Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown (#281F23)
The hexadecimal color code #281F23 represents a dark shade of brown, specifically a color often referred to as Cocoa Brown. It is composed of 15.7% red, 12.2% green, and 13.7% blue. In the RGB color model, these values translate to R:40, G:31, B:35. The CMYK representation of #281F23 is C:0, M:23, Y:13, K:84, meaning it's primarily composed of black with small amounts of magenta and yellow. This color falls within the brown color family, evoking feelings of warmth, earthiness, and stability. It is frequently used in design to create a sense of comfort and sophistication. Understanding its composition and properties is crucial for designers and developers when incorporating it into various projects, from web design to branding.
The hex color #281F23, also known as Cocoa Brown, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning text and interactive elements. Due to its relatively low luminance, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure that any foreground text or interactive elements meet the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standard, which mandates a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Failure to meet these ratios can render content difficult or impossible to read for users with visual impairments. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. When using Cocoa Brown for purely decorative purposes, the contrast requirements are less stringent, but it's always a good practice to prioritize accessibility whenever possible. Avoid using it for critical information or actions without sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Cocoa Brown can be used as a background color for sections intended to evoke feelings of warmth, sophistication, or earthiness. It works well for websites related to coffee, chocolate, or natural products. It can also be effectively employed in UI elements like buttons or borders to create a subtle and elegant aesthetic. However, careful attention to contrast is essential to ensure readability. Consider pairing it with lighter text colors like off-white or beige.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cocoa Brown can be used on walls, furniture, or accents to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It complements natural materials like wood and stone and pairs well with lighter colors like cream or beige. It is a nice color for living rooms, bedrooms, and studies.
Fashion
In fashion, Cocoa Brown can be used for garments, shoes, and accessories to convey a sense of understated elegance and sophistication. It is a versatile color that can be dressed up or down and pairs well with a variety of other colors, including black, white, and jewel tones. It is especially popular for fall and winter collections.