Cocoa Brown
General Information
The hex color #2E2123, also known as Cocoa Brown, is a dark, muted shade of brown that evokes feelings of warmth, earthiness, and comfort. It belongs to the brown color family and is created by combining red, green, and blue light at specific intensities. In the RGB color model, its values are R: 46, G: 33, and B: 35. Converted to the CMYK color model, often used in printing, its values are C: 0, M: 28, Y: 24, K: 82. This indicates a high proportion of black, contributing to its darkness and muted appearance. Cocoa Brown is a versatile color that finds applications in various fields, including web design, interior design, and fashion. Its rich, natural tones make it a popular choice for creating a sense of sophistication and grounding.
The hex color #2E2123, a deep cocoa brown, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used for text. Its low luminance necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. For text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against the background is recommended for normal text, and 3:1 for large text. When using #2E2123 for text, a light background color is essential to meet these standards. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the chosen color combination is accessible. Additionally, avoid using this color as the sole indicator of interactive elements, as colorblind users may not be able to distinguish it. Supplement color cues with other visual indicators, such as underlines or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4E342E
A slightly lighter brown that offers improved contrast while maintaining a warm, earthy feel.
- #5D4037
A neutral gray-brown that provides a more subtle and versatile alternative for backgrounds and accents.
- #3E2723
A dark, desaturated brown that provides a stronger contrast, making it suitable for text or important visual elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, cocoa brown #2E2123 can be effectively used to create a sense of warmth, earthiness, and sophistication. It's particularly well-suited for websites related to coffee, chocolate, nature, or vintage themes. As a background color, it can provide a rich and inviting feel, while as an accent color, it can add a touch of elegance and grounding to the overall design. It is also a great color for buttons, and borders. However, it's important to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements for accessibility. Furthermore, consider the overall color palette to avoid a muddy or overwhelming aesthetic. Complementary colors like beige, cream, or even a muted teal can work well with #2E2123.
Interior Design
In interior design, cocoa brown evokes a sense of comfort, stability, and natural beauty. It can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies. Think of using it for walls, furniture upholstery, or even accent pieces like cushions and throws. The color pairs well with natural materials like wood, leather, and linen, further enhancing the earthy aesthetic. Accenting with metallic elements like gold or brass can add a touch of sophistication. This color is very versitile, being a neutral while adding character to a room.
Fashion
In fashion, cocoa brown offers a versatile and timeless option for creating sophisticated and understated looks. It can be used in a variety of garments, from outerwear and dresses to trousers and accessories. Cocoa brown works well as a neutral base for building outfits, allowing other colors and textures to stand out. It pairs beautifully with warm tones like rust, mustard, and olive green, as well as cool tones like navy and teal. Additionally, it provides a grounding element to brighter, more vibrant colors. In the realm of accessories, cocoa brown leather handbags, belts, and shoes offer a classic and enduring style, complementing a range of outfits and occasions.