Coffee Bean
General Information about #2A180A
The hex color #2A180A, often referred to as "Coffee Bean," is a dark, muted shade of brown. It is characterized by its low saturation and luminance, giving it an earthy and grounding quality. In color theory, #2A180A falls within the brown color family, which is often associated with nature, stability, and warmth. This color is created by mixing varying amounts of red, green, and blue light, with a higher proportion of red contributing to its brownish hue. Due to its low brightness, #2A180A is considered a darker color, absorbing more light than it reflects. It is frequently used in design to evoke feelings of comfort, reliability, and sophistication, often seen in branding for coffee shops, natural products, and rustic-themed websites.
The color #2A180A, a deep and muted brown, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used as text or as a primary UI element. Its low luminance makes it difficult to read against lighter backgrounds, potentially causing eye strain and readability issues for users, including those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between text and background is crucial for accessibility. To ensure compliance, it's recommended to pair #2A180A with very light colors such as #FFFFFF or #F0F0F0. Avoid using it with mid-tone or dark colors, as this would further reduce contrast and make content illegible. Furthermore, when using this color for interactive elements, provide clear visual cues, such as borders or icons, to indicate functionality and state, ensuring that users can easily understand and interact with the design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4E342E
A slightly lighter brown that provides better contrast against both light and dark backgrounds.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to make text more readable.
- #6F4E37
A softer, warmer brown that offers a more inviting feel while still maintaining a degree of sophistication.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #2A180A can be used sparingly as an accent color for headers, borders, or small graphical elements to convey a sense of sophistication and warmth. It should be combined with lighter, more accessible colors for primary content to ensure readability and user experience. For example, it could be used for the border of a button or as a subtle background for a section heading, but avoid using it for large blocks of text or critical interactive elements.
Interior Design
In interior design, #2A180A works well as an accent color in spaces that aim for a cozy and grounded feel. It can be used for furniture, wall art, or decorative elements. For example, it could be used for a leather armchair, a wooden frame, or as a paint color for a feature wall. When used in conjunction with lighter neutral tones like beige or cream, it can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Fashion
In fashion, #2A180A is suitable for creating classic and understated looks. It can be used for items like leather bags, shoes, or outerwear. Consider matching with lighter, brighter colors to bring the necessary contrast. Outfits in fall and winter benefit most from such a color.