Oil
General Information about #291A1C
The hexadecimal color code #291A1C represents a very dark shade of reddish-brown, often described as 'Oil' due to its resemblance to the color of dark, aged oil or certain types of wood finishes. In the RGB color model, it consists of 16.08% red, 10.2% green, and 11.0% blue. The low values across all three channels contribute to its overall darkness and muted appearance. This color falls into the category of dark, neutral tones, making it suitable for applications where subtlety and a lack of vibrancy are desired. Its muted nature allows it to blend seamlessly into various backgrounds, especially in design contexts where a subdued and understated aesthetic is favored. The color is often perceived as sophisticated and grounding due to its association with natural, dark materials.
The color #291A1C, a very dark, desaturated reddish-brown, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance (darkness) means that text rendered in this color requires very light foreground colors to achieve sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is necessary for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Due to the darkness of #291A1C, achieving these ratios necessitates extremely light text colors, which may limit design choices. Using this color for backgrounds necessitates careful consideration of foreground text and interactive elements to ensure usability. Alternatives include using lighter shades of brown or employing contrast-enhancing techniques like borders or shadows around text.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #291A1C can be used sparingly for decorative elements, such as borders or subtle background textures, particularly in themes aiming for a rustic, antique, or sophisticated feel. However, it should be avoided for crucial text or interactive elements due to its low contrast. Consider pairing it with lighter neutral colors or contrasting accent colors to ensure readability and usability. In user interfaces, it could be used for non-essential visual cues, like the fill color for icons, as long as they are accompanied by accessible text labels. It's important to prioritize accessibility by running contrast checks with any foreground colors to meet WCAG guidelines.
Interior Design
In interior design, #291A1C, reminiscent of dark wood or oil-rubbed bronze, can be used to create a sense of warmth and intimacy in smaller spaces or to add a touch of grounding darkness to larger rooms. It works well for accent walls, furniture pieces, or decorative accessories. The color pairs well with lighter, natural materials like linen, cotton, and light-colored woods to balance its darkness and prevent the space from feeling too heavy or oppressive. Accents of metallic finishes, such as brass or gold, can also enhance the sophistication of the color.
Beauty and Makeup
This color is perfect for makeup and beauty in situations where a dark, mysterious and sultry look is desired. For example, think about goth or grunge styles, where very dark colors are important. The color could be used for lipsticks, eye shadow or nail polish.