#231814 Hex Color

Sophisticated depth in a moody, dark shade

Hex color #231814 graphic
#231814 is a nearly black, desaturated brown that brings heavy, moody grounding to a layout. Its dusty undertones make it a sophisticated alternative to pure black for UI backgrounds or large typography. It pairs cleanly with muted, warm metallics like brushed copper or soft gold to avoid high-contrast harshness. Since white text shows clearly against this hex code, it remains highly readable in dark mode interfaces.

Questions about #231814

What is #231814 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #231814 is rgb(35, 24, 20), in HSL hsl(16, 27%, 11%) and in CMYK 0%, 31%, 43%, 86%.
How does #231814 compare to standard black?
#231814 functions as a softer, more organic alternative to harsh pure black by introducing subtle brown undertones. It reduces eye strain in digital layouts and adds a layer of depth that feels more sophisticated and less flat than true black.
What color palettes work well with #231814?
This color pairs best with muted, warm metallics like brushed copper or soft gold to enhance its earthy quality. It also creates a balanced, professional contrast when used alongside cream or off-white backgrounds instead of high-contrast stark white.
Is #231814 readable on white or black?
#231814 has a 17.32:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.21:1 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.