Jacko Bean
General Information
The hex color #2C1808, often referred to as "Jacko Bean", is a dark, subdued shade of brown. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 17.3% red, 9.4% green, and 3.1% blue. This composition positions it within the realm of dark earth tones, evoking a sense of warmth, stability, and natural elegance. Its low saturation and luminance give it a grounding effect, making it suitable for designs that aim to convey a sense of reliability and understated sophistication. The color is rarely used in its pure form due to its darkness but finds its niche in accent roles or as a base for creating deeper, more complex color palettes. It's a color that suggests maturity, resilience, and a connection to the natural world.
The hex color #2C1808, also known as Jacko Bean, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its very low luminance value of approximately 3.2% means that text rendered in this color requires extremely light foreground colors to achieve sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is needed for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA conformance. Using #2C1808 for text or interactive elements necessitates careful selection of contrasting colors. White or very light shades of yellow or orange are typically required. Even with careful selection, subtle shades might not provide sufficient contrast, posing problems for users with low vision or color blindness. It is essential to use contrast checking tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Furthermore, avoid using this color as the sole means of conveying information, such as in error messages or status indicators, as color-blind users may not be able to perceive it.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #332211
A slightly lighter brown that offers better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A more neutral dark gray, providing a safer option for text and backgrounds, ensuring better readability.
- #402010
A dark tan color offers a comparable aesthetic while potentially providing better contrast depending on the foreground color.
Applications
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #2C1808 can be used sparingly as an accent color to add depth and richness to a space. It works well in combination with lighter, warmer tones such as creams, beiges, and light yellows. For example, it can be used for decorative pillows, picture frames, or small furniture pieces in a living room or study. To avoid making a room feel too dark or heavy, it is important to balance this dark brown with plenty of natural light and lighter wall colors. The color can also be incorporated into wooden elements or leather accents to enhance a room's sense of warmth and sophistication.
Fashion Accessories
In fashion, #2C1808 can be a versatile color for accessories such as belts, shoes, and handbags. It pairs well with a variety of colors, including denim blues, olive greens, and mustard yellows. A dark brown leather bag can complement a casual outfit or add a touch of sophistication to a more formal look. When used in clothing, #2C1808 can be a grounding color for patterns or prints. For example, a floral dress with a dark brown background can be both stylish and timeless. In general, #2C1808 is best used in moderation in fashion to avoid creating a drab or somber appearance.
Web Design Accents
In web design, #2C1808 can be incorporated into website headers, footers, or sidebars to create a sense of warmth and sophistication. However, due to its dark nature, it is crucial to use it in conjunction with lighter colors to ensure readability and accessibility. As a general rule, ensure there is sufficient contrast between the color and any text or interactive elements placed on top of it. Contrast checking tools must be used to comply with accessibility standards. It can be used for decorative elements such as borders or icons, but avoid using it as the primary background color for large blocks of text.