Coffee Bean
General Information about #2B170A
The hex color #2B170A, often referred to as "Coffee Bean," is a dark, muted shade of brown. It resides in the dark brown color family, evoking feelings of earthiness, warmth, and stability. In the RGB color model, it consists of 43 red, 23 green, and 10 blue. In the CMYK color model, used for printing, it's composed of 0 cyan, 46.5 yellow, 76.7 magenta, and 83.1 black. This color is commonly associated with nature, coffee, chocolate, and can provide a sense of comfort and reliability. Its darkness lends itself to being used as an accent or background color, especially when paired with lighter and brighter colors to create contrast. It is often utilized to give a vintage or rustic look. The color is not particularly vibrant, making it suitable for designs that require a subtle and understated aesthetic.
The color #2B170A, a deep, earthy brown, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. When used as a foreground color, it requires a very light background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This color may not be suitable for critical interactive elements like buttons or links unless paired with an exceptionally light hue. It's crucial to test color pairings using accessibility tools to ensure readability and usability for users with visual impairments. Text size and font weight can also impact readability when using this dark color, so careful consideration should be given to these factors as well. Always prioritize accessibility to provide an inclusive experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4a3225
A slightly lighter brown that provides better contrast and visibility while maintaining a similar earthy feel.
- #5e544a
A neutral gray-brown which works as a background color and complements earthy palettes and is easier to pair with brighter text colors.
- #49443a
A dark khaki, that can be considered as a less saturated and brighter version of coffee bean.
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web development, #2B170A can be used sparingly for decorative elements such as borders or subtle background accents to evoke a sense of warmth and nature. However, due to its darkness, it's best to avoid using it for text or interactive elements without careful consideration of color contrast ratios. For instance, it could be used as a branding color in headers or footers, paired with very light text to ensure readability. It works effectively to add a rustic touch to minimalist websites or designs seeking a vintage aesthetic. This color would fit well in a coffee shop website, for example.
Interior Design
In interior design, #2B170A can create a grounding and comforting atmosphere. It can be used for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, or for furniture pieces like sofas or chairs. It pairs well with natural materials like wood, leather, and stone, and complements warm metallic accents like brass or copper. When used in larger spaces, it is important to balance it with lighter colors and ample lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark and enclosed. This would work perfectly in a cozy living room.
Fashion Design
In fashion, #2B170A can be used as a sophisticated and versatile base color, mainly in autumn and winter collections. It can be used for clothing items such as coats, trousers, or sweaters. This color pairs well with other neutral tones like beige, cream, or gray, as well as warmer colors like burgundy or mustard yellow. Accessories in materials like leather, suede, or wool can complement clothing items in this color. It could be part of a rugged, outdoor-inspired look or an element of a classic wardrobe.