrast, making it suitable for body text and interface elements.
Applications
Website Design
Cocoa Brown (#281D21) can be used to create a sophisticated and warm aesthetic in website design. It is suitable for backgrounds, borders, or accents, especially in websites related to coffee, chocolate, or natural products. It evokes a sense of earthiness and can be paired with neutral or lighter colors to create a balanced and visually appealing user interface. It is often used for businesses that want to convey a sense of reliability and quality. Furthermore it helps to give webdesigns a natural and warm feeling.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cocoa Brown works well for creating cozy and inviting spaces. It can be used for wall paint, furniture upholstery, or decorative accents. It pairs well with lighter neutrals like beige and cream, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. The color creates a grounded and comforting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, or studies. Furthermore you can use the color to generate a feeling of security.
Fashion
In fashion, Cocoa Brown can be used to create classic and understated looks. It is a versatile color that can be used for clothing, accessories, and footwear. It works well as a base color for layering or as an accent color to complement brighter hues. Cocoa Brown adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to any outfit. It is especially popular for autumn and winter collections.