Heavy Metal
General Information about #303E28
The hex color #303E28, often referred to as 'Heavy Metal' in some color naming systems, is a dark shade of olive green. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 18.82% red, 24.31% green, and 15.69% blue. Converting this to the CMYK color model yields approximately 23% cyan, 0% magenta, 36% yellow, and 76% black. This indicates that the color leans heavily towards the black end of the spectrum, giving it a muted, subdued appearance. Its hexadecimal representation is commonly used in web design and digital graphics to specify colors precisely. The color has a calming and earthy feel and associates with nature and stability.
The hex color #303E28, a dark olive green, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its low luminance value of 0.038 means it requires careful consideration when used as text against a background. According to WCAG guidelines, to ensure readability, it necessitates a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). When using #303E28 for text, pair it with very light colors like #FFFFFF (white) or #F0F0F0 (light gray) to meet these contrast requirements. For decorative elements or larger graphical components, the contrast requirements are less stringent, but still, avoid pairing it with other dark shades. Using color contrast tools to check compliance is highly recommended to ensure content is accessible to users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #48543d
A slightly lighter shade of olive green that offers improved visibility and contrast, while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #444444
A neutral dark gray that provides better text legibility and can be used as a more accessible alternative for body text.
- #228B22
A dark forest green that offers a higher contrast compared to the original color, which is more suitable for elements that must be visible against lighter backgrounds.
Applications
Website Design for Environmental Themes
In web design, #303E28 can be used to create a natural and earthy aesthetic. It is suitable for backgrounds of website sections dedicated to environmental topics, organic products, or sustainable initiatives. The color can also be used for decorative elements such as borders, dividers, or icons, especially when paired with lighter, contrasting colors to ensure visibility. However, its dark nature requires careful consideration when used for text to maintain accessibility standards.
Interior Design for Natural Spaces
In interior design, #303E28 evokes a sense of groundedness and tranquility, making it appropriate for accent walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies. It pairs well with natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, enhancing the overall organic feel of a space. This color can also be incorporated into furniture pieces, such as sofas, chairs, or cabinets, to introduce a subtle touch of nature indoors, complementing lighter wall colors and decor.
Fashion Design for Outdoor Wear
In fashion, #303E28 can be used to design garments for outdoor activities like hiking or camping, blending seamlessly with natural surroundings. This color works well for jackets, pants, and accessories like hats and bags. It can be paired with other earthy tones like brown, beige, and rust, or accented with brighter colors like orange or yellow for a pop of contrast. The color can create a relaxed and casual look.