Oil
General Information about #291B17
#291B17, often referred to as 'Oil,' is a dark, muted brown color that evokes feelings of earthiness, richness, and sophistication. It is a complex color that sits between browns and blacks, offering a versatile option for designs that require depth and warmth without being overly bright or attention-grabbing. This hue finds its place in a variety of applications, from web design and branding to interior decorating and fashion, lending a sense of understated elegance and reliability. Its subdued nature makes it an excellent background color, allowing other design elements to stand out while still providing a grounding presence. The color's inherent warmth adds a layer of comfort and familiarity, making it particularly suitable for environments aimed at fostering relaxation or a sense of timeless style.
The hex color #291B17, also known as Oil, presents accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. With a contrast ratio of approximately 2.5:1 against white, it falls short of WCAG's minimum requirements for normal text (4.5:1) and large text (3:1). This means that text rendered in #291B17 on a white background may be difficult for users with visual impairments to read comfortably. To improve accessibility, consider using lighter text colors like white or very light grays to achieve sufficient contrast. Alternatively, the background color could be lightened significantly. Tools are available to calculate the contrast ratio between color pairings, ensuring compliance with accessibility guidelines and improving the readability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Background
In web design, #291B17 can be utilized as a background color for sections intended to convey a sense of earthiness or sophistication, particularly in themes related to nature, vintage, or luxury products. It works best when contrasted with lighter text and complementary accents to maintain readability and visual appeal. Consider pairing it with gold or cream accents to enhance the luxurious feel, or with natural greens and blues for a nature-inspired palette. It is essential to balance its dark tone with sufficient whitespace and strategic use of visual elements to prevent the design from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.
Interior Accent Color
Within interior design, #291B17 serves as an excellent color for accent walls or furniture pieces in rooms designed to evoke warmth and comfort. It pairs well with lighter neutrals like beige or cream, and can be complemented by natural materials such as wood and leather. For example, a feature wall painted in this shade can add depth to a living room, while a leather sofa in a similar hue can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The strategic use of lighting is crucial to prevent the color from making the space feel too dark; warm lighting can enhance the richness of the color and create a welcoming ambiance.
Fashion Apparel
In the realm of fashion, #291B17 translates to garments or accessories where a sense of understated elegance and versatility are desired. Think of leather jackets, woolen coats, or suede boots in this color, which can be easily integrated into various wardrobes. It can be paired with denim for a casual look, or with silk or velvet for a more formal ensemble. The color also lends itself well to accessories like belts, handbags, or hats, providing a subtle yet impactful touch. The key is to ensure that the fabrics and textures complement the depth of the color, creating a cohesive and visually appealing outfit.