#221E16 Hex Color
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This dark, dusty shade feels like an ashy brown with dim, yellowish undertones. It projects a serious, moody atmosphere that works well for backgrounds in minimal, high-contrast designs. Because of its low lightness, you should pair it with white text to achieve a high contrast ratio of 16.6:1. The hex code for this color is #221e16, which serves best as a grounding anchor in dark mode palettes.
Questions about #221e16
What is #221e16 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #221e16 is rgb(34, 30, 22), in HSL hsl(40, 21%, 11%) and in CMYK 0%, 12%, 35%, 87%.
How can I best use #221e16 in a user interface?
#221e16 functions effectively as a sophisticated alternative to pure black for background surfaces in dark mode. Because it has a subtle warmth, it pairs beautifully with high-contrast off-white text, creating a professional and grounded visual experience for readers.
Does #221e16 lean warm or cool in a design context?
#221e16 is technically a warm, dark brown, though it often reads as a cool, ashy neutral when placed next to vibrant colors. This dual nature makes it versatile for balancing palettes that require both serious depth and an organic touch.
Is #221e16 readable on white or black?
#221e16 has a 16.59:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.26:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works for body text and on black it is too faint for text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.