Thunder
General Information about #312A27
The hex color #312A27, often referred to as "Thunder", is a dark, desaturated shade of brown. It resides in the brown color family, specifically within the range of deep earthy tones. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 19.22% red, 16.47% green, and 15.29% blue. Converting to the CMYK color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 14% magenta, 20% yellow, and 81% black. This color evokes feelings of stability, earthiness, and reserve, making it suitable for designs aiming to project a sense of reliability and grounding. Its subtle nature allows it to be versatile in various applications. The color is close to black but has a brown hue.
The hex color #312A27, also known as Thunder, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of 3.46 makes it difficult to distinguish from darker backgrounds. When used as text, it's crucial to ensure a high contrast ratio against the background color. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using online contrast checkers can help verify sufficient contrast. To improve accessibility, consider using #312A27 for decorative elements or pairing it with a much lighter color for text and interactive elements. Providing alternative text descriptions for images and icons is also essential for users who rely on screen readers. Also ensure that interactive elements have sufficient color contrast for focus states.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3d3633
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the earthy tone while providing better contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #3b302b
A warmer brown that offers a more inviting feel and potentially improved contrast depending on the context.
- #403020
Provides a similar feel but will have better contrast in most use cases.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #312A27 can be used to create a sophisticated and grounded aesthetic. It can serve as a background color for sections where you want to convey stability and reliability, or as a text color (if contrast is sufficient) to add a touch of understated elegance. Buttons and other interactive elements in #312A27 can be accented with brighter colors to ensure usability, making the design accessible and visually appealing. It is most suitable for themes centered around nature, vintage or industrial designs, and in combination with lighter neutrals or metallic accents to prevent an overly dark appearance.
Interior Design
In interior design, #312A27 can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. As a wall color in a study or library, it can evoke a sense of history and wisdom. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and leather, as well as metallic accents in gold or bronze. Using this color for furniture upholstery can add a touch of sophistication to a living room or bedroom. However, it's important to balance the darkness of #312A27 with lighter colors and ample lighting to prevent the space from feeling too small or gloomy. It also can be used for exterior trim elements like shutters or doors.
Fashion
In fashion, #312A27 can be incorporated into clothing and accessories to create a timeless and versatile look. A #312A27 blazer or pair of trousers can be paired with lighter colors for a balanced outfit. Accessories like belts, bags, and shoes in this color can add a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. The color works well with neutral colors such as beige, cream, and gray, but also with bolder colors like burgundy, mustard yellow, or emerald green. Due to its dark tone, it may be best suited for fall and winter wardrobes. Also, it is important to consider skin tones when using this colour, so that a balanced look is achieved.