Cocoa Brown
General Information about Cocoa Brown
The hexadecimal color code #301D1C represents a dark shade of brown, often referred to as Cocoa Brown. It is composed of 18.82% red, 11.37% green, and 11% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 48 red, 29 green, and 28 blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 39.58% magenta, 41.67% yellow, and 81.18% black. This particular shade evokes feelings of warmth, earthiness, and stability. Colors similar to Cocoa Brown are often associated with nature, wood, and comfort. This color is a versatile option that can be used in a variety of design contexts, from web design to fashion, but it's important to consider its low luminance value of 4.2 when it comes to accessibility.
The hex color #301D1C, also known as Cocoa Brown, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning text readability. Its low luminance value of approximately 4.2 cd/m² means that text rendered in this color against a white background (or a similarly light color) will likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Using #301D1C for text necessitates employing very light colors such as white or pale yellow for the background to achieve sufficient contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure that foreground elements, such as text and icons, are bright enough to meet accessibility standards. Furthermore, avoid using #301D1C for elements intended to convey important information without additional cues like labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3e2d2c
A slightly lighter shade that improves readability without drastically altering the brown tone. Good for backgrounds.
- #22100f
A darker shade of brown, useful for creating deeper contrast when #301D1C is used as a background, suitable for borders or subtle accents.
- #808080
A neutral gray can act as a good alternative because of its versatility.
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, Cocoa Brown (#301D1C) can serve as a sophisticated background for sections needing a touch of warmth and earthiness, such as a header or footer. However, it's crucial to pair it with lighter text colors like off-white or pale beige to maintain readability. This color works well in layouts aiming for a rustic, vintage, or natural aesthetic. It can also be used sparingly for decorative elements like borders or dividers to add subtle depth. Additionally, consider using it for interactive elements such as buttons or hover effects, ensuring adequate contrast for accessibility.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Cocoa Brown creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's a wonderful choice for walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies, providing a neutral yet warm backdrop for furniture and decor. When used in smaller spaces, it's best to balance it with lighter colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark. Accessorize with textured fabrics and natural materials to enhance the earthy feel. Consider using it for accent pieces like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains to add depth and visual interest to a room.
Fashion apparel
In fashion, this shade offers a versatile and elegant option for garments and accessories. Consider using this color for leather jackets, suede boots or even knitted sweaters for a classic look.