Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown
The hexadecimal color #281E22, often referred to as Cocoa Brown, is a dark, muted shade of brown. It is composed of 15.7% red, 11.8% green, and 13.3% blue. In the RGB color space, this equates to a relatively low intensity of each primary color, resulting in its subdued appearance. Cocoa Brown is generally associated with earthiness, warmth, and sophistication. In color psychology, browns often represent stability, reliability, and comfort. Due to its dark nature, #281E22 is commonly used to evoke feelings of security and groundedness. In design, this color can serve as an excellent background, providing a rich base for lighter, more vibrant elements to stand out. However, care should be taken to ensure adequate contrast when pairing it with text to maintain readability and accessibility.
The hex color #281E22, a deep, muted brown, presents specific accessibility considerations, particularly in web design. Due to its low luminance, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when used as text or background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text against its background. This color may pose challenges in meeting these standards, especially when paired with similarly dark hues. To enhance accessibility, consider using lighter text colors such as off-white or light gray. It is important to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance with WCAG standards and ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Proper color contrast will make content more accessible to a broader audience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter brown that provides better contrast for text.
A neutral gray that can be easier to pair with other colors for improved accessibility.
A deep brown color that is slightly lighter than #281E22 and provides a similar aesthetic while improving readability when used for text elements.
Applications
Web Design Background
Cocoa Brown can be used as a background color for websites or applications aiming for a sophisticated and warm aesthetic. Its dark tone can effectively highlight lighter-colored content, such as white or cream-colored text. In user interface design, it can be employed for elements like headers, footers, or sidebars to create visual separation and a sense of depth. When using it, attention must be paid to contrast ratios to ensure readability and accessibility. In branding, this color conveys reliability, comfort, and natural appeal, making it suitable for companies in the food, beverage, or lifestyle industries. In summary, Cocoa Brown is excellent for use where a rich, dark, warm, and elegant background tone is needed.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, this shade of brown is great for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It can be used for walls, furniture, or accent pieces to add depth and warmth to a room. When paired with lighter colors and natural materials like wood and linen, it can create a sophisticated and relaxing space. For a harmonious color scheme, consider using complementary colors like teal or muted blues, or analogous colors like beige and tan to ensure an cohesive theme. Its subdued nature makes it a great choice for living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices seeking to feel grounded and comforting.
Cosmetics
This shade of brown is often incorporated into cosmetic products like eyeshadows, eyeliners, and brow pencils. It can be used to create natural-looking and subtle makeup looks that enhance the wearer's features without being overly dramatic. It's a versatile shade that complements a variety of skin tones, making it a staple in many makeup palettes. It can be blended and combined with other colors to create unique and customized looks, making it a valuable tool for makeup artists and enthusiasts alike. Because of its natural earth-toned value it often gives a soft or natural appearance.