Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown
The hex color #281E23, often referred to as Cocoa Brown, is a dark, muted shade of brown. It belongs to the brown color family, characterized by its combination of red, green, and blue light in specific proportions. In the RGB color model, #281E23 is composed of 15.69% red, 11.76% green, and 13.73% blue. This combination results in a color that evokes feelings of warmth, earthiness, and sophistication. Cocoa Brown is frequently employed in designs seeking to project a sense of stability and reliability, and due to its muted nature, it's often paired with brighter, contrasting colors to create visually appealing compositions and grab attention.
The hex color #281E23, also known as Cocoa Brown, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance value means it offers insufficient contrast against a standard white background. According to WCAG guidelines, text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Cocoa Brown fails to meet these criteria, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. To improve accessibility, it is advisable to pair Cocoa Brown with a much lighter color for text or use it sparingly for decorative elements where readability is not critical. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios and ensure compliance with accessibility standards, helping designers make informed choices and create more inclusive experiences.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Cocoa Brown can be utilized as a background color for websites aiming for a rustic or natural aesthetic. Its dark and muted tone evokes feelings of warmth and earthiness, making it suitable for sites related to coffee, chocolate, or nature. When used in web design, ensure adequate contrast with text and other elements for accessibility. Also, it can be applied to highlight specific sections or call-to-action buttons, provided the surrounding elements use contrasting colors to maintain visual hierarchy and user engagement. Careful planning is crucial to create a visually appealing and accessible user experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cocoa Brown serves as an excellent choice for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It works exceptionally well for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms. This color pairs beautifully with lighter neutrals like beige, cream, or off-white, creating a balanced and harmonious space. Consider incorporating Cocoa Brown into furniture upholstery, area rugs, or decorative accessories to add depth and warmth to a room. The rich, earthy tone of Cocoa Brown lends itself to a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary, offering versatility in creating personalized living spaces.
Fashion
In fashion, Cocoa Brown is a versatile color that can be used in clothing, accessories, and footwear. It is a neutral color that can be paired with many other colors. It is often used in the fall and winter seasons. Cocoa Brown can be used in casual or formal settings.