Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown
The hex color code #281D23 represents a dark, muted shade of brown, often described as Cocoa Brown. It is composed of 16.1% red, 11.4% green, and 13.7% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 40 red, 29 green, and 35 blue. The corresponding CMYK values are 0% cyan, 29% magenta, 13% yellow, and 84% black. This color evokes a sense of warmth, earthiness, and sophistication. It is commonly associated with natural materials, such as wood and leather, and can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Cocoa Brown is a versatile color that can be used in various design applications, ranging from interior decorating to web design and fashion.
The color #281D23, also known as Cocoa Brown, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet AA compliance. Using a color contrast checker is highly recommended to verify that the chosen background color provides adequate contrast. If the contrast is insufficient, consider lightening the color or using a darker color for text, outlines, or other visual elements to improve readability and usability for users with visual impairments. Careful attention to contrast will ensure that the content is accessible to a wider audience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter, more accessible alternative that maintains the warmth of Cocoa Brown while improving contrast against light backgrounds.
A darker shade that can provide better contrast when used as a background color with light text.
This muted tone, similar to Cocoa Brown, offers a sophisticated and earthy aesthetic while providing better contrast when paired with lighter elements.
Applications
Interior Design
Cocoa Brown, with its rich and warm undertones, is perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in interior spaces. Use it for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms to add depth and sophistication. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as lighter neutral colors such as cream or beige. Additionally, it can be used in textiles like curtains, cushions, and throws to introduce warmth and texture to the space. This color evokes a sense of comfort and relaxation, making it ideal for creating a tranquil retreat within the home.
Web Design
In web design, Cocoa Brown can be employed to establish a sense of elegance and sophistication. It can be used sparingly for backgrounds, headers, or call-to-action buttons to create visual interest without overwhelming the user. Cocoa Brown pairs effectively with lighter neutrals or complementary colors like teal or gold to achieve a balanced and visually appealing design. It is well-suited for websites in the hospitality, fashion, or artisanal product industries, where a touch of luxury and refinement is desired. It is important to ensure adequate color contrast for accessibility.
Fashion and Beauty
In the realm of fashion and beauty, Cocoa Brown is a versatile and timeless color choice. It is often used in clothing, accessories, and makeup to create a natural and earthy look. Cocoa Brown complements a variety of skin tones and can be paired with other neutral colors or vibrant accents. It is a popular choice for autumn and winter collections, as it evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. In makeup, Cocoa Brown shades can be used for eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lipstick to create a subtle and sophisticated look.