Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown (#282223)
The hexadecimal color code #282223, also known as Cocoa Brown, is composed of 15.69% red, 13.33% green, and 13.73% blue. In the RGB color space, it is relatively dark and muted. It falls within the brown color family, evoking feelings of earthiness, warmth, and stability. The color's subdued nature makes it a versatile option for various applications, ranging from web design to interior decoration. Cocoa Brown is often associated with natural elements like wood, soil, and coffee, contributing to its comforting and grounding qualities. Its hex code translates to a subtle blend of red, green and blue light waves that combined generate a dark brown colour, which can be used as a background colour on websites and applications.
The color #282223, a dark, muted brown, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance results in poor contrast against white backgrounds, making text difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Cocoa Brown likely falls short of these recommendations, necessitating careful consideration of foreground text colors. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with lighter shades of cream, beige, or even light orange to ensure sufficient contrast. Avoid using it for essential information or interactive elements without thorough contrast testing. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can help assess and adjust color combinations for optimal readability and usability for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, Cocoa Brown can serve as a subtle background color for sections needing a touch of warmth and sophistication. It's particularly useful for creating a rustic or natural aesthetic. Consider using it for website headers, footers, or sidebars, pairing it with lighter text colors like off-white or beige to ensure readability. For e-commerce sites, it can be applied to product display areas to highlight items without overwhelming the user. In branding, Cocoa Brown evokes feelings of earthiness and stability, making it suitable for companies focusing on sustainability, handcrafted goods, or natural products. The color should not be used for interactive elements, because the contrast against background is too low.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Cocoa Brown serves as a grounding neutral, lending warmth and sophistication to spaces. It works exceptionally well in living rooms, bedrooms, and studies, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Use it for walls, furniture upholstery, or accent pieces like throw pillows and rugs. Pair it with lighter colors such as cream, ivory, or soft blues to balance the darkness and prevent the room from feeling too heavy. Metallic accents, such as gold or copper, can add a touch of luxury and elevate the overall aesthetic. It is suitable for furniture, because it is timeless and can be combined with a lot of different colors and styles.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, Cocoa Brown offers a versatile and timeless color option for clothing and accessories. It's a great alternative to black or navy, providing a softer and more approachable look. Use it for sweaters, trousers, skirts, or jackets, pairing it with complementary colors like olive green, mustard yellow, or burgundy. It also works well as a neutral base for patterned fabrics or statement jewelry. Footwear and handbags in Cocoa Brown can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. This colour exudes understated elegance, providing a refined look without being ostentatious.