Oil
General Information about #291A1B
The hexadecimal color code #291A1B represents a dark, muted shade of brown, often referred to as "Oil". It is composed of 16.08% red, 10.2% green, and 10.59% blue. In the RGB color model, #291A1B consists of 41 red, 26 green, and 27 blue. Its CMYK representation is 0% cyan, 37% magenta, 35% yellow, and 84% black. This color evokes a sense of warmth, earthiness, and understated elegance. Due to its dark nature, it's commonly associated with serious, luxurious, and mature aesthetics. In design, it is a versatile color that, when used correctly, can create a sophisticated or rustic atmosphere. It's crucial to balance it with lighter shades to avoid overwhelming the design.
The hex color #291A1B, often described as a dark, muted brownish-red, presents several accessibility challenges. Its low luminance makes it difficult to read text rendered in this color against a white or light background. The contrast ratio is significantly below the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommendations for normal text (4.5:1) and large text (3:1). Therefore, using #291A1B for text or important UI elements without careful consideration of contrast can exclude users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with very light colors like whites, creams, or very pale yellows to meet contrast requirements. Alternatively, use this color primarily for decorative elements where the text is not involved or critical for understanding the content.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #291A1B can be used as a background color for sections intended to evoke a sense of depth, sophistication, or classic style. It pairs well with gold or cream-colored text for headings and important elements, creating a luxurious feel. This color can also be effective for borders or dividers to subtly separate content sections without being overly distracting. However, it’s crucial to ensure the color isn't overused, maintaining readability and preventing eye strain by using lighter, contrasting colors for primary content areas.
Interior Design
In interior design, #291A1B can be used as an accent color in rooms with a more industrial or rustic aesthetic. Consider using it for walls in small doses, paired with lighter neutral colors. It can also work well for furniture pieces like leather couches or wooden cabinets, adding warmth and richness to the space. Use metallic accents like brass or copper to complement this color and enhance its visual appeal. Plants and natural textures can also soften the darkness and bring balance to the room.
Fashion
In fashion, this shade is perfect for autumn and winter collections. It's ideal for sweaters, coats, and accessories like scarves and hats. It can be combined with beige, cream, or mustard tones for a warm and elegant look. In makeup, this color can be found in eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks to create sophisticated and mysterious looks. Use it sparingly for maximum impact, and pair it with lighter, brighter shades to keep the look balanced.