What Color is 90% Cocoa
90% Cocoa is a profoundly deep shade of brown that sits on the verge of black, embodying the richness of high-grade dark chocolate. This hue exudes an air of sophistication and raw earthy power, grounding any visual composition it enters. It serves as a softer, warmer alternative to pure black, offering depth without the stark void of total darkness.
What color is opposite 90% Cocoa?
The opposite color to 90% Cocoa is Big Stone (#02223b).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Dark
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Winter
- Complementary Color: #02223B
- Brightness: 35/255
- Saturation: 97%
Colors That Pair Well With 90% Cocoa
Complementary
Pair with Big Stone for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Sail for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
90% Cocoa History
Historically, this shade aligns closely with Burnt Umber, a pigment derived from heating raw umber to dehydrate the iron oxide and manganese oxide. Used extensively since the Renaissance, artists like Caravaggio relied on such deep browns to create distinct chiaroscuro effects, defining shadows that were warm rather than cool.
By the 17th century, the specific pigment known as Van Dyck Brown became popular for its transparency and depth in glazing. This specific near-black brown was essential in the Baroque period for grounding portraits and landscapes, providing a foundation of permanence in oil painting techniques before synthetic iron oxides standardized these hues in the 20th century.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, 90% Cocoa transmits a sensation of absolute stability and unshakeable reliability. As a color rooted in the earth, it reduces anxiety by evoking a sense of security and connection to the tangible world, often associated with resilience and endurance.
In modern contexts, this shade pivots from rustic to luxurious, triggering appetite and desire through its association with indulgence. It suggests quality and exclusivity, often used in branding to communicate a premium, heritage-focused narrative that feels established rather than fleeting.
In Nature
In the natural world, this intense brown appears in the heartwood of ebony trees and the scorched bark of ancient redwoods. It is also visible in the fertile loam of dense forests, where organic matter decomposes into nutrient-rich soil. Within the animal kingdom, the melanistic fur of certain bears or the dark markings on tropical beetles often utilize this shade for camouflage within deep shadows.
How To Use 90% Cocoa
In interior design, 90% Cocoa functions as an excellent anchor for lighter, airy palettes, providing necessary contrast without the harshness of jet black. It pairs exceptionally well with metallic accents like copper or gold, which highlight the warm red undertones inherent in the dark brown base.
Regarding digital accessibility, this color possesses sufficient contrast to serve as a background for white text, meeting WCAG AA standards comfortably. However, designers should avoid placing it next to dark blues or charcoal grays, as the low luminance can cause visual vibration and readability issues on uncalibrated screens.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Artisan Roastery
A monochromatic gradient inspired by the stages of roasting coffee beans, moving from deep char to milky froth.
Victorian Study
A rich, academic palette featuring leather tones, dark wood, and antique metals.
Dormant Earth
High contrast nature palette pairing deep soil tones with muted greens and soft neutrals.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #3D1C02;
color: rgb(61, 28, 2);
background-color: #3D1C02;
border: 3px solid #3D1C02;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #3D1C0266;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3D1C02 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in 90% Cocoa
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With 90% Cocoa?
Explore color palettes containing 90% Cocoa and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Triadic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Carmine Lake
#575 • #522428
Similar Colors
View all Dark colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to 90% Cocoa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for 90% Cocoa?
What colors go with 90% Cocoa?
Is 90% Cocoa accessible for text?
How do I use 90% Cocoa in CSS?
You can use 90% Cocoa in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.90-cocoa {
background-color: #3D1C02;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.