Oil
General Information
The hex color #2B1A12, often referred to as "Oil", is a very dark shade of brown. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 17.1% red, 10.2% green, and 7.1% blue. It is mostly used in dark themes or in designs where a very dark shade is needed. Its darkness makes it a difficult color to use in web design, requiring careful consideration of contrast and accessibility. Color names are often assigned based on associations or perceived qualities, and "Oil" likely refers to the color's resemblance to dark, refined oils or a sense of richness and depth. This color is found in natural elements such as soil and tree bark, thus can often be linked to nature. It is important to note that individual perception of color can vary based on factors such as lighting conditions and surrounding colors. The color, while a dark shade, is often associated with the earthy tones of nature and may remind of natural resources such as oil or coal.
The hex color #2B1A12, a deep, muted brown, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value (approximately 4) results in very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds. This makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, to perceive text or graphical elements rendered in this color. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. To ensure accessibility, #2B1A12 should only be used with extremely light background colors. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Careful consideration should be given to the font size, weight, and spacing when using this color for text. Additionally, providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or borders, can help compensate for the low contrast. Tools are available online to check the contrast ratio between any two colors and ensure they meet accessibility standards. When in doubt, avoid using #2B1A12 for critical information or interactive elements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, #2B1A12 can be used sparingly for background accents in small sections, especially when attempting to evoke a sense of vintage or rustic charm. Given its darkness, using this color for larger areas can be tiring on the eyes. Consider pairing it with lighter, contrasting colors for text and interactive elements. Its usage is best suited for elements that are not primary to the user experience, such as subtle dividers or borders. It might be also used as a dark theme color, but proper attention needs to be paid to the color of the foreground elements. In these scenarios the color needs to be paired with light color texts and bright interface elements. It is suitable for creating a visually appealing dark user interface, for example, on a website or in an application.
Interior Design
In interior design, #2B1A12 can be incorporated to create a sophisticated and grounded atmosphere. It works well in studies, libraries, or spaces where a sense of warmth and enclosure is desired. This color can be used for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or even as a base color for hardwood floors. Complementary colors such as warm golds, creams, and muted greens can be used to create a balanced and inviting space. The color can be offset with natural materials like wood or stone to enchance the earthiness of the design. A well-lit room helps prevent the color from making the space feel too dark or small.
Fashion
In fashion, #2B1A12 can be used as an elegant and grounding tone, primarily used in leather accessories, outwear like jackets, coats and shoes. It provides a rustic, sophisticated touch especially when combined with lighter colored clothing. When used in apparel, it brings a subtle and natural look. For example, a leather belt, or boots with a similar color provide an excellent contrast when paired with denim jeans or khaki pants. When creating patterns, #2B1A12 can be used as one of the darker colors. This darker shade provides the required contrast for more colorful accessories or outfits. It can provide an earthy background with the right design.