Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown
The hex color #281E21, commonly known as Cocoa Brown, is a dark, muted shade of brown. It is composed of 16.1% red, 11.8% green, and 12.9% blue. In the RGB color space, it's closer to black, lending it a subtle, sophisticated appearance. Cocoa Brown evokes feelings of warmth, stability, and earthiness. It is often associated with natural elements like soil and wood, giving it a grounding and comforting quality. In color psychology, browns are seen as reliable, supportive, and honest. This color is widely used in various design applications, from web design to interior decoration, for its versatile and neutral nature. Its muted tone allows it to blend seamlessly with other colors, making it a popular choice for backgrounds, accents, and text.
The hex color #281E21, also known as Cocoa Brown, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. When used as text against a white background, the contrast ratio is relatively low, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read comfortably. It is recommended to use this color with lighter backgrounds or to adjust the text's size and weight to improve readability. For backgrounds using #281E21, pairing it with lighter text colors like white (#FFFFFF) or pale yellow can significantly enhance contrast and accessibility. Careful consideration of the color pairings is crucial to ensure that content is accessible to all users, including those with color blindness or low vision.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3e3336
A slightly lighter brown that offers better contrast and readability.
- #4a342a
A warmer brown that can add a touch of richness while maintaining a decent level of contrast.
- #363636
A dark greyish brown providing a more neutral tone which allows better readability and contrast to most screen displays.
Applications
Web Design
Cocoa Brown (#281E21) can be utilized as a sophisticated background color for websites or applications aiming for a warm, earthy feel. It works exceptionally well in designs related to nature, food, or artisanal products. The dark hue provides a backdrop that allows lighter elements, such as text and images, to stand out. Moreover, its understated elegance makes it suitable for corporate branding where a sense of reliability and stability is desired. In UI design, it can be used for sidebars or footers, creating a subtle yet noticeable separation of content.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cocoa Brown can serve as a grounding color for walls, furniture, or accent pieces. It brings a sense of warmth and comfort to a room, making it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or studies. When paired with lighter colors like cream or beige, it creates a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The color also complements natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the organic feel of the space. Consider using it for textiles like curtains, rugs, or cushions to add depth and texture to the interior design.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, Cocoa Brown is a versatile color that can be used for clothing, accessories, and footwear. It offers a neutral base that pairs well with a wide range of colors and styles. It is often used in outerwear, such as coats and jackets, due to its ability to convey a sense of sophistication and warmth. It's a popular choice for leather goods, like handbags and belts, adding a touch of classic elegance to any outfit. In cosmetics, it can be used for eyeshadows, eyeliners, and brow products to create a natural, defined look.