Sepia Black
General Information about #290400
The hexadecimal color code #290400 represents a very dark shade of brown, often described as sepia black due to its near-black appearance with a subtle reddish-brown undertone. It consists of 16.08% red, 1.57% green, and 0% blue. In the RGB color space, it is relatively muted, indicating a lack of vividness. This color is most commonly perceived as a dark, rich tone, evoking feelings of antiquity and warmth. It's a color found sparingly in nature but can be seen in aged wood, rich soils, and certain minerals. Its perceived darkness makes it a good contender for background colors or accents if balanced with lighter and more vibrant colors, but caution is needed to avoid poor contrast with other elements.
The color #290400, a deep sepia black, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it unsuitable for text or interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between text and background is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. A color like #290400 used as text on a white background would fail these guidelines miserably. To ensure accessibility, this color should primarily be reserved for decorative purposes or backgrounds paired with very light foreground elements. When used, aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools are available to check contrast ratios to ensure compliance. Consider providing alternative high-contrast themes or color palettes for users who require them. Avoid using this color for crucial UI elements such as buttons or links without extensive contrast testing and remediation.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #331a00
A slightly lighter shade of brown that offers a touch more visibility while maintaining a similar warm, dark tone.
- #333333
A very dark gray that can be used as a safer alternative for text, ensuring better readability compared to #290400.
- #401000
A dark red-brown which provides a bit more visual interest and avoids the extreme darkness of #290400, potentially offering slightly better contrast depending on the context.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, #290400 can be used sparingly for backgrounds of sections where a very dark, subdued aesthetic is desired. Consider it for headers or footers on a website promoting classic or vintage products. Given its darkness, it is suitable for creating a dramatic contrast with lighter design elements. However, this color should be avoided on interactive elements like buttons or links without careful planning to ensure sufficient color contrast for usability. Always verify web accessibility to people with impaired vision.
Interior Accent Color
In interior design, #290400 can act as an accent color to create a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere. Think of it on a single accent wall in a study or as a grounding color in a room with lighter, brighter hues. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and leather to evoke a sense of warmth and luxury. Because of its deepness, the color works best in spaces with ample natural lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark or heavy.
Fashion Accessories
In fashion, #290400, similar to a dark brown, can be used for items like leather jackets, boots, or other accessories to give an impression of ruggedness and durability. It serves as a neutral base that can be combined with a wide range of colors to create striking looks. This color exudes sophistication and practicality, suitable for both casual and formal settings.