Mikado
General Information about Mikado (#2A240A)
The hex color #2A240A, often referred to as 'Mikado,' falls within the dark yellow-brown color family. It's characterized by its low saturation and luminosity, giving it a muted and somewhat subdued appearance. In the RGB color model, it consists of 16.47% red, 14.12% green, and 3.92% blue. In the CMYK color model, used primarily in printing, it comprises 0% cyan, 14.29% magenta, 76.19% yellow, and 83.53% black. This composition results in a color that is reminiscent of natural earth tones, evoking feelings of warmth, stability, and grounding. Its hexadecimal representation allows for precise color matching and reproduction across digital platforms, making it a versatile choice for various design applications where a subtle and understated aesthetic is desired. The term "Mikado" is derived from the historical name for the Emperor of Japan.
The color #2A240A, also known as Mikado, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. Its dark and muted nature means it requires very light text or foreground elements to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. When using Mikado as a background, ensure that all interactive elements, such as buttons and links, are clearly distinguishable and provide sufficient visual cues on hover or focus states. Avoid pairing it with other dark or similarly toned colors, as this will reduce contrast and make it difficult for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is crucial to validate the color choices and ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3e3612
A slightly lighter shade of brown that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar earthy feel.
- #4f4b29
A desaturated olive green offers a natural and calming alternative, providing better readability when used with lighter text.
- #d2b48c
Consider a tan that is similar to mikado but brighter. This helps provide more contrast and readability
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Mikado, with its earthy and muted tones, can serve as an excellent choice for website backgrounds aiming to evoke feelings of warmth, stability, and organic connection. In the context of web design, consider using it sparingly as a dominant background color, especially for content-heavy sections, due to its low luminosity which might strain readability. Instead, leverage it in smaller doses such as website headers, footers, or section dividers to add a touch of understated elegance. For textual content placed on Mikado backgrounds, opt for lighter shades of text, such as white or off-white, to ensure sufficient contrast ratio and readability, adhering to accessibility guidelines and fostering a comfortable browsing experience. Pair with tan colored elements, to enhance the user experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, the hex color #2A240A can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. This dark, earthy tone works well in spaces where you want to promote relaxation and a sense of grounding. It is particularly effective in living rooms, studies, or bedrooms where it can be paired with lighter, warmer hues such as creams, beiges, or golds to create a balanced and inviting environment. Use it for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or even as a base color for rugs to add depth and sophistication. The low reflectivity of this color can also help to minimize glare and create a more calming visual experience, making it ideal for spaces designed for rest and rejuvenation.
Beauty Products
This color can be an accent in beauty products like eyeshadows and liners to give a very natural look. It is not eye-catching, so a good opportunity to use as eyeshadow for people with eye sensitivity