#111D2E · #2C1516
Four independent scores (read the one that fits your goal): Readability 0/100 (fail) · Harmony 94/100 (split-complementary) · Distinguishable 58/100 (somewhat similar) · Match 55/100 (different). There is no single “good/bad” — a pair can clash for text yet be great for an outfit.
Deep Blue and Espresso are a clear pair (ΔE 21). They have distinctly different hues (142° apart) and their lightness is similar, so they read as two same-weight colours.
Deep Blue text on Espresso: 1.01:1 (Fail); Espresso text on Deep Blue: 1.01:1 (Fail). Neither meets AA at body size — nudging one color to #758499 clears it.
Split-complementary — split-complementary — a recognised, balanced pairing (harmony 94/100). This is about how they look together (clothing, interiors, branding), independent of text contrast.
Not at body size — the best direction is only 1.0:1, below the 4.5:1 minimum. Nudging one colour to #758499 clears AA.
Their CIE76 ΔE is about 21 — a clear pair.
clearly different colours (ΔE 21).
Explore each color: Deep Blue #111D2E · Espresso #2C1516 · Shades: Deep Blue shades · Espresso shades · Contrast checker →