Oil
General Information about #2C1D17
The hex color #2C1D17, often referred to as "Oil," is a deep, muted shade of brown. In the RGB color model, it comprises 17.3% red, 11.4% green, and 9% blue. It falls within the dark, earthy tones, evoking a sense of warmth and sophistication. Colors like this are frequently associated with nature, stability, and understated elegance. In color theory, browns are considered neutral, non-offensive colors that blend seamlessly in various applications. This particular hue can be used to create a sense of coziness, refinement, and grounding in visual designs. It works best as a background element or an accent color to brighter shades. The hex color #2C1D17 is often associated with comfort, durability and reliability.
The color #2C1D17, also known as Oil, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. With such a dark hue, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when pairing it with text or other foreground elements. A light text color, such as white or a very pale yellow, is strongly recommended to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. The contrast ratio should ideally be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using contrast checking tools is essential to verify compliance. Moreover, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements like buttons or links without clear visual cues, as users with visual impairments may struggle to identify them. For graphical elements, consider providing alternative text descriptions to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #33221e
A slightly lighter and warmer alternative that maintains a similar earthy tone while improving contrast.
- #22110a
A darker and more saturated option for creating a deeper, richer effect. This color provides a more luxurious feel.
- #333333
A neutral dark gray that offers improved readability as a background color for body text.
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
Oil is an excellent choice for backgrounds in web design, particularly when aiming for a sophisticated and understated aesthetic. It can create a sense of depth and richness, especially when paired with lighter text and carefully chosen accent colors. Ideal for websites related to luxury goods, high-end services, or artistic portfolios, this color evokes a sense of exclusivity. Additionally, it works well in header and footer sections, providing a grounding visual element that balances the overall design. Using a lighter tint of the color can also create subtle divider lines that complement the overall design.
Interior Design
In interior design, Oil can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, particularly in living rooms or studies. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or accent pieces to add depth and sophistication to a space. Pair it with warm lighting and natural textures like wood and leather to enhance its richness. This color also works well in smaller doses, such as in picture frames, decorative bowls, or cushions, to add subtle touches of elegance and create visual harmony within the room. In living rooms, it can be combined with cream and gold accents to create a luxurious palette.
Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, this color can be found in garments like jackets, dresses, and trousers. The neutral and grounded nature of the color means that it works well with many different colors such as gold, reds and dark greens. Garments using this color can range from a vintage to a modern contemporary look, depending on the accessories.