Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown (#2A1B21)
The hex color #2A1B21, also known as Cocoa Brown, is a dark and muted shade of brown that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and sophistication. It is composed of 16.5% red, 10.6% green, and 12.9% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:42, G:27, B:33. The CMYK values are C:0, M:0.36, Y:0.21, K:0.84. This color is often associated with earth tones, natural materials, and rustic environments. It is frequently used in design to create a sense of grounding and stability, making it a popular choice for backgrounds, text, and accent elements. Cocoa Brown can be used in a broad range of applications from web design to interior design to fashion.
The hex color #2A1B21, also known as Cocoa Brown, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as a background color, it is crucial to pair it with light text colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text, as per WCAG guidelines. For larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), a contrast ratio of 3:1 is acceptable. It's important to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance. Using darker shades of brown can affect the readability. When using #2A1B21 for interactive elements like buttons or links, careful consideration should be given to focus states and hover effects, which are essential for keyboard navigation. Ensuring these elements are easily distinguishable improves usability for users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design and Branding
Cocoa Brown brings a touch of natural warmth and sophistication to websites, making it suitable for businesses aiming to convey reliability and comfort. It pairs well with neutral palettes, such as beige or light gray, or with contrasting colors like teal or gold for a bolder look. In branding, #2A1B21 is often used by companies in the food and beverage, hospitality, or artisanal goods sectors, emphasizing the natural or handcrafted quality of their products. This tone in user interfaces (UI) can create a cozy and inviting experience, particularly for applications related to lifestyle, home decor, or culinary arts.
Fashion, Interior Design, and Beauty
In fashion, Cocoa Brown is a versatile neutral that works well for both casual and formal wear. It can be used as a base color for creating layered outfits or as an accent to complement brighter hues. The color is often seen in autumn and winter collections, evoking a sense of coziness and warmth. Interior designers often use #2A1B21 for wall paint, furniture upholstery, or accent pieces, creating inviting spaces. In the beauty industry, Cocoa Brown is a popular choice for eyeshadows, lipsticks, and hair dyes.
Graphic Design and Print Media
Cocoa Brown serves as an excellent choice for branding elements requiring a sense of earthiness and natural appeal. Its subtle sophistication makes it ideal for logos, packaging, and promotional materials aiming to evoke feelings of reliability and comfort. The color works exceptionally well for businesses focusing on organic or handcrafted products, enhancing their connection to nature and authenticity. In print media, Cocoa Brown provides a warm and inviting backdrop, making text and images stand out without being overly harsh or intrusive, contributing to a visually appealing and effective design.