Gondola
General Information about Gondola (#290E14)
The hex color #290E14, also known as Gondola, is a very dark shade of purple, belonging to the red-purple color family. It is composed of 16.1% red, 5.5% green, and 7.8% blue. In the RGB color space, it's a muted and understated color, leaning towards the cooler side due to its slight blue undertones. Gondola's darkness makes it suitable for creating a sense of depth, mystery, or sophistication. However, it's crucial to use it judiciously, as its low luminance can easily lead to visual fatigue if overused. In design, Gondola can serve as an excellent background color for lighter elements or as an accent color to add a touch of elegance. Its name, Gondola, evokes images of the dark, sleek boats of Venice, Italy, hinting at the color's association with luxury and romance.
The hex color #290e14, also known as Gondola, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low lightness value (approximately 4%) results in extremely poor contrast against both white and black backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Gondola falls far short of these requirements, making text and other elements rendered in this color difficult or impossible to read for many users. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to pair Gondola with much lighter colors that provide sufficient contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate and adjust color combinations to meet accessibility standards. Avoid using #290e14 for essential information or interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast to ensure an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4d3a41
A slightly lighter shade of purple that offers a similar aesthetic but with improved visibility and contrast.
- #5e2638
A deep burgundy that provides a richer tone while still maintaining a level of subtlety suitable for backgrounds.
- #332228
This color provides a similar dark, muted feeling but offers a slightly better contrast ratio when paired with light text.
Applications
Elegant Website Background
In web design, Gondola can be effectively used as a background color for sections where you want to create a sense of depth and sophistication. For example, a website for a luxury brand might use Gondola as a subtle background for a product showcase or a testimonials section. However, it's crucial to pair it with high-contrast text (like white or a very light gold) to ensure readability and accessibility. Additionally, it could be used in small graphic elements like dividers or accents to add a touch of elegance without overwhelming the design. Consider using it sparingly to avoid making the overall design too dark or somber.
Fashion Accent Color
In the realm of fashion, Gondola can be used as an accent color in clothing designs. Imagine a dark Gondola velvet trim on a lighter-colored dress or a subtle Gondola lining in a coat. It can also be incorporated into accessories such as scarves or handbags to add a touch of understated luxury. Because it's a dark color, it pairs well with brighter colors to create contrast and visual interest, or with other dark shades for a more muted, sophisticated look. The key is to balance its darkness with other elements in the outfit to avoid a drab or heavy appearance.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Gondola can be applied to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It can be used as an accent wall color in a bedroom or living room, especially when complemented by warm lighting and lighter furniture. The color can also be used in smaller decorative elements such as throw pillows, curtains, or rugs to add depth and richness to the space. When used correctly, it can evoke feelings of comfort and sophistication. However, it's important to balance Gondola with brighter, more reflective surfaces to prevent the room from feeling too dark or small.