Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#0C0902)
The hex color #0C0902, commonly referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of brown, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It belongs to the broader family of brown colors, characterized by its low saturation and luminance values. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.71% red, 3.53% green, and 0.78% blue. This color is often associated with feelings of depth, seriousness, and stability. In design, #0C0902 can be used to create a sense of grounding or to add a touch of sophistication. However, its dark nature means it must be used carefully to ensure readability and accessibility, typically requiring pairing with lighter, contrasting colors. The name 'Asphalt' evokes the imagery of paved roads and urban landscapes, further contributing to its associations with strength and resilience.
The hex color #0C0902, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. Its dark nature results in poor contrast against typical light backgrounds, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to discern text or graphical elements. To ensure accessibility, it's imperative to use this color sparingly and only with high-contrast pairings. For text, a very light color such as white (#FFFFFF) or a pale yellow (#FFFFE0) should be used as the foreground. Tools like contrast checkers should be employed to verify that the contrast ratio meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, aiming for a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Consideration should be given to providing alternative color schemes to accommodate users with different visual needs. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements without sufficient visual cues to aid recognition.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #212121
A slightly lighter shade of gray provides better contrast and readability while maintaining a similar dark aesthetic.
- #3E2723
A dark brown offers a warmer alternative with improved visual differentiation against common background colors.
- #1C1C1C
This color has a similiar feeling as asphalt, but allows to have more contrast.
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
In web design, Asphalt (#0C0902) can be effectively used for website headers, footers, or sidebars to create a sophisticated and understated feel. However, due to its dark nature, it should be paired with light, contrasting text and design elements to ensure readability and accessibility. For example, a website using #0C0902 as a background color might feature white or light gray text, along with brightly colored accents, to draw attention to key areas and improve the overall user experience. This color can also be employed for subtle design details, such as borders or dividers, to add depth and visual interest without overwhelming the user.
Interior Design Accents
In interior design, Asphalt (#0C0902) can serve as a grounding color in a room, providing a sense of stability and sophistication. It works well in modern or minimalist spaces, especially when combined with lighter, warmer tones. For example, #0C0902 could be used for an accent wall in a living room or bedroom, paired with light-colored furniture and accessories to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The color can also be used for smaller elements, such as picture frames or lamps, to add a touch of understated elegance.
Fashion design
In fashion, the color Asphalt gives a dark and serious look, especially in combination with leather or denim. It is often worn for a sturdy expression.