Mikado
General Information about Mikado (#2C2209)
The hexadecimal color code #2C2209 represents a dark shade of brown, often referred to as Mikado. It is composed of 17.3% red, 13.3% green, and 3.5% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to 44 red, 34 green, and 9 blue. Its CMYK representation is 0% cyan, 23% magenta, 79% yellow, and 83% black. The color sits within the warm, earthy tones, evoking a sense of nature, antiquity, and understated elegance. Colors like #2C2209 are frequently utilized to create a feeling of warmth and stability. It can be used to create a unique design in combination with brighter or more neutral colors.
The color #2C2209, often referred to as Mikado, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. Its darkness makes it difficult to read text rendered in this color against a standard white background, failing to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) requirements for contrast ratios. For text to be legible and accessible, especially for users with visual impairments, a very light color is required as a background. Similarly, using #2C2209 as a background color necessitates extremely light text to ensure readability. Designers and developers should carefully consider these limitations and opt for lighter, more contrasting colors, or implement features that allow users to adjust color schemes according to their preferences, thereby ensuring a more inclusive user experience. Testing with accessibility tools is highly recommended.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #403310
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar earthy tone but offers improved contrast against light backgrounds.
- #59462d
A desaturated brown that provides better readability while staying within a natural color palette.
- #d4af37
A gold color alternative which provides readability improvements
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #2C2209 can be used sparingly as an accent color to evoke feelings of antiquity, earthiness, or luxury. It's particularly suitable for highlighting borders, buttons, or small graphical elements. However, its use should be carefully considered to ensure sufficient contrast with surrounding elements and avoid accessibility issues, especially when used for text or interactive components. Consider pairing it with lighter, contrasting colors to maintain readability and visual appeal. It could be used for websites related to coffee, wood or earth.
Interior Design Element
In interior design, #2C2209 can be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, particularly in spaces designed for relaxation or contemplation. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or decorative accents, creating a sense of grounding and connection to nature. Consider using it in combination with lighter, neutral tones to balance its darkness and prevent the space from feeling too heavy. This color works well in libraries, studies, or cozy living rooms, especially when paired with textures like wood, leather, and natural fabrics.
Fashion Design
This color can be used in fashion design to emphasize the sophisticated style of dark, earthy or vintage inspired clothing lines. It´s dark appearance makes it suitable for warm clothing and accessories. The color provides a natural look. To be used in elegant events and settings.